Building plywood seat bases?

[home-boy]

As I look out the window at the fresh snow I decided to plan my seat bases.

I plan to build several bench seats all 36" long and will use a 4" cushion on top. We are not tall people so they need not be tall. I am thinking 12" tall but how wide have y'all found most comfortable?

 

[Woodonglass]

Well I'm no expert on Seat width but If it were me, I'd want em to be about 16" wide for my big Okie Behind!!!! I'd drill holes in the plywood for ventilation and to allow the foam to breathe. Glue some plastic to the top and edges of the foam too. Helps keep the vinyl from wearing on it and aids with waterproofing it a bit. Use stainless steel staples too!! What's your plan for sealing the plywood? Epoxy is the best but kinda pricey. I got an Old Timers recipe that does a good job that's fairly economical if you care to try it. You can also use Marine varnish, oil based paint, House paint etc... All have various rates of success.

 

[Speakrdude]

Do tell us about the "old Timers Recipe"

 

[home-boy]

I live in the most uppity city in the world and can often get high end paint in not so perfect matched colors for $5-$10/ gal so I plan on using that.

I like the tip on using plastic in the wear areas.

 

[Woodonglass]

Do tell us about the "old Timers Recipe"

Of course you can adjust the volumes if you don't need a gallon. It's very important to really soak the edges. That's where the water will attack first. It's also important to finish with a liberal coat of full strength Marine Varnish to seal the outer layers and give good UV protection.

 

[Woodonglass]

I live in the most uppity city in the world and can often get high end paint in not so perfect matched colors for $5-$10/ gal so I plan on using that.

I like the tip on using plastic in the wear areas.

Oil based would be the best and thinning the first coat 50% would allow it to soak deep into the pores of the wood and seal it well. Then follow up with 2-3 coats of full strength and it would last a long time.