Build Your Own Folding Meditation Bench

A folding meditation bench is a great way to enhance your meditation practice, providing comfort and support for your posture. With a simple, foldable design, it's easy to carry with you to group meditations, retreats, or simply to store away when not in use. You can even buy one ready-made or attempt to build one yourself with the right tools and materials.

Choosing the right wood

There are three categories of wood: hardwoods, softwoods, and exotic hardwoods. Hardwoods are dense, strong, and durable, making them ideal for furniture. They tend to be more expensive than softwoods. Softwoods, on the other hand, are acceptable for furniture and are typically used as lumber for structural purposes.

When choosing wood for your folding meditation bench, consider the following factors:

• Density: Density refers to the weight and strength of the wood. For a sturdy bench, choose a denser wood.
• Grain: Grain is the tree's unique growth pattern. Consider the grain when working on decorative projects to achieve the desired look.
• Hardness: The Janka Rating System measures the hardness of wood. Harder woods are more resistant to wear and tear.
• Workability: Choose a wood that is easy to machine, nail, and glue. Some woods with high resin content can be challenging to work with.
• Durability: Select a wood that is resistant to decay and rot.
• Price: Hardwoods tend to be more expensive than softwoods. Choose a wood that fits your budget.
• Oak: Oak is a commonly used hardwood in construction and furniture. It has good moisture resistance and can resist warping when cut correctly. Oak has a visible wavy grain that can be highlighted with a clear finish.
• Cherry: Cherry is a strong and versatile hardwood with a reddish-brown color, making it ideal for indoor construction and furniture. It is typically more expensive due to eco-friendly harvesting methods.
• Maple: Maple is a light-colored hardwood that is easy to carve and manipulate. It stains easily and is often used for musical instruments and interior items like cabinets.
• Hickory: Hickory is a heavy hardwood with a wavy grain that can be challenging to work with. It is traditionally used for rustic furniture and wagon parts.
• Walnut: Walnut is a popular hardwood known for its rich color and straight grain. It is ideal for interior accents and furniture.
• Pine: Pine is an affordable softwood often used for window sills and door frames. It has a straight grain that makes it suitable for construction. Ensure you use seasoned pine to prevent warping.
• Cedar: Cedar is a softwood that is resistant to decay and insects. It is lightweight, durable, and easy to work with.
• Mahogany: Mahogany is an exotic hardwood that is endangered and less commonly used nowadays. It has a straight and even grain, making it ideal for furniture.
• Teak: Teak is an exotic hardwood that grows in Asian rainforests. It has an earthy scent and an inherently oily finish that can make it challenging to glue and stain.

Remember to consider the specific requirements of your folding meditation bench project and choose the wood that best suits your needs in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and budget.

Cutting the wood to size

The first step in making your folding meditation bench is to cut the wood to size. You will need a plank or sheet of material that is 860mm long, 144mm wide and 18mm thick. This can be purchased from most DIY stores or you can use off-cuts of sheet materials such as blockboard or plywood.

Once you have your wood, use a power saw to cut it to the following sizes:

• Plank 1: 4 x 500mm and 1 x 360mm
• Plank 2: 4 x 500mm and 1 x 360mm
• Plank 3: 4 x 500mm and 1 x 360mm
• Plank 5: 1 x 500mm and 5 x 360mm

These measurements will give you enough wood to create the benchtop and four legs for your meditation bench.

If you are using a different sized wood, you will need to adjust the measurements accordingly. For example, if your wood is bigger or smaller than 144mm wide by more than 25mm, you will need to draw a line that passes through the centre point of the wood at a 78-degree angle.

After cutting the wood to size, be sure to sand the edges to remove any splinters and round off any sharp corners. This will ensure your bench is comfortable and safe to use.

Adding the hinges

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials: brass or zinc-plated butt hinges (either 100mm or 75mm in size) and screws that match the size of your hinges. It is recommended to have 12 to 16 screws on hand, each measuring ¾" x 8's (20mm long x 4mm in diameter).

