Planter Bench Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about planter bench plans. If you like to spend time in your garden, but a simple outdoor bench is a little too common for your tastes, you should consider building a nice wooden bench with two planters attached on both sides. After selecting the right plans for your needs, you should buy quality materials for the job, such as cedar, redwood or pine slats. Make sure the wooden components are perfectly straight and in good condition, before starting your project. This bench will enhance the look of any deck, patio or backyard lawn. More outdoor furniture plans HERE.

In order to obtain a professional result, you have to pay attention to several aspects. Therefore, align the components at both hands before inserting the wood screws. In addition, drill pilot holes in the components, to prevent the wood from splitting. Moreover, don’t forget to countersink the head of the screws, before inserting the wooden screws. Last but not least, add a good wood glue to the edges of the components, in order to enhance the bond of the joints. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.

 

 

Projects made from these plans

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It’s that simple to build a planter bench!

 

Cut List

  • A – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber 17 1/2” long, 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber 20 1/2” long JOISTS
  • B – 2 piece of 3/4” plywood 20 1/2 x 20 1/2” FLOORING
  • C – 16 pieces of 1×4 lumber 23 1/2” long TRIMS
  • D – 32 pieces of 1×6 lumber 25” long SIDE SLATS
  • E – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber 27 1/2” long TOP TRIMS
  • F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber 63” long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber 17 1/2” long BENCH FRAME
  • G – 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber 17 1/2” long SUPPORTS
  • H – 5 pieces of 1×4 lumber 60” long BENCH SLATS 

Shopping List

  • 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
  • 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 2’x4′
  • 8 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
  • 11 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
  • 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 8′
  • 100 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
  • 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
  • glue, stain

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

 

 

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Bench with planters plans

Outdoor-bench-with-planter---diy-project

Outdoor-bench-with-planter—diy-project

 

A planter bench is a great addition for decks and small gardens, as they add character and enhance the look of any backyard. There are many designs and shapes you could choose from, starting with a simple bench adjacent to a large planter, up to more complex constructions, such as a wooden bench attached to two planters.

To Tip: You should adjust the size of the bench planter to your needs, but use the same carpentry techniques to get the job done. Work with good judgement, making sure all the components are aligned, before driving in the screws.

 

 

Planter bench plans

Planter-floor-plans

Planter-floor-plans

The first step of the project is to build the floor of the two large planters. Therefore, join together several 2×4 joists, as you see in the image. Work with great care, making sure the corners are square and the joists perfectly aligned one with another.

Drill pilot holes trough the rim joists, before inserting the 2 1/2″ or 3” screws. Attach the 3/4” plywood to the frame, using 2” nails. The edges of the plywood should be flush with the frame. In addition, drill 5/8″ drainage holes through the plywood, so it doesn’t retain all the water inside the planters.

You can also add some 1×4 pieces under the frame to create a small clearance space between the ground and the frame. The gaps will protect the frame from moisture and enhance the durability of the project.

Installing-the-wall-slats-to-planters

Installing-the-wall-slats-to-planters

Continue the project by installing the side slats of the planter, using our free plans. Attach the 1×6 tongue and groove slats (regular slats work as well) to the frame, using 1 1/4” wood screws. Use a spirit level to make sure the walls are perfectly plumb, otherwise the planter won’t be symmetrical.

Top Tip: Attach the bottom trims and lock it into place with finishing nails. Drive 1 1/4” screws from the inside of the planter, to secure the top trims. Cut the end of the trims at 45º, using a miter saw.

Side for the planter

Side for the planter

As you can notice in the diagram, you need to adjust the width of one slat to 4″, so that the side panels are 20 1/2″ wide. The easiest way to rip the slat lengthwise is with a table saw. Alternatively, you can use a circular saw.

Installing the top trims

Installing the top trims

In order to get the job done with the planters, you should build the top trims and install them into place with 2 1/2” finish nails. In order to add personality to the planter bench, we recommend you to build the trims from 2×4 lumber. Use a miter saw to cut both ends of the trims at 45º.

Lock the trims together with pocket screws, before centering them on top of the planters. Last but not least, insert the 2 1/2” finish nails in the slats.

 

Assembling the planter bench

Building-the-bench-frame

Building-the-bench-frame

Place the two planters on a sturdy surface, leaving about 60” between them. Make sure the large planters are aligned properly, before building the wooden bench between them. Use 2×4 lumber to build the frame of the wooden bench, as in the plans.

Top Tip: Reinforce the frame by fitting the 1×2 supports. Drill pilot holes trough the frame and drive in 3” screws into the supports. Level the frame of the bench with a 3′ hand level. Place the seat supports 3/4″ under the top edge of the 2×4 frame.

Reinforcing the bench

Reinforcing the bench

Fit 2×2 supports under the frame, if you really want to enhance the rigidity of the frame. Drill pilot holes and insert 2″ galvanized screws or 2 1/2″ carriage bolts. Use a spirit level to plumb the supports before securing them with screws to the planters, otherwise the seat won’t be perfectly horizontal.

Installing the bench slats

Installing the bench slats

Drill pilot holes trough the sides of the frame, as well as trough the planter and insert 2 1/2” carriage bolts. Make the whole construction more rigid, by drilling pilot holes and inserting 2” screws..

Cut the 1×4 slats at 60” and fit them into place. Smooth the cut edges with a sander before locking them into place. Drill pilot holes trough the slats, countersink them and insert the 2” screws, or drive the screws trough the supports in the slats.

How to build a garden bench

How to build a garden bench

As you can see you can learn how to build this garden bench in just one weekend, if you follow my step by step plans and instructions. This outdoor bench is extremely sturdy and if you invest in weather resistant lumber, such as cedar or redwood, it will be the attraction point of your backyard for many years in a row.

DIY Outdoor Bench

DIY Outdoor Bench

The secret for a neat result is to select perfectly straight slats and to take accurate measurements before making the cuts. In addition, you need to make sure the edges are perfectly flush before inserting the screws and nails.

Fitting the cleats

Fitting the cleats

One last tip I give is related to the planter boxes. You don’t have to fit large containers to the planters, as you have an easier alternative to fill them with lively flowers. You can 1×2 fit cleats to the interior of the planters and then create a false bottom just a few inches from the top. Adjust the height at which you place the cleats to suit your needs.

Fitting the slats

Fitting the slats

Fit the 1×4 slats to the cleats, as shown in the diagram. In this manner you can place small pots with flowers and make them visible.

Planter bench plans

Planter bench plans

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the head of the screws with a good wood putty and let it dry out properly for several hours. Sand the wooden surface with 120-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a vacuum.

Top Tip: Apply several coats of wood stain to protect the wood from rot and to enhance its rustic appearance. If this design is not what you are looking for, I suggest you to take a look over my other projects. Check out my simple planter bench plans and my rustic planter bench project. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.

 


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This woodworking project was about planter bench plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.




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