How to Build a Bench Planter for a Deck

If you have limited deck space, you want to make the best use of your available area. One way to do this is to create a functional unit that incorporates both seating and room for greenery. A planter bench accomplishes both of these tasks in a compact, movable unit, and building one isn't difficult for an experienced do-it-yourselfer.

Things You'll Need

• ½-inch plywood
• 1-by-2-inch pressure-treated lumber
• 2-by-4-inch pressure-treated lumber.
• Circular saw or jigsaw
• Wood glue
• Drill
• Wood screws
• Finishing nails
• Measuring tape
• Carpenter's square
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Cut six pieces of plywood 2 feet by 2 feet each, and four pieces of plywood 1 inch shorter on one side. Check each section with a carpenter's square before and after cutting. Stand two of the 2-foot square plywood sections 4 feet apart. These will serve as sides of the planter boxes.

2. Cut four sections of 2-by-4-inch lumber 4 feet long each. Position two of the sections between the two plywood sections, 2 inches lower than the top edge of the plywood. The 2-by-4 sections should be 16 inches apart. Drill pilot holes and attach the 2-by-4 lumber to the plywood with wood screws. Repeat the process for the bottom of the plywood sections. The top 2-by-4 sections will serve as crosspieces for the bench.

3. Lay out two more 2-foot square plywood sections so they form the bottom of the planter box on each side of the 2-by-4 sections. Drill three or four holes through these bottom sections to promote drainage. Line the bottom edge of the two standing sections with wood glue. Set the standing plywood sections on the bottom sections and press down to help the wood glue adhere.

4. Build the other sides of the boxes with the remaining plywood sections. Place the remaining 2-foot square sections opposite those connected by the bench, and insert the narrower sections to form the front and back sides of the planters. Fasten all joints with wood glue and allow the assembly to dry for 24 hours. \When the assembly is dry, drill pilot holes and insert wood screws to secure all joints.

5. Cut 16 sections of 1-by-2-inch lumber. The ends of the sections should be cut at a 45-degree angle so that one side is 2 feet long (the width and length of the planter boxes), and the other side is longer. These will serve as the trim pieces for your planters. Use wood glue to affix trim pieces around the top and bottom of your planters. Secure with finishing nails.

6. Cut enough 18-inch sections of 1-by-2 lumber to cover your bench. These pieces will sit across the crosspieces you made from the 2-by-4 lumber. Nail the slats in place or drill pilot holes and secure the bench slats with wood screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes while completing this project.

References

• Ron Hazelton: How to Build a Planter Bench
• "New Fix It Yourself Manual;" Reader's Digest Staff; 1996