Transform Your Outdoor Space: Building Your Own George Nelson-Inspired Bench

There’s a unique charm that certain pieces of furniture hold, especially those that become an unexpected fixture in our daily lives. For me, it was an old porch swing. It arrived without fanfare when my neighbor, Gina, moved in, taking its place on our shared patio. This wasn’t just any swing; it was a relic, likely thirty years old, bearing the unmistakable marks of countless snowy winters, scorching summers, and endless rainy days. Its original aesthetic wasn’t remarkable, and time had certainly not improved its appearance. To put it mildly, it was an eyesore that whispered tales of bygone eras and stood as a testament to enduring outdoor living.

Despite its weathered facade, that swing became an indispensable part of my routine. I found myself drawn to it, enjoying countless breakfasts bathed in the morning sun, often engrossed in the latest issue of The New Yorker before the day truly began. It was my go-to spot for preparing for bike rides, a practical station for changing shoes and making last-minute adjustments. It also served as the perfect gathering point for friends and I, where we’d share meals and marvel at the spectacle of summer thunderstorms. This humble, unsightly swing transformed our shared patio into a vibrant, frequently used outdoor oasis, enriching my connection to the space and encouraging me to spend more time outdoors.

Life, however, has a way of introducing change. Gina got married, welcomed a baby, and moved away. And with her departure, the beloved porch swing vanished. While I adore my current neighbor, Jillian, she didn’t bring any communal furniture to fill the void. Suddenly, my patio felt incomplete, lacking that central piece that had so effortlessly invited relaxation and social interaction. It became clear that if I wanted to recapture that sense of outdoor comfort and utility, I would have to create it myself.

Embracing DIY: The Inspiration Behind Your Next Outdoor Project

The disappearance of the old swing spurred a new mission: to design and build my own outdoor seating. This wasn’t just about filling an empty space; it was an opportunity to craft a piece that resonated with both style and practicality. For inspiration, I turned to a design icon whose work perfectly encapsulates timeless elegance and functional simplicity: George Nelson.

George Nelson and the Enduring Legacy of the Platform Bench

George Nelson (1908-1986) was a pioneering American industrial designer, architect, and writer who played a pivotal role in shaping mid-century modern design. As design director for Herman Miller from 1947 to 1972, he commissioned legendary designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and Alexander Girard. His own designs, including the Sling Sofa, the Ball Clock, and the distinctive Platform Bench, are celebrated for their clean lines, modularity, and inherent versatility.

The George Nelson Platform Bench, first introduced in 1946, is a masterpiece of minimalist design. It’s essentially a series of wooden slats supported by a sturdy base, designed to function equally well as a bench, a coffee table, or even a low display surface. Its genius lies in its adaptability and its honest expression of materials and construction. This iconic piece embodies the mid-century modern aesthetic, characterized by a focus on functionality, simplicity, and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.

My decision to draw inspiration from the Platform Bench for an outdoor DIY project was deliberate. Its straightforward construction, coupled with its elegant form, makes it an ideal candidate for home builders. Moreover, its slatted design inherently allows for proper drainage, a crucial feature for any outdoor furniture piece exposed to the elements. This combination of iconic design, practical construction, and inherent weather resistance made it the perfect muse for my quest to create a durable and stylish outdoor bench.

Why Cedar Decking is the Perfect Material for Your Outdoor Bench

One of the most appealing aspects of recreating a Nelson-inspired bench for outdoor use is the choice of material. The original article mentioned using 1×6″ cedar decking, and for good reason. Cedar is an exceptional choice for outdoor furniture, offering a wealth of benefits that ensure longevity, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance.

