Constructing Outdoor Seating: DIY Benches and Planters
Ah, the great outdoors – where the sun shines, the birds sing, and the possibilities for cozy seating and lush greenery are positively endless. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been dreaming of transforming your patio, porch, or garden into a veritable oasis of relaxation and natural beauty. Well, my friends, today is your lucky day, because I’m about to share the secrets to creating the perfect DIY outdoor seating setup, complete with charming planters and benches that will have your guests swooning.
Planting the Seeds of Inspiration
It all started a few weeks ago when I was scouring the internet for some inspiration to spruce up the barren expanse of concrete that is our front porch. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good minimalist aesthetic as much as the next person, but there’s only so much blank space a gal can take before the desire to add some greenery and cozy seating starts to take over.
That’s when I stumbled upon the most delightful DIY planter benches from Woodshop Diaries. Talk about a game-changer! These planters not only provided the perfect spot to showcase my budding gardening skills, but they also doubled as charming outdoor benches – talk about a two-for-one special.
Constructing the Perfect Planter Bench
Once I had my inspiration, I couldn’t wait to get started. I gathered up my tools, my (questionable) DIY skills, and a whole lot of determination, and set out to bring these planter benches to life. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Jen, I’m no master carpenter! How on earth am I supposed to build something this complex?” Fear not, my friends, because I’m here to walk you through the process step by step.
First things first, let’s talk about the materials. For this project, you’re going to want to opt for a weather-resistant wood like cedar or treated pine. I went with cedar for my planters, as it’s naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor projects. And when it comes to the size, the Woodshop Diaries plans suggest an overall size of 27″ tall, 15.5″ deep, and 73″ wide, but you can certainly adjust those dimensions to suit your specific needs.
Now, the real fun begins with the construction. Using a table saw (or a good old-fashioned miter saw if that’s more your speed), you’ll want to start by cutting your 2×2 pieces for the planter frames. Once those are ready, it’s time to assemble the boxes using those trusty exterior screws. Just be sure to pre-drill your holes to prevent any pesky splitting.
Dressing Up the Planters
Alright, so the frames are up, but we’re not done yet. Let’s add a little flair to those planters, shall we? I’m talking decorative X-shaped trim, people! Woodshop Diaries has a handy video that shows you how to add this touch of rustic charm without having to do any complicated math. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.
Once the X-shaped trim is in place, it’s time to add the planter sides. I used cedar fence pickets for this, but you could also opt for standard 1×6 boards if you prefer. Just be sure to measure and cut each piece to fit snugly inside the frame, leaving a little bit of wiggle room for those inevitable variations in the wood.
The Bench of Dreams
Now, the real showstopper – the bench. This is where we really take these planters to the next level. According to the Woodshop Diaries plan, all you need are a few more 2x4s and some cedar fence pickets for the seat. Just attach the front and back supports to the inside of the planter frames, add the short pieces in between, and then screw in those beautiful bench slats. Easy peasy, right?
Bringing it All Together
Alright, the hard part is done, and now it’s time for the fun stuff – adding the plants! I decided to go with some lush Dieffenbachia plants from Reading General Contractor, as they’re known for their vibrant foliage and ability to thrive in both sun and shade. But the beauty of these DIY planter benches is that you can really get creative with your plant choices, swapping them out with the seasons for a constantly evolving display of natural beauty.
And let’s not forget the finishing touches. I added some cute decorative finials to the corners of my planters, just to give them that extra bit of charm. But you can really make these benches your own by incorporating any little details that speak to your personal style.
The Final Reveal
Well, there you have it, folks – my journey to creating the perfect DIY outdoor seating setup. And let me tell you, the final result is nothing short of breathtaking. Those planter benches have completely transformed our once-barren porch into a cozy, inviting oasis. I can’t wait to spend countless hours out here, sipping my morning coffee and watching the world go by.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tools, your green thumb, and a whole lot of determination, and let’s get to work on creating your very own outdoor sanctuary. Trust me, the effort is more than worth it.
