How to Make a Bench With Planters on Each Side

Planters

• 1

  Cut four 2-foot lengths of 1-by-4-inch lumber. Set the four boards up on their sides on a flat surface. Arrange the boards to form a square then screw them together. This is the top frame for the first planter box, repeat to create a bottom frame.

• 2

  Cut 16 2-foot lengths of 1-by-6-inch lumber. These are the side boards for the first planter.

• 3

  Set the two frames up on their sides on a flat surface. Arrange the frames so they are parallel with each other, 2 feet apart. Place one of the side boards across the top of the two frames, flush with the sides. Screw the board in place. Repeat all the way around the frames until the sides form a box.

• 4

  Flip the planter over so the bottom is on top. Screw a metal grate to the bottom of the planter. This will allow water to drain out of the planter. Repeat steps 1 through 4 to make a second planter.

Bench Installation

• 5

  Select a level location to install the planter bench. Place the planter boxes in the selected location so that they are in line with each other and 4 feet apart.

• 6

  Cut four 4-foot lengths of the 2-by-6-inch lumber. These are the seat boards for the bench.

• 7

  Place the four seat boards across the two planters with the ends of the boards resting on the edges of the planters. Screw the boards to the planters.

• 8

  Place a 3-inch layer of gravel in the bottom of each planter box to help with drainage. Fill the box with planting soil.