diff --git a/gradle.properties b/gradle.properties
index d1ecb73..ce72073 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=4.0.12
+mod_version=4.0.13
 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 5b96cb5..90e3aaa 100644
--- a/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/BenchBlock.java
+++ b/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/BenchBlock.java
@@ -72,6 +72,21 @@ public class BenchBlock extends ModularSeatBlock {
         return SEAT;
     }
 
+    @Override
+    public double getSeatHeight(BlockState state) {
+        // As with chairs, only compensate for the optional cushion.
+        return super.getSeatHeight(state)
+            + (state.getValue(COLOR) == OptionalColorProperty.NONE ? 0.0D : 0.10D);
+    }
+
+    @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);
+        return InteractionResult.SUCCESS;
+    }
+
     @Override
     protected void createBlockStateDefinition(StateDefinition.Builder<Block, BlockState> builder) {
         super.createBlockStateDefinition(builder);
diff --git a/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/ChairBlock.java b/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/ChairBlock.java
index 6a0b0a7..948026c 100644
--- a/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/ChairBlock.java
+++ b/src/main/java/earth/terrarium/handcrafted/common/blocks/ChairBlock.java
@@ -88,6 +88,15 @@ public class ChairBlock extends HorizontalDirectionalBlock implements SittableBl
         return SEAT;
     }
 
+    @Override
+    public double getSeatHeight(BlockState state) {
+        // Keep the original chair height untouched unless an optional cushion
+        // is actually installed. The cushion adds visible thickness, so lift
+        // the rider just enough to sit on top of it instead of inside it.
+        return SittableBlock.super.getSeatHeight(state)
+            + (state.getValue(COLOR) == OptionalColorProperty.NONE ? 0.0D : 0.10D);
+    }
+
     @Override
     protected InteractionResult useItemOn(ItemStack stack, BlockState state, Level level, BlockPos pos, Player player, InteractionHand hand, BlockHitResult hitResult) {
         InteractionResult result = InteractionUtils.interactOptionalCushion(state, level, pos, player, stack, COLOR);