A sturdy, timbered outdoor bench will invite years of use and is perfect for long conversations, a short break from walking, or simply watching the world go by. This unique bench design borrows joinery common to timber frame construction and utilizes rough-cut, sustainably harvested white pine timbers. It’s beautiful, comfortable, and highly durable. We should know! North House has built several benches in this style for our campus as well as for downtown Grand Marais. Over three and a half days, students will use professional timber framing equipment to construct a 4.5' bench, ready to be finished and located in a spot with a view.

Due to the size of this project, students are highly encouraged to bring a partner at no extra cost and should consider how they will transport their project back home!

Please note: while this course welcomes participants of all levels, students should expect to utilize a variety of power tools and work with large timbers. Therefore, some woodworking experience is helpful but not required.

Required Tools

• Closed-toed footwear
• Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses and hearing protection are provided for students and required for certain tools in our workshops, but you may wish to bring your own for fit and comfort

Optional Tools

• 1 1/2" wood chisel is highly recommended (available for purchase from the North House School Store)

• This course is a rescheduled session that had been canceled earlier in the pandemic. Priority registration was given to previously enrolled students; please join the waiting list to be notified of any openings.

Please Note: North House is looking forward to hosting this course on campus in the safest way possible.  Students must participate in a daily health screening and temperature check, agree to wear a mask at all times on campus, and to practice social distancing of 6 feet, as well as adhere to other safety protocols in some cases, regardless of their vaccination status. See the full details of our COVID-19 protocols here.