Bespoke Oak & Granite Benches for Local Authority Project

A rewarding project focused on inclusivity, craftsmanship, and community.

At the start of this year, I was contacted by a local authority after they’d come across my YouTube channel. They wanted to commission two large, bespoke oak picnic benches — one for a children’s centre and another for their office buildings. Both benches needed to be accessible to everyone, so early on we decided to include a standalone bench to allow wheelchair users to comfortably use the table.

After months of to-ing and fro-ing with designs and costings, we finally settled on a plan and I got the green light to get started.

The Making Process

Over the course of a month, I set about constructing both benches using solid oak throughout. Originally, the clients had asked for a solid oak slab top, but I raised concerns about how seasonal movement could affect this over time. I recommended

switching to a granite top, which is far better suited to outdoor use and far less prone to movement.

They also wanted the granite tops to feature ‘talking point’ designs — something to help spark conversation and encourage connection, with a nod towards the idea of community and buddy benches.

Working with Local Craftsmen

To achieve the design on the granite tops, I worked with my stone mason neighbour from

the workshop yard. He sandblasted the lettering into the granite using thick stencils to protect the surrounding areas. Once sandblasted, the lettering was then finished using exterior-grade masonry paints to ensure long-term durability.

Construction Details

The benches were designed with a jigsaw-style construction to make installation on site as straightforward as possible. I used A2 stainless steel fixings throughout to prevent rusting or staining the oak, which is a risk when using mild steel outdoors. I also used domed nuts on every bolt for both safety and a clean, finished look — no exposed threads to catch on.

The glue I used throughout was Cascapur, an exterior-grade polyurethane adhesive that provides exceptional waterproofing and long-term durability.

For the finish, I chose Rubio Monocoat’s Durogrit in Grassland Beige, which offers both protection and a natural appearance that complements the oak beautifully for outdoor furniture.

Design Considerations

Each bench was carefully tailored to suit its intended users. The children’s centre bench was built at a traditional height suitable for younger users, whereas the council office bench was slightly higher to better accommodate adults and those with mobility challenges.

The standalone bench sits separately from the main bench to allow clear access and maintains a traditional design to help distribute weight evenly across its structure.

Delivery & Installation

Delivery days are always a bit stressful, particularly when you’re dealing with solid oak components and granite tops. Access to the site was good, but lifting the granite required four of us working together to get it safely into position. There’s always that slight worry you’ve forgotten something essential, but thankfully this time everything went to plan.

Once the frames were in place, we lifted the granite tops on, checked everything for alignment and secured them using flexible exterior adhesive for longevity.

Reflecting on the Project

This has been one of the biggest and most rewarding projects I’ve undertaken so far. My workshop space was put to good use — these benches took up a huge chunk of the available space during construction. Thankfully, the finishing process was made easier thanks to the good weather, with many components drying outside on racks.

Seeing the benches finally delivered and in place, knowing they’ll serve the local community for years to come, was a proud moment. The feedback from the council has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these benches encourage conversation and connection between people.

Are you looking to commission a handcrafted piece of furniture?

If you’re thinking about having something bespoke made, whether it’s a unique piece for your home, garden, or workplace, I’d love to hear from you. I take great pride in creating furniture that’s not only beautifully made but thoughtfully designed to suit your exact needs. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your ideas — no matter how big or small.