Lift the gloom in shady areas of your backyard with this DIY gabion basket bench!
Creating an entertaining area in your yard may seem like a daunting task – luckily Charlie Albone is on the case! Check out this DIY gabion basket bench that’s perfect for your outdoor space.
Gather your supplies:
- Paving slabs 800 x 400mm (3)
- Garden rectangle gabion kit 800 x 400 x 400mm (3)
- Galvanised panel fixing clips
- Galvanised wire 2mm x 15m
- River pebbles 75-200mm
- 2400 x 200 x 100 hardwood sleeper (3)
- 2400 x 100 x 100 hardwood post (2)
- Galvanised bracket 375 x 75mm (6)
- 50mm bugle screws
- Water-based stain
You’ll also need:
- Trowel
- Mortar mix
- Level
- Mallet
- Pliers
- Snips
- Tape measure
- Combination square
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Mitre saw
- Electric planer
- Drill
- Impact driver
- Orbital sander
- 80-grit sandpaper
- Paintbrush
Step 1
To lay paving slabs, apply about 25mm layer mortar mix to prepped ground with trowel, then lay pavers on top in L shape. Use level and mallet to adjust pavers until level.
Step 2
Assemble all gabion kits, connect 4 fixing clips on each corner joint and crimp with pliers. Insert and twist spiral wire from kit to connect all corners.
Step 3
To stop gabion baskets bulging, use snips to cut 2 wire lengths of 500mm, then bend to attach both wires across depth of 1 basket to act as a brace. Repeat for all boxes.
Step 4
Position boxes in L shape on top of paving slabs. Stack pebbles in baskets with flattest pebbles facing cage walls. Once all baskets are full, attach top panel with fixing clips and spiral wire.
Step 5
To make bench seats, measure, mark and cut all Components (below) with tape measure, combination square, pencil, and mitre saw (wear safety glasses). With electric planer, plane a 5mm chamfer on all corners on all components visible on top face of seat.
Step 6
Assemble long components so square and flush. To connect, lay 3 equally spaced brackets across centre and predrill through bracket holes into wood with drill. Insert bugles; screw tight. Repeat with short components.
Step 7
Sand bench top and sides with orbital sander and 80-grit paper.
Step 8
Apply 2 coats stain to bench with paintbrush. Allow to dry after each coat.
Step 9
With an extra pair of hands, lay seats square on gabion baskets.
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