Natural Durability and Weather Resistance

• Rot and Decay Resistance: Cedar contains natural oils and compounds that act as preservatives, making it highly resistant to rot, decay, and fungal growth. This is paramount for furniture that will be exposed to moisture and varying weather conditions year-round.
• Insect Repellent: The same natural properties that prevent decay also deter insects like termites and carpenter ants, providing an extra layer of protection and extending the life of your bench.
• Dimensional Stability: Cedar is less prone to warping, twisting, or shrinking compared to many other wood species. This stability ensures that your bench maintains its structural integrity and appearance over time, even with fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Aesthetic Appeal and Workability

• Beautiful Grain and Color: Cedar boasts a rich, natural color palette, ranging from reddish-browns to light creams, often with distinctive grain patterns. Over time, if left untreated, it mellows into an elegant silvery-grey patina, which many find highly desirable.
• Pleasant Aroma: The characteristic scent of cedar is not only appealing but also a natural insect deterrent.
• Easy to Work With: Despite its durability, cedar is a relatively soft wood, making it easy to cut, drill, and fasten. This ease of workability is a significant advantage for DIY enthusiasts, reducing the time and effort required for construction.

Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness

Utilizing 1×6″ cedar decking, which is readily available at most lumberyards and home improvement stores, makes this project both accessible and budget-friendly. Decking boards are often more economical than furniture-grade lumber, without compromising on the essential properties needed for outdoor use. Furthermore, opting for sustainably harvested cedar contributes to environmentally responsible building practices, allowing you to create a beautiful piece of outdoor furniture with a clear conscience.

Building Your DIY George Nelson-Inspired Outdoor Slat Bench

The beauty of this project lies in its relative simplicity and the readily available materials. Inspired by the classic Nelson design, this outdoor slat bench can be constructed using straightforward woodworking techniques and common tools. While the full, detailed instructions are provided elsewhere, here’s a general overview of what you can expect from the building process:

Essential Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather your essentials. You’ll need 1×6″ cedar decking boards (the quantity will depend on your desired bench length), a miter saw or circular saw for precise cuts, a drill/driver, wood screws suitable for outdoor use, sandpaper for smoothing edges, and an exterior-grade wood finish or sealant to protect your finished piece. Measuring tape, a pencil, and a square are also indispensable for accuracy.

Key Construction Steps

1. Cutting Your Slats and Supports: The first step involves accurately cutting your cedar boards to create the top slats and the supporting frame pieces. Precision here is key for a professional-looking finish.
2. Assembling the Frame: Construct the sturdy rectangular frame that will support the slats. This typically involves using screws to join the cut cedar pieces, ensuring all angles are square for stability.
3. Attaching the Slats: Once the frame is complete, evenly space and attach the top slats to the frame. Consistent spacing is crucial for both aesthetics and comfort.
4. Sanding and Finishing: After assembly, thoroughly sand all surfaces to remove any rough edges or splinters. Finally, apply an appropriate exterior wood finish. This step is vital not only for enhancing the bench’s appearance but also for providing additional protection against UV rays, moisture, and wear.

This project is highly customizable. You can adjust the length of the bench to fit your specific patio or garden space. You might even consider adding a backrest for extra comfort, although the original Nelson design is a backless bench. The straightforward nature of the slat design makes it an excellent entry point for those new to woodworking, offering a rewarding experience that culminates in a beautiful and functional piece of furniture.

The Rewards of DIY Outdoor Furniture

Beyond the cost savings and the ability to customize, building your own outdoor furniture offers a profound sense of accomplishment. Each time you sit on your hand-built bench, you’ll feel the satisfaction of having created something beautiful and functional with your own hands. It transforms your outdoor space into a personal sanctuary, tailored to your tastes and needs, and infused with your effort and creativity.

Moreover, investing time in a DIY project like this encourages a deeper connection with your home and its environment. It fosters a greater appreciation for craftsmanship and the materials used. This isn’t just about a bench; it’s about reclaiming a piece of your outdoor living experience, just as that old porch swing had done, but this time, with a creation that is truly your own.

Ready to embark on your own DIY journey to create a stunning and durable outdoor slat bench inspired by the timeless design of George Nelson? You’ll find everything you need to get started:

Get the full measurements and step-by-step instructions at Curbly’s brother site, ManMade.

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The introductory narrative for this article was inspired by content previously published on ManMadeDIY.com.