How to Build a Plant Bench

An old headboard and footboard can be simply repurposed into a simple plant bench. The tools required for this project are no more than what can be found in a typical household garage. The headboard and footboard can come from any size bed and can be made from either wood or metal. But what sets this bench apart from other benches that may grace a garden is that it is designed to hold only plants and not a human. In doing so, the "seat itself" can be any size that will hold the vegetation that is planned to grace the seat. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1




A workbench or pole can act as a support for the headboard.

Tie the headboard to a secure object, such as a heavy workbench, using a bungee cord.

2




Precise measurement is important when creating the "arms" of the bench.

Measure and mark the footboard so that it is divided in half.

3




If a circular saw is not available, use a handsaw to cut the footboard.

Cut the footboard along the mark using a circular saw. This cut creates the "arms" of the bench.

4




When predrilling the holes, make sure not to splinter the wood.

Drill four 3/16-inch holes into each "arm." Screw the "arms" into each side of the headboard with 1/4-inch by 1 1/2-inch screws.

5




Scraps of wood can be used to create the box support if enough is available.

Measure and cut the 2-inch by 4-inch by 10-foot board to form the box support. The size will depend on the length of the headboard and the length of the "arms" of the bench.

6




Wood screws are all that is needed to hold the bench together.

Predrill two 3/16-inch holes in each end of the box support pieces. Attach to the built bench frame using 1/4-inch by 2 1/2-inch screws. Attach support steel brackets under each corner using 1/4-inch by 2 1/2-inch screws.

7




Wooden planks will create the "seat" for the plants.

Create the seat by cutting strips of the 1-inch by 4-inch by 10-foot board into lengths that are the same width as the bench. Predrill one 3/16-inch hole per board on each end of the strip and secure to the box support using 1/4-inch by 2 1/2-inch screws.

8




Sandpaper will rough up the surface enough so that the finish can be applied.

Gently sand the whole plant bench and apply a protective coating of paint or shellac.