Thank you for all of the input.
It is outdoor, and the idea is to have some budget friendly options to play around with before sinking several grand input all new store bought furniture.
Anyone have any plans or preferred sites for plans like this?
I realize that a finish will be important to try to seal, since I don’t plan to use cedar or something better.
I am thinking 2x material as a majority of the plans online I’m seeing are 2x material.
In addition to trying to rip down 2x6s for getting better boards, I also thought ripping off the rounded edges may make for a cleaner finished product.
I realistically only have access to a Menards.
I would still pass on the ripped 2X6's.
Unless you are edge joining boards, there is no need to rip the rounded edges off. Most woodworkers "round" the edges. This is for two purposes at least; for coating adhesion and for comfort.
If you are using construction grade lumber, understand that you will have to refinish often to keep it for any length of time. It will rot and likely sooner than you think. And purchase the "premium" studs from Menards. They tend to be straighter with better grain and looks.
You might even look at their Douglas Fir grade. I have only used it once and that was for some 4x4 posts for some bunk beds I made for my son. Like Hough, those twins could sit on those and they would hold up. My son abused it for 14 years or so. Now my two grandsons are trying to see if they can destroy it. Spoiler: they can't.. Fir is more rot and insect resistant.
If you are not going to paint, you might have some luck with using Helmsman for a top coat. I have a sitting bench with oak slats that has held up for going on 4 years now and it still looks like I just finished it. Disclaimer: it is on my front porch so it doesn't get any direct rain just the moisture that's in the air and morning sun.
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