On Sun, 10 Jul 2005 15:04:15 GMT, T i m wrote:

It fact it looks similar to this (or it did when new) a "Victorian
style bench" (appropriate as we live in a Victorian house?) ;-)

http://www.lxdirect.com/images/produ...s/ts224v28.jpg

What an ugly and uncomfortable looking thing. Although the Victorian
originals can be pretty nice, this one has those weird and pointless
armrests and the front edge is less than comfortable. Perhaps omitting
that front slat would improve things? You don't want a seat that puts
pressure onto the back of your calves.

If you want to restore it, then re-planking it is standard maintenance.
You'll also get a _much_ better seat than the usual B&Q product with
wobbly eucalyptus slats.

For timber, go to a decent timberyard and get some ipe. You can also
have it milled to suit for not much more money.

For a cheaper and UK-grown alternative, use larch and expect to select
3/4 of the timber you receive and discard the rest (or find a yard that
lets you pick beforehand). Larch is soft enough that hand-planing will
give you rounded slats in little time and effort.

Don't use pre-treated timber. Don't use pine or spruce. Sweet chestnut
would work well, if you have access to it.

Nail the slats in place with copper (a bit soft) or bronze (boatyard)
nails. Or else stainless screws.

Finish with danish oil, or a decent outdoor varnish. You might like to
search out a real traditional linseed-oil based product, as these last
well and weather far more nicely than petrochemical resins. Try Organoil
from Axminster too. Don't use teak oil, except on real teak or maybe
ipe.