How To Replace Garden Bench Wood Slats
Our cast iron garden bench had seen better days. It was on its last legs and needed a makeover. I searched “garden bench replacement slats” online thinking I could just buy some new slats. Harder to find than you may think. But when I took a look at what we were dealing with, it seemed this was a perfect DIY project!
Our bench was rotten, the boards, the screws, the whole thing was a mess. So we took it all apart.
We took the bench apart and set the cast iron aside. Be sure to measure each of the pieces you take off. They are probably NOT ALL THE SAME SIZE.
Once the bench was disassembled, we scrubbed the iron with a wire brush to remove the rust. Then we started with rust primer, and a coat of glossy black spray paint.
Watch the video to see what mistakes I made regarding the slats! Plus discover a really clever way to get spray paint off your fingers!
I used cedar 1×3’s for the bench slats and 1×2’s for the back wood frame. Cedar is a great option for outdoor furniture.
With slats built, I reassembled the cast iron bench.
Saved from the trash once again, this bench will (hopefully) last for many seasons to come! So the next time your garden bench takes a turn for the worst, grab your DIY skills and make some replacement slats that will last!
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Until next time
-Jenni
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Jenni ~ I have to do this.
Your project brought me to tears...
I purchased my garden bench when my father was diagnosed with lung cancer.
I was 21. I moved home to take care of him. I put a garden in the small space of dirt in the "backyard" of the apartment I grew up in. Dad wanted a bench, so we picked one up at KMart.
I am 40 now, he's been dead for almost 14 years. I still have his bench and it is still outside.
IN MAINE.
Anyway, I figure before the anniversary of his 14th year (two days before his birthday and NOW the one year mark of my Aunt Peggy's death), I want to fix it.
There is no reason that bench should not live past my 53rd Bday.
If only my Dad had.
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What a sweet sentiment and tribute to your daddy. He would love what you are doing in his beloved honor, as well as auntie. Hope I can also refurb mine, with a bit of needed manpower to accomplish! Blessings,
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
I have a similar bench and was thinking about using the plastic deck boards instead of wood. Any ideas on using those?
Beautiful Bench! Now, can you please tell me where to find the "really clever way to get spray paint off your fingers!"? I thought I searched well, but I haven't found it yet. I'm very curious.
Would you be able to use pallett boards for this?