I’m always on the lookout for scrap lumber, and one day I found some large, well weathered pieces out on the curb. I decided on making a bench for the patio with them, and wanted to keep the large 4”x10” beam intact as the focus of the design. Stacked 4”x4” pieces are secured in place using dowels inserted through holes in the bench top, instead of screws or nails. I planed the exposed dowels smooth and sanded down rough spots, but otherwise left the remaining surfaces unfinished to keep the appearance weathered and worn.