How to Build a Tree Bench

If you have a tree you would love to sit under and read a book or relax over a drink with friends, consider building seating around it. You could just build a simple bench or lawn chairs. But to really create a focal point, you can build a six-sided bench to wrap around your favorite tree. Add attractiveness and function to to the tree with a custom build.

Things You'll Need

• Reel style tape measure
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• 5/4-by-6-inch full, dimensional cedar lumber
• Miter saw
• 1/4-inch shims
• Straight edge
• 12 cedar boards, 2-by-4, 18 1/2-inches long
• Stainless-steel 3-inch wood screws
• Screw gun
• 24 cedar boards, 2-by-6, 16 inches long
• 12 zinc or galvanized heavy-duty straps
• Stainless-steel 1-inch wood screws

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of the tree at a height of 18 inches with a reel-style tape measure. Add 6 inches for an older tree and 12 inches for a younger tree. Divide the total by 1.75. The resulting number is the inside measurement of the inner seat board. This calculation will accommodate for growth.

2. Mark the measurement of the inner seat seat board on one end of a 5/4-by-6 dimensional board, using a pencil. Set the miter saw to make a 30-degree cut. The inside of the cuts should cut at the measurement marks. The result will be a trapezoidal board with the short side measuring the calculated measurement of the inner seat board. This is the template.

3. Place the template on a work surface with the inner edge facing you. Lay two dimensional boards parallel to the template on the long side. Insert 1/4-inch spacers between the boards and the template to create an evenly spaced grouping.

4. Extend the angle on the template across the grouping on both ends, using a straight edge. This will give you a template for the middle and outer seat boards. Cut out each template with the miter saw.

5. Cut six sets of outer, middle and inner seat boards on the miter saw out of the dimensional lumber.

6. Place an outer, middle and inner board parallel to each other spaced at 1/4 inch apart with spacers. Group the remaining five sets in this manner. Lay one 2-by-4-by-18 1/2-inch board perpendicular across the groupings at the position where the edges are angled at both ends of the boards. The 4-inch face of the board should be against the seat boards. These are the seat cleats.

7. Drive 3-inch stainless-steel screws through the seat cleats into the bottom of the seat boards to fasten the seat assemblies together, using a screw gun. This is the bottom of the seat assembly.

8. Position the 2-by-6-by-16-inch boards so that the 2-by-6-inch end is flat against the seat boards. The 6-inch face of the boards should be against the inside edge of the seat cleats. These are the legs. The outside edge of the legs should be flush with the ends of the cleats.

9. Drive 3-inch screws through the legs into the seat cleats to fasten the legs to the seat assemblies, using the screw gun. You will have four legs per seat assembly.

10. Place the assemblies around the tree. Fit the joints together to form the six-sided bench. Screw a heavy-duty strap at the joints on the bottom in the center of each inner and outer seat board, using 1-inch stainless-steel wood screws and the screw gun.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the wood natural to create a rustic seating area as the wood weathers.

• Apply a wood finish to match your exterior trim if you prefer a less rustic effect.

• You may need to bury some of the legs in the soil around the tree to achieve a level seat.

• Wear eye protection when working with wood.

References

• This Old House: How to Build a Tree Bench
• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Design and Build a Custom Tree Bench

Resources

• Iowa State University Extension: Finishing Exterior Wood Surfaces