If you’ve ever picked up some patio furniture from the store, there’s a good chance that some of the welds will start rusting after a few years. Don’t even go there with wicker or plastic patio furniture that can start splitting apart and shredding before too long. The best option for long-lasting patio furniture for many beginner or experienced welders will be figuring out their own patio furniture welding projects.
We’ve been searching for welding projects that will take your patio a cut above the rest. With some careful planning, picking up a few basic materials, and adding in a cushion or two from your local home improvement or garden supply store, you can put together top quality patio furniture that will be sturdy, long lasting, and comfortable. Here’s a roundup with a few ideas to get you started:
Equipment for Patio Furniture Welding Projects
Many of the projects we’re sharing call for a MIG welder, cutting saw, angle grinder, drill, and clamps. If you opt for working with wood in addition to your metal parts, consider a sander and blades for that.
In order to prevent the weld joints from rusting, you’ll also want to be ready to clean them properly and smooth them out if necessary, which you can typically do with an angle grinder. Consider if you need a particular grit sandpaper or cleaner as well. Finally, you may opt for spray paint or some other finishing option for the metal and/or wood that may call for brushes and other painting supplies.
Patio Bench Welding Project
Starting off, we have some very detailed plans from Lincoln Electric for a patio bench. This very simple project has some subtle angles and cuts that are worth noting. A slight angle to the bench can make a big difference between comfort and rigidity. Here is the material list:
- 4 feet of 2 x 4 16 ga. box tubing
- 30 feet of 2 x 2 16 ga. box tubing
- 16 feet of 1 inch 16 ga. flat stock
- 40 feet of 1 x 4 hardwood
- ¾-inch wood screws
- Wipe-on polyurethane
- Clear spray lacquer
The design of the metal bars will hold the wood slats in place, and the angle of your cuts will be essential in getting the correct angle for the sitting area. Use the flat stock to support the wooden slats. Keep in mind that you won’t need extra support if you cut the wood shorter, but if you run the wood across the length of the bench, plan to add support in the middle.
Patio Table Welding Project
This picnic table or patio table is a simple square tube design that is sturdy and can be placed just about anywhere you like, provided you don’t mind moving it! If you think of a series of large capital “i’s”, this picnic table welding project has a large base with two square metal tube posts rising up from the center.
While it’s up to you how you want to finish the wood for the table top or the seats, make sure that the square metal tubing is sturdy enough for the size of the table and benches.
Patio Spring Chair
Take your outdoor area to the next level with a simple chair that offers comfort and a bit of whimsical style. Square metal tubing is once again your friend, as you’ll weld a sturdy base for this chair and then apply your lessons about making a frame for the wooden slats of the seat from the bench project above.
The spring may be the hardest piece of this assembly to find, although you can always modify it to go without the spring option that gives the chair a bit of play when you sit down. You’ll also need a way to drill into the metal tubing where the seat meets the metal coming up from the base if you want it to be able to bounce on the spring with some sort of hinge.
Welding Supplies for Projects
Baker’s Gas and Welding has the best welding machines from name brand companies on sale along with incredible prices on accessories, including discounts, rebates, and Baker’s Bundles. You can still score hundreds in savings through the Build with Blue Promotion, but don’t overlook the great deals on the top welding helmets, including accessories like respirators. Stock up on the essentials for your shop today.