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Adding a Bench Seat to an existing deck
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2
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Use the same decking materials to construct a fixed deck seat, as used on the deck itself.
In this example, 90x18 (3/4" x 3 1/2") hardwood is used. If your deck is constructed out of some other material,
make
any necessary measurement adjustments to compensate for any material size differences
exampled in the following plans.
STEP ONE. Marking and cutting the post holes in the deck
It will be necessary to cut square holes in the deck for the seat posts to slot into.
The distances between seat posts will vary depending on the existing deck's joist
spacings, but should never be more than 1500mm (5ft) apart.
Position the holes next to the joists (see drawing below),
or in the case where that is not possible or where there are no joists, blocking needs to be fitted.
FLAT PLAN cutting the post holes in the deck
Mark the holes central to the width of the seat, and ensure the holes do not span more than 1500mm (5ft).
Use the end of a post as a marking template.
Cut the holes out using a jig saw, drilling a 10mm (3/8") hole in one corner first, to enable the jigsaw to get started.
STEP TWO. The construction
putting in the seat posts
Cut all the 90mm x 90m (3 1/2" x 3 1/2") seat posts 500mm (20") long. The number of posts will depend on the overall length of the seat.
Place the posts into the holes that have been cut in the decking (as explained above)
so that the posts are 350mm (14") above the top of the decking and 150mm (6") below. Use clamps
to hold the posts in place, check they are vertical, then drill and bolt the posts to the joists, as shown in the drawing below.
Use two 12mm (1/2") galvanized bolts per post.
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| A | Hardwood decking. 90x18 (3/4" x 3 1/2") |  |
| B | Seat frame sides. Treated 65x45 (1 1/2" x 2 1/2") on edge |
| C | Seat frame cross members. Treated 65x45 (1 1/2" x 2 1/2")) on flat. Approx 400mm (16") apart |
| D | Galvanized metal brace strap to fix the seat frame to the posts. |
| E | Seat post. Treated 90mm x 90mm (3 1/2" x 3 1/2"). Goes through the holes cut in the deck and bolted to the joists. |
| F | Existing joists |
| G | Existing deck boundary joist. |
| H | Existing bearer. Not necessarily in that position |
| I | Galvanized 12mm (1/2") bolts to fix the seat posts to the joists |
| J | Existing decking. |
| K | Existing side decking. Decorative only, and not on all decks. |
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bench seat construction ... continue page two
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Page one: Bench Seat. Blocking and Posts