How to Make a Deacon's Bench With a Planter

Glue and clamp together three lengths of 1-by-6 lumber that measure 40 inches. Glue the thin edges together so the boards measure 36 inches. Repeat this process to make the second panel for the bench. Allow the wood glue to dry.

Make the front panel of the bench by gluing and clamping together three lengths of 1-by-6 lumber that measure 40 inches. This panel should be 18 inches tall. Allow the wood glue to dry.

Glue and clamp together three lengths of 1-by-6 lumber that measure 18 inches for the bench's side panels. Repeat this process for the second side panel and allow the wood glue to dry.

Attach the interior supports to the back and front bench panels. Line up a 2-by-2 length of lumber that measures 17 inches with the left, 18-inch side of the front panel. The 2-by-2 post should be flush with the side and bottom of the panel. Secure the post to the panel with screws spaced 6 inches apart. Repeat this process on the right side of the panel. The edge of the panel that the 2-by-2 support does not reach is the bottom of the bench box. Repeat this process to attach the remaining two supports to the back panel.

Secure the side panels to the interior supports made with 2-by-2 lumber with screws spaced 6 inches apart. The bottom edge of all the panels should be flush.

Attach two 2-by-2 lengths of lumber that measure 36 inches to the right and left sides of the back panel, on the side opposite of the 17-inch 2-by-2 posts. The bottom and sides of the 36-inch posts should be flush with the bottom and sides of the panel. Secure the 36-inch posts to the back panel with screws spaced 6 inches apart.

Install the front panel of the bench to the previously installed side panels. Secure the lumber together with screws spaced 6 inches apart.

Lay the bench on its back so the bottom is exposed. Place a 19-by-40-inch plywood board into the opening at the bottom of the bench. Secure the corners of the plywood board to the 2-by-2 posts with screws. Return the bench to its upright position.

Make the frame for the planter out of two lengths of 2-by-4 lumber that measure 14 inches and two lengths of 2-by-2 lumber that measure 19 inches. The 2-by-4 lumber is for the top and bottom of the frame; the 2-by-2 lengths are for the sides. Put the 2-by-2 lumber between the lengths of 2-by-4 lumber and secure the pieces together at the corners with wood glue. Allow the wood glue to dry.

Place a 12-by-12-inch planter inside the frame to test its fit. Use a jigsaw to adjust the opening of the frame so the lip of the planter sits on top. The planter should not fall through the frame. After making the adjustments, secure the corners of the planter with finishing nails.

Put the planter frame on the right or left side of the bench opening so the 19-inch side of the frame is flush with the side of the bench. Secure the planter frame to the top of the bench with screws placed at each corner of the frame.

Install the bench seat. Put a 19-by-26-inch plywood board to the side of the bench opposite of the planter. The 19-inch side of the plywood should be flush with the side of the bench. Secure the plywood to the top of the bench box with screws placed at each corner of the frame and 3 inches on center.

Install the seat back of the bench. Secure a 17-by-40-inch plywood board to the front of the 36-inch 2-by-2 posts so the tops of the lumber are flush. Secure the top and bottom of the board to the posts with screws.