How to Make a Meditation Bench

Meditation benches can be costly, and the pleasure of building your own bench for meditation can be a fun and fulfilling process.  These are instructions for a rocking meditation bench, which allows the kneeler to adjust the amount of lean the bench has at any given time.  This has been the style that I have had the most success with in terms of comfort.  The model also includes instructions for building in padding, so no pillows are needed!

Materials:
Wood 1X5.5, 31'' total length
Padding cut to about 12''X12'' (I use a retired Ridge Rest sleeping pad but anything will do)
Scrap fabric cut to about 14''X14'' (Tough fabric such as heavy canvas or upholstery fabric is recommended)
3/4'' wood screws (24 count)
1.5'' brackets (6 count)
Upholstery tacks (up to 20 count)

Tools:
Hacksaw
Vice
Coping saw
Wood file
Level
Ruler
Pencil
Sanding block (or sandpaper)
Screwdriver
Paper to cut leg pattern
Wood stain of your choice

Step 1 Cut Bench Pieces

With the hacksaw, simply cut two leg pieces* (5.5 inches) and one bench piece (19 inches).

*I am 5'10'' and the 5.5 leg height works perfectly.  If you are taller, you can go up to 6'', but keep in mind that the bench and the padding will add some height.  The rocking aspect of this bench makes it quite versatile for people of all sizes.

Comments

[11Serenity11]

Thanks for sharing this. I understand the curve at the bottom of the legs is for adjusting one's position during meditation and was wondering if there is also a performance reason for the curve at the top of the legs, or is it only an aesthetic preference? Thanks.

[uferlos]

Thanks for the comment! I am not sure if I understand the question fully, but I'll try to answer and please feel free to respond again if I didn't get you the info that you need...

The legs are narrower at the top than at the bottom for the most part so they fit better to the seat. And yes, I would say this is for aesthetic purposes more than function. The tops of the legs aren't curved so much as narrowed. When I think about it, I don't think performance would be affected by leaving the legs as wide at the top as the lower portion of the leg. I'd love to see what you come up with if you decide to give it a try!

[11Serenity11]

That answers my question perfectly, thanks.

[ChrysN]

Nice bench! I made a meditation bench a while ago, but it is straight at the bottom, I can see that the rounded bottom would be helpful. Perhaps I should put padding on it too, good idea!

[uferlos]

Thanks for the comment. I find the slight rock offers just enough room for me to shift from one sitting to the next.

[loricollins]

Nice bench. I made one a long time ago with legs attached by hinges so that it would fold and store flat. I love the idea of padding!

[uferlos]

Thanks for the comment. I've seen the hinged version as well and think it a grand idea. Unfortunately the benches with hinges that I've come in contact with were poorly enough constructed that they collapsed under meditators! I wanted to avoid that possibility all together. The one I constructed here is also small enough to tuck into carry-on luggage!

[Stone6]

Class seat, too the such I want, as though you sit, but during too time in a lap. Very much trains.