Steps
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How to Build a Planter Bench
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How to Build a Planter Bench Overview
Step One
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How to Build a Planter Bench
How to Build a Planter Bench Overview
Illustration by Gregory Nemec
DAY-TO-DAY TIMELINE
Friday: Cut the boards and excavate the planter footings (Steps 1–3).
Saturday: Level the base and build the planters and seat (Steps 4 and 5).
Sunday: Cut the short planter's opening and trim the tall planter (Steps 6 and 7).
CUT LIST
2x4 planter pieces: 4 per course @ 16½ inches
2x4 seat frame front and back: 2 @ 82½ inches
2x4 seat frame crosspieces: 8 @ 17 inches
2x4 blocking: 4 @ 13 inches
2x6 seat boards: 4 @ 63 inches
2x6 cap: 4 @ 24 inches from long point to long point
The dimensions of our finished bench: 84"L × 23"D × 18"H
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Assemble the Seat Frame
Step Three
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How to Build a Planter Bench
Assemble the Seat Frame
Set the seat frame pieces on edge with the two sides and a center stringer sandwiched between the front and back boards. Drive 3-inch screws through the front and back boards and into the ends of the three crosspieces, as shown.
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Lay Out the Planter Bases
Step Five
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How to Build a Planter Bench
Lay Out the Planter Bases
Stand the seat frame on edge to line up the planter boxes, and decide which end gets the tall one. Arrange four boards against the frame on the ground in a pinwheel brick pattern—a frame with each board butting into the tail edge of the next as you work clockwise. Line up the base of the tall one flush with the end of the seat frame; for the short planter, inset the base so that it lines up with the inside edge of the frame at the end, as shown. This overhang creates a decorative cap for the short planter.
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Lay the Second Course
Step Ten
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How to Build a Planter Bench
Lay the Second Course
Using a caulk gun, apply adhesive in a zigzag on top of the boards. For strength, lay the second course in the reverse direction so that each board overlaps a joint on the first course. This is lap joinery.
TOH Tip: As you add courses, run a block along the corner joints to ensure that the ends of the lapped boards sit flush with the sides.
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Assemble the Inner Frame
Step Fourteen
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How to Build a Planter Bench
Assemble the Inner Frame
Since its boards sit on edge, you need an inner frame to make up for the width of the other courses. Place two crosspieces on edge flush to the inside walls of the planter, then cut two shorter pieces to fit between them, also flush to the inside walls. Mark where the pieces meet one another, remove them, screw them together, and pop the inner frame back into place. Screw through the seat frame into the inner frame's crosspieces. To secure the assembly, drive 3-inch screws at an angle through the inside edges of the inner frame and into the planters, as shown. Now position, glue, and nail four more courses onto the box that will become the tall planter.
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Install the Seat Boards
Step Fifteen
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How to Build a Planter Bench
Install the Seat Boards
Add a frame stringer alongside the tall planter, but not touching it, to support the seat boards. Position them ¼ inch from the tall planter and overhanging the frame at the opposite end by 1½ inches. Leave a ⅜-inch gap between the boards, and let the front and back boards hang over the seat frame an equal distance. Sink 2-inch screws through the seat boards and into the framing.
TOH Tip: Be sure to start with the clutch of your drill/driver on a low setting when driving stainless-steel screws—they strip easily.
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Cut the Planter Opening
Step Sixteen
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How to Build a Planter Bench
Cut the Planter Opening
Peek between the seat boards, and lay out cutlines with a straightedge. Insert the jigsaw blade between the seat boards and cut along the inside edges of the planter, as shown.
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Miter the Cap Pieces
Step Seventeen
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How to Build a Planter Bench
Miter the Cap Pieces
On a 1¼x6 board, use a Speed Square to draw opposing 45-degree angles so that the distance from short point to short point equals the inside edge of the tall planter. Using a circular saw guided by the Speed Square, cut the lines. Repeat to create three additional cap pieces.