Raised RAISED Planter Bench

This was the PINING project for me since I bought my house last year. Living in starter home development America, we have to utilize every space available if you want to actually USE your backyard. I also love trying my hand at gardening, which lets face it, needs space. I always new I wanted raised planters and planned to do them bench height. But then got to eying all the amazing outdoor selections on Ana's site and new I wanted to build my own furniture. I wanted the sectional, but that would take out SO much room in my little backyard that I need for play space. I LOVE the idea of outdoor spaces. So I came up with this design. I had a good natural space in this corner of the yard that would be good for seating. So I raised up my planter idea to a low wall and added bench seating off the front and voila. I never thought I would be able to afford it. I toyed around with lots of options, some running upwards of $800 just for lumber. Then I saw Ana build her planters out of fence posts. GENIUS. I love cheaper wood options. So I used 3.5 inch dog eared Redwood posts and the total of everything including LOTS of screws and treatment for both my new "wood wall" and the cinderblock wall behind was around $310.00 I used special screws to anchor into the cinderblock wall, and then added tie wire to the wooden wall itself to keep the space even with all the pressure dirt will put on this when filled. I used a belt sander to make fairly quick of evening out the immense roughness of the fence post. I then used several coats of a weatherproofing finish to hopefully keep it nice for a while I put as intermediate project not because it was particularly hard to build but because it took A LOT of planning time and various stages that should be followed for an easier process. EX: I was anxious to get the wall part up and did not do the treatment to the wall first. That meant that I then had to climb in between the two walls (24 inch space) on a 106 degree day (let me tell you that now I know why most plants die when planted next to cinderblock walls. I have never sweat so much in my life!!!!) and reach over and climb under wires within the wall space to paint the sealant on the wall. IN HIND SITE: I build my support posts with 2x2 because they were also a lot cheaper, but I might spring for the actual sturdy 2x4. Not totally done yet, as you can see the pavers underneath need some work, but I can't wait to try this out and get it filled to plant this fall.

Specifications

Project type	Bench
Room	Outdoor
Style	Modern Style Furniture Plans
Difficulty	Intermediate
Estimated cost	$150 - $200

Shopping List

16 2x2 @8ft 46 3.5 @6ft fence post deck screws or outdoor screws outdoor sealant or deck stain

Cut List

For 2x2 Planter parts 3 @ 75" 3 @ 50.5" 3 @ 33" 3 @ 24.5" 8 @ 55" 2x2 Bench pieces 1 @ 76.5" 1 @ 56" 2 @ 47.5" 2 @ 17" 4 @ 16" 3.5" x 6' Fence post 46 @ 48" 30 @ 20.5"

Tools

measuring tape
square
pencil
hammer
safety glasses
drill
compound miter saw
sander
level

Step-by-step Instructions

I built each wall piece separate to installing and screwing together.

The 48" measurement in this picture is just to the ground level. If you want to put your posts in the ground you need to add inches to each cut.

Step 2

I found the kreg jig very useful when putting this piece together. You might want to build the whole thing before putting it on the wall and then make sure it is level before cutting your legs. It depends on what your ground level material and slope are.

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/raised-raised-planter-bench