Garden Benches & Tables
Single benches joined at corners make for a more stable bench. Note the two openings for entering and exiting the seating area.
Tips for Making Wooden Circle Gathering Benches
If using stumps as bases, look for equal height stumps. Join two benches at a slight angle to keep benches from tipping. If possible lay stump on its side so that the bench won't tip as easily.
Create a layout of benches that allow for students to enter and exit from various points rather than having a full circle with only one entrance.
Think about where the instructor will be standing, teaching from. Have the instructor face the sun with kid's backs to the sun.
If using non-redwood wood, prime and paint the boards. Redwood boards can be oiled or treated with a water sealer. If using paint - Consider making each bench a different color for classroom management (grouping) purposes.
These are simple sketches that demonstrate openings in corner joined benches that allow for student flow in and out of gathering area.
These single board benches have stumps laying on their side for more stability.
These benches are made with cement pier blocks. Pier blocks come with wooden tops or metal brackets that assist with afixing bench tops
These benches are joined at corners for more stability.
Various Wooden Tables to consider
Home Depot Higher Quality Wooden 6 ft table
Home Depot Lower Quality Wooden 6 ft table (like at Ann Soldo and MacQuiddy)
Lowes has a similar Lower Quality Wooden 6 ft Table
Ace has a similar Lower Quality Wooden 6 ft table
Uline Deluxe 8ft Wooden Table
Picnic Table Frames- we'd buy three side smoothed con-heart redwood boards
Look for frames that are welded, not bolted. Look for galvanized steel. There are 8 foot and 6 foot varieties.
These are heavy duty welded tubes
They also carry heavy duty 1.66 inch diameter tubes
On Amazon 8 Foot Welded Table frame, galvanized these are Heavy Duty, not Extra Heavy duty
Table top end caps are a nice option as well.
Here is another 8ft amazon version of the less thick diameter tubing made of aluminum.
Here is a bolted option:
https://outdoorsiness.com/product/heavy-duty-picnic-table-frame-only-bolted-6-8-ft/
8 Foot metal versions
https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/96in-rectangular-metal-mesh-picnic-table-red
https://www.commercialsitefurnishings.com/product/standard-exp-picnic-table-8ft
Metal Table with Solid Top
https://www.playgroundequipment.com/solid-top-round-portable-picninc-table-with-diamond-pattern/
Steel and Pine Kits - Less Desirble for areas that will be rained on.
There are many kits available for purchase that come with treated pine or non-pressure treated pine. Since we have access to redwood, makes more sense to use our local wood.
6 Foot version
https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-6578/Picnic-Tables/Wood-Steel-Frame-Stained-Picnic-Table-6
8 Foot wooden versions
https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/wood-picnic-table-96-inch
Bolted frame, less sturdy as welded.
Wood Costs
5 benches, with 5 8 foot boards per bench cost: Redwood $930