Free Outdoor Bench Plans

If you want to learn more about building an outdoor bench, you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. Therefore, this project will show you, step by step, how to build a wooden bench with two planters attached. Although this requires many cuts, the end result will enhance the look of your backyard and add value to your home.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional garden swing. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather.

Free Outdoor Bench Plans

Building a garden planter bench

Materials

• 1 – 48 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 15″ PLANTERS
• 2 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 84″, 5 pieces – 12″ SEAT FRAME
• 3 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 14 3/4″, 2 pieces – 8″ FRAME
• 4 – 8 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 19″ TRIMS
• 5 – 3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 52″ long SEAT

• 11 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
• 200 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• 50 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
• 200 pieces of 2″ brad nails
• wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One day

Made from this plans

Building a planter bench

Assembling the planters

The first step is to assemble the planters for the bench. Add waterproof glue to the joints, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to assemble the planter.

Planters

Add more layers till you get to the desired height.

Assembling the seat frame

Next, you need to build the seat frame. Cut the components from 2×4 beams. Drill pilot holes through the long beams and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports. Make sure the corners are right angled.

Fitting the seat frame

Attach the seat frame to the planters and align everything with attention. Drill pilot holes through the frame and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the planters.

Fitting the frame to the right planter

Next, you need to build a frame from 2x4s that will support the top trims of the planter. Assemble the frame and then fit it to the planter, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the seat frame and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the small frame.

Adding more layers to the left planter

Next, you could add more layers to one planter of the bench. However, you can add more layers to both planters or to none of them. It all depends on your tastes.

Assembling the top trims

Use 1×6 lumber for the top trims. Cut both ends of the slats at 45 degrees and lock them together with glue and 2″ brad nails. Align the edges with attention for a professional result.

Fitting the top trims

Fit the trims to the top of the planters, as shown in the plans. Lock them into place with 2″ brad nails.

Fitting the seat slats

Attach the 1×6 seat slats to the frame. Place a piece of 1/4″ plywood between the slats to create consistent gaps. In this manner, the water will drain easily. Use 1 1/4″ screws to lock the slats to the frame.

Building a planter bench

Fill the gaps with putty and smooth the surface with 80-220 grit sandpaper. See all furniture plans HERE.

Planter bench plans

We recommend you to check if the components are locked into place properly and structure is rigid enough for your garden. Make sure there are no protruding screws or sharp edges.

PRO TIP: Fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper. Apply several coats of paint or stain over the components, in order to protect them from decay. Check out the rest of the project to learn more about building garden projects.

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