On Sun, 11 May 2008 20:40:15 +0100, Bruce wrote:

So the question is, can I obtain new hardwood slats and fixings for
less than £30 per bench, or do I just give up and buy two new benches
from Homebase?

New benches will give you flimsy crapwood slats.

Buy some timber and fit larch slats, from a good timberyard, NOT a DIY
shed, they'll cost a fortune. This is strong, springy, and just about
the most rotproof affordable softwood you can get. Finsih it with either
Danish oil (Screwfix cheap) or a more expensive oil such as Organoil.
Otherwise varnish with one of the Sikkens products (still the best
outdoor varnish).

Locally to Bristol I'd suggest Bendrey Bros. Compare prices from their
website to get an idea of what's reasonable.

I wouldn't use oak. It's not as strong in a thin section (larch will
bend further than oak without breaking, even though it might take less
weight to do it). It will also go grey in no time, even though it might
last slightly longer overall. If you really want UK hardwood, go for
sweet chestnut instead. That's much better at resisting rot.