How to Build a Wood Planter Bench

Building a planter bench can be complex if you plan to build the whole thing from scratch. However, if you use store-bought planters, the job of converting them into a planter bench is much simpler. An attractive slatted wooden bench top goes well with ceramic planters and will add a compelling touch to any porch or patio. Basic woodworking skills are all that is required, so even newcomers to do-it-yourself building projects should be able to make their own planter bench.

5 planks 1-by-3 lumber, 72 inches
4 planks 1-by-3 lumber, 17 inches
1 1/2-inch deck screws
Drill
Scribe
Scroll saw
2 ceramic planters, 20 inches high, 10-inch rims

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out five planks of 72-inch 1-by-3 lumber flat on a work surface, with each plank parallel with the rest and one-half inch apart. This will mean there is 17 inches between the outer two planks.
- 2
  Place two 17-inch planks of 1-by-3 lumber across all the parallel planks, 5 inches in from each end of the 72-inch planks. Place another two 17-inch planks 14 inches in from the first two.
- 3
  Secure the 17-inch planks to the 72-inch planks with two 1 1/2-inch deck screws through the 17-inch planks into each of the 72-inch planks. This is the bench top.
- 4
  Scribe a 12-inch diameter circle centered between each of the end 17-inch planks and the ones 14 inches further along. Use a scroll saw to cut out the circle.
- 5
  Stand two ceramic planters, with a rough dimension of 20-inches tall and with around 10-inch rims, around 38 inches apart.
- 6
  Fit the rims of the planters through the circles you cut out from the bench top. The 17-inch planks should be on the underside of the bench top. The bench top should sit a few inches below the rim of the planters.

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