DIY Patio Planter Bench Plans

Decorative benches can be purchased from your local hardware store, but building your own is less expensive. Designing your own bench can make the piece more interesting by adding things such as decorative cushions or by painting it. The planter are a nice touch to add to your bench on each end.

Since the planter bench is outside, you may want to consider using a weather-resistant wood that also acts as an insect repellant. If you are unable to afford the type of wood that is best for your bench, then consider staining your bench and use a water sealant to prevent any potential rotting.

Creating your own patio bench can be an easy task to accomplish. You will start out by visiting your local hardware store to pick up all of the supplies that you will need. The supplies will include: a drill, a half-inch drill bit, wrench, galvanized screws that are four inches long, 2 boards that are 2x4 inches and six feet long, eight lag bolts, sandpaper, clear sealant, 4 boards that are 2x4 inches and two feet longs, and four posts that are 4x4 inches.

1. Set out the six foot 2x4’s on the ground parallel to each other. Make sure the 2x4’s are perpendicular to the 6-foot boards. Align the two foot boards with the end of the six-foot boards, forming a rectangle. Space the last two remaining boards two feet apart within the rectangle.


2. Drill two screws through the six foot boards and also into the two foot boards, at the point they connect. This creates the framework of the bench. Stand the post up in each of the four corners. This is to form the legs of the bench.


3. Make sure that each of the legs is flushed inside each corner. Starting at the top edge, drill a hole through the six-foot boards. Put a lag bolt through each hole and fasten with the nut, using the wrench.


4. Drill, two inches from the bottom edge of the frame, through the two-foot boards. Be sure that you do not intersect with the lag bolt that was fastened previously. Use your remaining lag bolts through these holes and tighten with your wrench.


5. Rest the 2x6-inch boards over the top of the frame, running side by side. Leave a half-inch space between each board. Screw two screws through the boards, into each frame.


6. Sand the bench to smooth off any splinters. You can use clear sealant, paint, or a stain that you desire to finish the bench off.


7. On the sides of the bench you can vertically attach the 2x6's, leaving one inch of space to attach the side of each planter using wood screws.


8. The planter box can be built by cutting 2x8s twenty-four inches in length. Make sure that you have on a pair of safety goggles so debris will not get into your eyes. You will need fifteen for each individual box. Use the wood screws to form a square frame by attaching twelve boards together. The remaining three boards should be screwed to form at the bottom. Repeat these steps for an additional planter.


9. If you choose, you can paint or stain the planter, and then add clear water sealant once the paint is completely dried. Move the bench to your desired location and then add your plants.