How to Make Twig Benches

Use all sizes of twigs to construct a twig bench.

Hand-crafted benches made from twigs bring rustic appeal to living spaces. Most often seen in resorts or cabins, twig furniture is uniquely charming. Twig benches are practical and attractive, sporting their own intricate, twig-woven backrest. Best made from soft wood easily manipulated, a twig-bench project is an engaging and creative way to spend a weekend.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh twigs and sticks
• Rasp
• Nails
• Hammer
• Twine or string
• Ceder boards
• Pruners
• Clippers

Instructions

Instructions

1. Cut four sturdy sticks about 4 feet in length. Use the pruners to remove twigs shooting from the sides, as they impede construction. Using a rasp, file bumps or rough spots on the sticks. Cut four sticks about 2 feet high. Repeat the pruning and rasping process with the shorter sticks. These sticks will be the legs and the frame of the bench.

2. Make a mark on one of the longer sticks, 2 feet from the ground. Nail the shorter stick, perpendicular to the stick on the mark made. Nail another short stick vertically to the perpendicular stick. This will form a lowercase "h". Repeat this process for the other side. Nail the two "h"-shaped pieces together using the other two long sticks. This is the frame for the bench. Set the frame up on the legs with the longer sticks pointing upward in the back.

3. Nail the cedar boards to the frame of the bench to create a seat. Rasp off rough areas.

4. Weave twigs between the two long sticks pointing upward. Use string or twine to attach ends of twigs. Create a pattern or design of your choosing. This forms the backrest of the twig bench. Continue weaving to desired backrest height.

Tips & Warnings

• Have an assistant help to hold the sticks in place while nailing.

• Check the bench's stability before using.

References

• Natural Tree Furniture: How to Design and Build Twig Furniture
• Made Man: How to Make Twig Furniture
• "Marry Jane's Outpost" MarryJane Butters; 2008