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Adding a Bench Seat to an existing deck
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STEP TWO. Making the seat frame
The seat frame structure is similar to that of a ladder, with the cross members being the 'ladder rungs' and the seat frame sides being the 'ladder sides'.
The over all frame width (in this case) is 470mm (18 1/2"). That measurement is worked out by the number of decking boards to go on the seat top and the gaps between the boards.
Make the seat frame (ladder) up on the ground. The cross members should be approx 400mm (16"} apart,
but when spacing them out, ensure there will be a cross member in line with each post.
Make the seat frame longer than needed. It can be trimmed after being fixed in place.
Corner fitting: Sit the (over length) seat frames on top of the posts, temporary in position.
The frames will overlap one another at the corners. It will then become obvious where to mark and cut
where the seat frames overlap.
Fix the seat frame in place by nailing the cross members to the posts and then securing with two metal
galvanized straps as in below drawing. This will stop any tilting movement. (Note: Some type of stainless steel
straps or fittings should replace the galvanized straps, if the seat is close to the salt water).
Trim the ends of the seat frames to the required length ensuring there is a cross member or end frame piece at each end of the frame.
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STEP THREE. Laying the decking on the seat frame.
Begin by fixing the two outside decking boards in place. Start from the corner of the seat, (A-B in above seat frame drawing), keep the decking boards flush with the sides of the seat frame and slightly overhang them at each end, to be trimmed off later.
If the corners of the seat are at right angles (square), then the angle cuts required on the decking boards, at that corner, will be 45degrees, but if
the corners of the seat are anything other than right angles, then that angle will be the line from A to B as shown in the above seat frame drawing.
Next lay and fix the 3 intermediate decking boards in the same way as the two outside boards ensuring the gaps between them are even.
Trim the off the ends of the decking boards flush with the ends of the seat frame.
Finish by fixing a decking board, on edge, around the perimeter of the seat.
Use only galvanized nails throughout the construction of the seat. 90mm (3 1/2") long nails for the frame and
60mm (2 1/2") long nails for the decking board. The decking boards will need to be drilled before being nailed.
Material quantities
Because the length of the seat is unknown (depending on the length of the deck and personal preference etc) the material
quantities are worked out in 1500mm (5ft) lengths as that is the spacing of the posts.
Materials per 1500mm (5ft) length:
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| Hardwood decking 90x18 (3/4" x 3 1/2") |
11 meters (36ft) |
| 65x45 (1 1/2" x 2 1/2") treated framing |
5 meters (17ft) |
| 90x90 (3 1/2" x 3 1/2") treated post |
0.5 meters (20") |
| 12mm (1/2") galvanized bolts and straps |
2 of each |
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