Step 2: Positioning the Legs

For each leg, push the square end tightly against an upright surface, ensuring that the long edge is to the right. This positioning is important to ensure accurate hinge placement.

Step 3: Attaching the Hinges

Place the hinge centrally on the leg, aligning it with the upright surface. Use a screwdriver to screw the hinge securely into place. Repeat this process for the other leg, ensuring that the long edge of the second leg is positioned to the left.

Step 4: Spacing the Legs

To ensure proper spacing between the legs, measure 30mm from each end of the underside of the benchtop and draw lines to indicate the correct positioning. Alternatively, you can use a scrap piece of wood that is 30mm wide as a spacer to achieve the correct distance between the legs.

Step 5: Aligning and Securing

Align the width of the legs with the width of the benchtop. Use screws to secure the legs in place, ensuring they are screwed into the marked positions on the underside of the benchtop.

Step 6: Final Checks

Once the hinges are attached and the legs are secured, double-check that the legs can fold and unfold smoothly. Ensure that the legs lock into place when fully unfolded, creating a stable base for your meditation bench.

By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you'll be able to add the hinges to your folding meditation bench with precision and ease.

Attaching the legs

Now that you have your materials ready, it's time to start building your meditation bench by attaching the legs. This process will involve several steps, including measuring, cutting, and assembling. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Bench Top

Using your plank or sheet material, measure out 860mm in length. This will be the benchtop of your meditation bench. Mark this measurement and cut the wood to create a clean, straight edge. The standard width of 144mm is typically suitable for most benches.

Step 2: Create the Angled Foot

On the front edge of the remaining wood, measure 195mm from the left-hand side. Then, on the far edge, measure the same distance from the right-hand side. Draw a line connecting these two points, and cut along this line to create an angled foot. This design ensures that the bench can be folded easily.

Step 3: Smooth and Sand the Edges

After cutting, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and remove any splinters. This step is important for both the functionality and the aesthetic of your bench. Pay close attention to the cut edges and corners to ensure they are safe and comfortable to handle.

Step 4: Positioning the Legs

Take one of the legs and push the square end tightly against an upright surface, with the long edge to the right. This step ensures that the leg is securely braced for the next part of the assembly.

Step 5: Attaching the Hinges

Place the hinge centrally on the leg, aligning it with the upright surface. Use your screwdriver to screw the hinge firmly into the leg. Repeat this process for the other leg, this time positioning the long edge to the left. Ensure that the hinges are attached securely and can move freely.

Step 6: Spacing the Legs

On the underside of the benchtop, measure and mark 30mm from each end. These marks will indicate where the legs will be attached. Alternatively, you can use a scrap piece of wood that is 30mm wide as a spacer to ensure consistent spacing.

Step 7: Attaching the Legs to the Benchtop

Align the width of the legs with the marks or spacers on the underside of the benchtop. Carefully position the legs so that they are flush with the edges of the benchtop. Once you're satisfied with the alignment, use screws to attach the legs securely in place.

Step 8: Final Adjustments and Testing

With the legs attached, ensure that they can fold and unfold smoothly. Make any necessary adjustments to the hinges or leg positioning. Test the stability of the bench by placing it on a flat surface and applying a small amount of pressure.

By following these steps, you should now have a functional folding meditation bench with securely attached legs. You can further customize your bench by adding a cushion or upholstery, as well as choosing between angled or rounded legs to suit your personal preferences.

Finishing touches

Now that your bench is assembled, there are a few final steps to take to ensure it's comfortable and personalised. Firstly, consider adding a layer of foam and cotton batting, with an upholstered cotton canvas of your choice. This will provide extra cushioning and comfort during your meditation practice. If you intend to use your bench with a zabuton, you may opt for less cushioning.

Next, you can personalise your bench with carved legs, custom engraving, or both. You may also wish to add a coat of lacquer to protect the wood and bring out its natural beauty. The colour can vary from a warm honey ash to a natural oak tone, depending on the type of wood you've used.

Finally, if you plan to use your bench with a cushion, you may want to purchase or make a removable topper, such as a sticky mat made from foam, to keep it in place and add extra cushioning.

Frequently asked questions