🖼️
The project:
I was searching for outdoor benches for my outdoor patio and stumbled across a nice one with planter boxes. It would've cost $900 to purchase and I thought i could build something similar for less. I am by no means a handyman but it seemed like a straightforward design. After all the costs I ended up producing it for approximately $450 which I am very happy with. Total bench size including planters is 2.44m wide, .56m deep, .5m high. You can adjust size to suit your area but just keep in mind adjustments to measurements according to width of merbau decking boards.
- Materials:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-45mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-3-0m_p8032174
X 7
https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-19mm-5-7m-merbau-joined-set-length-pre-oiled-decking_p0177416
I purchased 17 X 3m lengths
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bremick-10g-x-50mm-black-stainless-steel-304-t20-trim-decking-screws-502tbl-100-pack_p0611066
X 1
https://www.bunnings.com.au/titan-14g-x-125mm-cl3-gal-bugle-batten-screw-100-pack_p0579083
- Tools:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-1600w-210mm-8-corded-compound-mitre-saw_p0025645
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-13mm-cordless-brushless-hammer-drill-kit-pxbhdk-250_p0299322
- Step 1:
Using the mitre saw cut treated pine beams at 2400mm for the frame x 4. Cut small joining base beams @ 360mm and upright beams @ 360mm. Screw parts together using bugle batten screws
- Step 2:
Cut peices of merbau to fit sides of frame at 540mm x 10 (5 for each side)
Add spacers @ 3mm between each board and secure with decking screws. Ensure to measure correct distances for decking screws to be even.
- Step 3:
Cut merbau decking boards at 2400mm (x 10) for front and back of bench.
Secure using the decking screws and using 3mm spacers again.
- Step 4:
Cut merbau decking peices for seating area of bench @ 1400m
Use spacers @ 3mm and decking screws to secure.
- Step 5:
Cut peices of merbau decking at 45 degree angles at width of 510mm and 540mm deep to create planter boxes.
- Step 6:
Add planter box drainable containers to add soil and plants of your choice. I have added potted plants temporarily until deciding on preferred options.
- Step 7:
I'm in the process of adding low profile lockable wheels for manoeuvrability.
The entire build took me approximately 12 hours.
