Rustic Cable Spool Bench: Affordable 8-Step Furniture

Last Updated on May 29, 2024 by teamobn

When it comes to outdoor furniture, there are many different options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something for your porch or garden, you can find the perfect piece of furniture to suit your needs. There are many different materials to choose from as well, so you can find the perfect match for your home.

For example, cable spools, they are often disregarded as simple pieces of trash. However, these spools can be repurposed into many different things. With a little creativity, cable spools can be turned into things like coffee tables, planters, or even chairs. These spools are very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways.

Here’s a DIY outdoor bench that’s not only cheap but also sturdy and pretty if you’re into rustic furniture – a cable spool bench!

This garden bench is made from an empty wooden cable sppol and a pallet assembled in a simple yet stylish manner. If you can get your hands on a cable spool that’s not being used and pallets for free, then you can practically have an outdoor bench for a song. It’s also very easy to make, using only simple tools that DIY-ers would most likely already have in their toolsheds.

You can modify the design of your DIY cable spool bench to make it look uniquely your own. You can choose to paint it, put a backrest on it, or extend a small space on the armrest to place your drinks on! With a few simple changes, you can take this bench from functional to stylish in no time.

If you’re in need of some inspiration to help you get your creative juices flowing, be sure to check out our album below. It’s full of great ideas that are sure to get you started on your next project!

This inexpensive and easy-to-build bench makes a great addition to any backyard, and is sure to be a conversation starter at your next party. Made from a cable spool, this rustic bench is both stylish and practical. Follow the simple steps below to build your own.

Building a Cable Spool Bench

Materials

• Wooden Spool
• Pallet
• Screws and Bolts
• Paint

Tools

• Jigsaw
• Wrench
• Angle Grinder
• Welding Tool
• Power Drill
• Router
• Circular Saw
• Chisel and Hammer
• Belt Sander
• Paintbrush

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

• Pallet: Using the circular saw, cut the pallet into two parts. One will serve as the seat and the other as the backrest.
• Wooden Spool: Use the wrench to disassemble the spool carefully, separating the wooden flanges from the cylinder.

Step 2: Shape the Components

• Use the jigsaw to shape the pallet wood for the seat and backrest to fit the curvature of the spool flanges.
• If necessary, use the router to smooth out the edges and add decorative touches.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

• Position the pallet seat and backrest between the two wooden flanges of the spool.
• Secure them together using screws and bolts. A power drill will make this step much easier and faster. Ensure that the screws are long enough to penetrate through the flanges and into the wood securely.

Step 4: Stabilize the Bench

• To prevent the bench from rolling, you might need to flatten the bottom part of the spool flanges. Use the angle grinder to carefully cut off a small section to create a stable base.
• Check the stability and adjust as needed.

Step 5: Sand and Smooth

• Use the belt sander to sand down all wooden surfaces, focusing on rough edges and surfaces to prepare for painting. This step is crucial for a smooth, professional finish.

Step 6: Apply Finish

• Choose a paint suitable for outdoor use to help protect the wood from the elements. Use the paintbrush to apply the paint evenly over the entire bench.
• Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Once the paint is dry, you can add additional features such as cushions for extra comfort or apply a waterproof sealant for enhanced durability.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Bench

• Place your new cable spool bench in its designated spot, whether in a garden, on a patio, or anywhere you’d like to enjoy a comfortable seating area.

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You can get a visual instruction from thepoultrypeople here:

Landscaping and Placement Ideas

Creating the perfect setting for your cable spool bench involves thoughtful landscaping and strategic placement. Integrating this unique piece of furniture into your outdoor space not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also maximizes its functionality. 

Here’s how you can harmoniously blend your cable spool bench into your garden or patio environment.

Choose the Right Spot

Position your cable spool bench where it can be both a focal point and a functional seating area. Near a garden path, under a shade tree, or by a water feature are ideal spots. Ensure it’s visible from inside the house to draw the outdoors in, enhancing both indoor and outdoor views.

Complement Your Garden Theme

The rustic look of a cable spool bench goes well with cottage-style or woodland garden themes. Surround it with lush greenery, flowering plants, and perhaps a gravel path to accentuate its natural charm. For a more modern approach, position the bench in a minimalist landscape with structured plantings and geometric patterns.

Enhance with Plantings

Soften the area around your cable spool bench by planting ground covers or low-growing flowers at its base. Fragrant herbs or flowers like lavender or roses can add a sensory pleasure to the seating area. Tall plants or small trees can provide a backdrop or canopy, creating a secluded spot.

Functional Additions

Consider building a pergola over the cable spool bench to provide shade and shelter, increasing the bench’s usability throughout the day. Installing solar-powered garden lights around the bench can illuminate the area at night, making it a charming evening retreat.

By carefully considering the placement and surrounding elements, your cable spool bench can become more than just a piece of furniture; it transforms into a living part of your garden’s ecosystem.

Seating Comfort and Ergonomics

Ensuring that your cable spool bench is not only a unique feature in your garden but also comfortable and ergonomically sound is crucial. 

Here’s how you can enhance the seating comfort and ergonomic design of your bench to make it a cozy spot for relaxation.

Ergonomic Design Considerations

An ergonomic cable spool bench is the first step toward creating a cozy sitting space. Maximising comfort requires backrest angle adjustment between 100 and 110 degrees. Especially while sitting for extended periods of time, this particular position is ideal for preserving the natural curve of the spine and greatly lowering back pain. 

Most adults find it simpler to sit down and stand up without undue strain on their legs and backs if the seat height is between 16 and 18 inches above the ground. These are not only figures; they are the cornerstones of designing a bench that improves comfort and promotes healthy posture.

Enhancing Comfort

Just adding the proper cushions can make your cable spool bench more comfortable. Choose sturdy, weather-resistant cushions made to last outside without sacrificing comfort or style. Idealy, these cushions should give enough support for the back and seat, transforming a plain wooden construction into a cozy, welcoming area. 

Pick cushion fabrics that complement the colors and patterns already in the garden to further customize your seat. In addition to increasing comfort, this attention to detail guarantees that the bench blends in well with your outdoor décor, adding a cohesive visual story to your garden. Concentrating on these improvements turns your cable spool bench into a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor sanctuary rather than just a piece of furniture.

Considerations for Extended Use

When planning for extended use of your cable spool bench, incorporating armrests into the design is a thoughtful detail. Armrests are not just a comfort feature; they play a crucial role in supporting the arms and shoulders, thereby reducing overall fatigue during long periods of seating. This makes the bench more inviting and usable for extended gatherings or relaxation sessions.

Furthermore, considering the bench’s exposure to the elements is essential for its longevity and the comfort of its users. If the bench is positioned in an open area, implementing protective solutions like a canopy can shield it from the harsh effects of sun and rain.

Alternatively, placing the bench under natural shade, such as a large tree, can also offer a charming and practical way to preserve the wood and provide users with a cool, sheltered spot to enjoy. These considerations ensure that the cable spool bench remains a durable and enjoyable feature in your outdoor space.

Focusing on these aspects can ensure that your cable spool bench is a delight to use, inviting you and your guests to relax in comfort and style.

Conclusion

Enhancing your outdoor area creatively and environmentally is possible with a cable spool bench. A basic cable spool may become a cozy and fashionable seating choice with the correct materials, tools, and a little creativity. This project gives your patio or yard a special, individual touch in addition to recycling leftover materials.

We have more affordable bench projects. Check out our planter bench guide next!