LUSITANO RETREAT — P17 BUILD NOTES
Use only with the main pallet guide and material intake checks. Illustrative dimensions are not a structural rating.

MEASUREMENTS
1. Use the selected bench-frame drawing or manufacturer’s dimensions.
2. Record each slat width, thickness, support position and seating-edge detail; no generic span is supplied.

CUT LIST / COMPONENTS
1. Accepted seating slats cut to the specified seat and back schedule.
2. Purpose-suitable frame with its specified furniture connections.
3. Matching spacers and any specified end caps or contact-edge trims.

TOOLS
1. Tape measure, pencil and square; clamps and a stable cutting support
2. Metal detector, suitable saw and drill with timber bits; dust extraction and PPE appropriate to the operation
3. Sanding block, straightedge and the selected connection manufacturer’s installation tools

ASSEMBLY
1. Select a suitable bench frame for the intended users and outdoor location. Obtain the seat and back slat requirements, including support positions and attachment method, before treating reclaimed boards as replacement seating.
2. Measure the proposed slats and compare their condition and dimensions with that specification. Reject cracked, soft or heavily perforated boards; attractive grain or a treatment stamp does not establish suitability for seating.
3. Mark the seat and back lengths from the actual frame, allowing only the edge overhang shown in its design. Cut and label each slat so its best sound contact face remains upward.
4. Round and sand every contact edge, checking with a cloth for snags. Dry-fit the full set with spacers and verify that gaps, end details and fixing positions match the reviewed furniture arrangement.
5. Mark attachment centres through the frame’s intended mounting positions. Use the specified furniture connection, such as bolts through compatible frame holes, rather than substituting unassessed screws into thin or damaged members.
6. Drill or slot the boards only as the reviewed connection requires, then assemble without forcing warped slats flat. Seat washers and fastener heads so they cannot snag clothing or create sharp contact points.
7. Place the bench on its intended ground and carry out the frame supplier’s or designer’s inspection procedure. Do not invent a proof load; check the complete furniture assembly before permitting guest use.
8. Record the accepted slat batch, attachment details and first inspection date. Withdraw the bench when any slat splits, timber softens or connections loosen, and replace defective parts to the same reviewed specification.

FINISH AND CARE
1. Sand hand-contact surfaces and ease exposed edges; retain readable batch identification on a concealed face.
2. Use a finish selected for the actual exposure, following its preparation, coat and cure instructions; treat cut ends as specified.

COMPLETION CHECKS
1. Guest use follows completed furniture review; no capacity is inferred from pallet origin.
2. Seat, back, ground contact and every joint remain inspectable.

Guide: https://lusitanoretreat.com/build-guides/building-with-pallets/#project-p17