150+ Outdoor Wooden Storage Bench With Planters ~ My Wood Blog

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Opening: Bringing Beauty and Functionality to Your Outdoor Space Looking to enhance your patio, deck, or garden with a beautiful and functional piece of furniture? Consider building a DIY outdoor wooden storage bench with planters! This project combines seating, storage, and a touch of greenery, making it a fantastic addition to any outdoor area. This guide will walk you through the steps to create your own stunning and practical bench.

Step 1: Planning and Materials Before you begin, careful planning is crucial.

Design and Dimensions: Determine the desired size and style of your bench. Consider the available space and how you plan to use it. Sketch out your design and note the dimensions for each component (bench seat, planter boxes, legs, etc.).

Materials List: Create a detailed materials list based on your design. Common materials include:

Treated lumber (cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine are good choices for outdoor use)
Exterior-grade screws or nails
Wood glue (exterior grade)
Planter liners (plastic or fabric)
Potting soil
Plants
Sandpaper
Wood stain or paint (exterior grade) and sealant

Tools Required: Gather the necessary tools:

Saw (circular saw, miter saw, or hand saw)
Drill/Driver
Measuring tape
Pencil
Square
Clamps
Safety glasses
Gloves

Step 2: Building the Bench Frame This step focuses on constructing the structural support for the bench.

Cutting the Lumber: Cut all the lumber pieces according to your design dimensions. Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.

Assembling the Frame: Construct the bench frame using wood glue and screws. Start by assembling the legs and supports. Ensure all corners are square. Use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries and you drive in the screws.

Adding Support: Add cross supports to the frame for added stability and to prevent sagging. These supports should be evenly spaced.

Step 3: Building the Bench Seat Now, create the seating surface for your bench.

Cutting the Seat Boards: Cut the lumber for the bench seat to the correct length and width.

Attaching the Seat Boards: Attach the seat boards to the frame using screws. Ensure the boards are evenly spaced (if desired) and flush with the frame. Countersink the screws to prevent them from protruding.

Sanding: Sand the entire bench seat to smooth out any rough edges or splinters.

Step 4: Building the Planter Boxes This is where you create the containers for your plants.

Cutting Planter Box Pieces: Cut the lumber pieces for the planter boxes according to your design. Remember to account for the interior dimensions of the liners you will be using.

Assembling the Planter Boxes: Assemble the planter boxes using wood glue and screws. Ensure the boxes are square and sturdy.

Adding Drainage: Drill drainage holes in the bottom of each planter box to prevent waterlogging.

Step 5: Attaching the Planter Boxes to the Bench Integrate the planter boxes into the bench structure.

Positioning the Planter Boxes: Position the planter boxes on either side of the bench seat, aligning them with the frame.

Securing the Planter Boxes: Attach the planter boxes to the bench frame using screws and wood glue. Ensure the boxes are securely attached and level.

Step 6: Finishing and Planting The final touches to complete your project.

Sanding: Sand the entire bench, including the planter boxes, to prepare the surface for finishing.

Staining or Painting: Apply your chosen stain or paint to the entire bench. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time. Apply a sealant to protect the wood from the elements.

Lining the Planter Boxes: Place the planter liners into the planter boxes.

Planting: Fill the planter boxes with potting soil and plant your chosen plants.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your New Outdoor Space Congratulations! You've successfully built a DIY outdoor wooden storage bench with planters. This project not only adds beauty and functionality to your outdoor space but also provides a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Remember to regularly maintain your bench by cleaning it and reapplying sealant as needed to ensure its longevity. Enjoy your new creation!