How to Build a Planter Bench

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a garden bench. If you want to learn more about building a simple bench, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are many other designs and plans to choose from when building projects for your backyard, so make sure you take a close look over the related plans that are featured on our site.

There are many plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the bench plans featured on our website. Plan everything with attention and adjust the size and the shape of the bench to suit your needs. Plumb the legs and make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the galvanized screws into place. Drill pilot or pocket holes to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

DIY Small bench with planter

DIY Small Planter Bench

Building a bench with planter

Planter bench

     

How to Build a Planter Bench

Building-a-planter-bench

Cut and Shopping Lists

• A – 12 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 17 1/2″ long PLANTER
• B – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 12″ long, 2 pieces – 16 1/2″ long FRAME
• C – 3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 15″ long BOTTOM
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16″ long, 1 piece – 13 1/2″ long LEGS
• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long, 2 pieces – 19 1/2″ long FRAME
• F – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 16 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
• G – 3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 42″ long SEAT
• H – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber- 19 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 21 1/2″ long TRIMS   

• 3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• wood filler
• wood glue
• stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Post hole digger, Concrete mixer

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Bench plans
• Wooden bench plans
• Planter bench

Building a planter bench

Building-the-planter-box

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the planter box. As you can easily notice in the plans, we recommend you to cut the 1×6 slats at the right size by using a circular saw.

Top Tip: Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and remove the residues.

Fitting-the-bottom-frame

Continue the project by fitting the bottom frame to the planter box. Cut the components out of 2×2 lumber and lock them together with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws and waterproof glue.

Top Tip: Make sure the corners are right-angled and leave no gaps between the components. Attach the 1×6 slats to the frame and leave no gaps between the wooden components. Make sure the corners are right-angled.

Fitting the bottom components

Attach the 1×6 slats to the bottom of the planter box, as described in the diagram. Make sure the joints are rigid and check if the corners are right-angled.

Building the legs

Build the legs for the planter bench out of 2×4 lumber, making sure you pay attention to the instructions described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal component and secure it to the legs using 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Make sure the corners are right-angled and add glue to the joints.

Fitting-the-frame-of-the-planter-bench

Attach the 2×4 frame to the top of the planter bench, as described in the image. Cut the components at the right size and lock them together using 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes through the components before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Attach the 2×2 supports to the frame of the bench. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the frame by using 2 1/2″ screws.

Fitting the seat slats

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to attach the 2×6 seat slats. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the seat slats. Add waterproof glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Fitting the trims

If you really want to enhance the look of the planter bench and to add value to the garden project, we recommend you to attach the 1×3 trims to the top of the planter. Make sure you cut both ends of the trims at 45 degrees and attach them into place.

Top Tip: Align the trims with great care and center the to the top of the planter. Add waterproof glue to the joints and remove the residues using a damp cloth. Smooth the exposed edges with sandpaper.

How to build a planter bench

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the table from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the bench in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a planter bench. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects.

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