diff --git a/gradle.properties b/gradle.properties
index ce72073..e18d50c 100644
--- a/gradle.properties
+++ b/gradle.properties
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ org.gradle.jvmargs=-Xmx4G
 org.gradle.parallel=true
 org.gradle.caching=true
 
-mod_version=4.0.13
+mod_version=4.0.14
 maven_group=earth.terrarium.handcrafted
 archives_base_name=handcrafted
 
diff --git a/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/BenchBlock.java b/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/BenchBlock.java
index 90e3aaa..443feda 100644
--- a/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/BenchBlock.java
+++ b/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/BenchBlock.java
@@ -81,9 +81,9 @@ public class BenchBlock extends ModularSeatBlock {
 
     @Override
     protected InteractionResult useWithoutItem(BlockState state, Level level, BlockPos pos, Player player, BlockHitResult hitResult) {
-        // A backless bench has no canonical facing for the rider. Passing null
-        // makes Seat free-rotating, just like the standalone cushion/dining bench.
-        this.sitOn(level, pos, player, null);
+        // Bench models have a backrest, so the rider must inherit the bench facing.
+        // DiningBenchBlock remains free-rotating because it is the backless variant.
+        this.sitOn(level, pos, player, state.getValue(FACING));
         return InteractionResult.SUCCESS;
     }