So the clients asked me if I could rebuild this rotting down front porch bench. I said I’d give it a try. The old one was made of pine, not even pressure treated, and painted. I noticed the back seemed to be a bit rigid and the ‘design’ did not look very comfortable. I proposed to make the new one out of Ipe and to soften the design a little in hopes of making it easier to look at and sit on. The back got some camber and the leading seat slat was pitched down a few degrees to make it easier on the back of the leg.
I was able to use a lot less material because the Ipe is so very strong. This really is only evident in the ends and the back supports. Both were constructed as units and glued with polyurethane glue prior to assembly. The armrest faces got a little customization so they would conform to the stonework.