DIY Wood Planter Bench Projects

Materials and Tools

• Since the planter bench will be outside, consider constructing it of weather-resistant wood. Cedar and cypress are especially good choices and cedar is also insect-resistant. The wood will develop a natural patina as it ages and turn from reddish to silvery. If your budget is tight, consider purchasing pine or oak and staining it to the desired color. Treat pine and oak with a water seal to prevent rot. Purchase 2-by-6s for the bench and 2-by-8s for the planters.

  If you do not own a saw and do not plan to rent one, home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot typically will offer the first two cuts for free. Additional cuts are also available for a small fee. Bring your measurements when you initially purchase the wood because the free cuts are only good on the day of purchase.

  Buy wood screws approximately 3 inches long. Shorter screws will not secure as well through the 2-by-4, which can later cause the bench to become unstable. You will also need a drill and paintbrush if you plan to stain or paint the bench.

Construction

• Start by building the planter boxes. If you did not have the wood cut at the store, cut the 2-by-8s for the boxes in 24-inch lengths. Wear safety goggles so the debris do not get into your eyes. You will need 15 for each box. Attach 12 together with wood screws to form a square frame. The final dimensions should be a 24-inch square that is 24 inches tall. Flip the frame over and screw the remaining three lengths to form the bottom. Repeat for the other planter.

  Create the bench with 2-by-6s spaced across the span between the planters. To prevent sagging in the middle, the bench should be no more than 4 feet across. To make the bench even more sturdy, attach the 2-by-6s vertically instead of horizontally, leaving a 1-inch space between each slat. Attach to the side of each planter using wood screws.

  Paint or stain if desired and wait until completely dry before adding a clear water seal. Once the water seal has dried, move the planter bench to its intended destination, then add plants. It is advisable to move the bench first because once the potting soil and plants are added, the bench may be too heavy to lift.