Build This DIY Modern Bench Planter This Weekend

Functional & Iconic

This modern bench planter takes two proven sellers—a tall planter and a bench—and merges them into one clean, functional outdoor piece. The result? A project that looks high-end, builds with simple materials, and has serious selling potential.

Best part? You can knock this out in a weekend using common lumber.

Let’s walk through exactly how to build it step-by-step.

Materials & Tools

One of the best parts about this project is that you don’t need expensive lumber.

Lumber

• Fence pickets (for planter panels)

• 2x4 boards (for bench supports)

• 2x lumber (for bench slats)

Hardware

• Pocket hole screws

• 1" exterior screws

• 1 ¾" screws

• 2" screws

• Wood glue

• Brad nails or staples

Tools

• Table saw (or circular saw)

• Miter saw

• Drill/driver

• Pocket hole jig

• Clamps

• Stapler or nailer

Time To Bring Your Modern Bench Planter To Life

Step 1: Prep and Rip Your Material

Start by ripping your fence pickets down to:

• 2 ½ inches wide (standard size for most parts)

Some pieces will be narrower—just rip those as needed.

This consistent width is what makes the whole build simple and repeatable.

Step 2: Cut the Planter Frame Parts

Legs (per planter)

• 8 pieces total

• Length: 28 ½ inches

• 4 at 2 ½" wide

• 4 at 2" wide

Rails

• Front/back rails:

  • 4 pieces at 6 ¼ inches

• Side rails:

  • 4 pieces at 18 ½ inches

All rails are 2 ½" wide.

Step 3: Assemble the Frames

You’ll build 4 frames per planter:

• 2 front/back frames

• 2 side frames

How to assemble:

1. Drill pocket holes in each end of your rails

2. Attach rails between legs using:

   • Pocket hole screws

   • Wood glue (recommended for strength)

3. Clamp everything square before fastening

Repeat until all frames are built.

Step 4: Cut and Install Panel Boards

Panel boards:

• Front/back panels:

  • 22 boards at 9 ¼ inches

• Side panels:

  • 22 boards at 21 ½ inches

Installation:

1. Start your first board:

   • Flush with the bottom

   • Offset:

     • 1" from edge (front/back)

     • ½" from edge (sides)

2. Attach using:

   • Wood glue

   • Staples or brad nails

3. Continue stacking boards tightly side-by-side

💡 Important:
Boards must start flush at the bottom so weight transfers directly to the ground (especially important for the bench).

Step 5: Add Decorative Trim Strips

Cut:

• 12 strips total

• Length: 23 ½ inches

• Width: 1 inch

Spacing (side panels):

• 2 13/16"

• 6 5/8"

• 10 7/16"

• 14 ¼"

Attach:

• Line strips to marks

• Nail or staple in place

This step adds that clean, modern detail that really elevates the look.

Step 6: Build Bench Supports

Rip 2x4 into:

• 1 ½" x 1 ½" boards

Cut:

Support rails:

• 4 pieces at 18 inches

Seat supports:

• 3 pieces at 22 ½ inches

• 5° angle on both ends

Back supports:

• 3 pieces at 13 7/8 inches

• 22.5° top angle

• 17° bottom angle

Assembly:

1. Attach back support to seat support

2. Position:

   • 5" down from top

3. Secure with screws

Repeat for all 3 brackets.

Step 7: Attach Supports to Planter Panels

1. Choose inner-facing side panels

2. Install vertical support blocks:

   • Flush with bottom

   • ½" from edge

3. Attach bench brackets:

   • Align angles

   • Screw through panel into supports

These supports transfer the bench weight directly to the ground.

Step 8: Assemble the Planter Boxes

1. Pre-drill front/back panels at:

   • 1"

   • 6"

   • 13 ½"

   • 21"

   • 27"

   2. Attach panels together with:

   • 1" exterior screws

     3. Make sure:

   • Bench supports are facing inward

Now you have two complete planter boxes.

Step 9: Install the Loft Floor

Cut a board:

7" x 9"

Slide it between the front and back loft walls.

Nail it in place.

This becomes the floor of the birdhouse portion.

Step 10: Add Top Trim

Cut trim (45° ends):

• Front/back: 13 ¼ inches

• Sides: 25 ½ inches

Install:

• 1" screws

• 1" overhang on all sides

This gives the planter a finished, high-end look.

Step 11: Build and Install Bench Slats

Cut:

• 14 slats

• Length: 46 inches

• Width: 1 inch

Prep:

• Pre-drill holes:

  • ¾" from edges

  • Center support at 23"

Install:

1. First slat (front)

2. Top back slat

3. Install center brace

4. Fill remaining slats:

   • Use 1" spacing

Attach using 2" screws.

Finishing Options

This build looks great in a variety of styles:

Modern

• Black frame + natural wood slats

Rustic

• Stained wood + distressed edges

Clean outdoor look

• Solid stain or painted finish

Ready To Build?

This is one of those builds that checks all the boxes:

• Simple construction

• Clean design

• Strong visual impact

• Real selling potential

Yeah, there are a few steps—but nothing complicated. Just a series of straightforward builds stacked together into one solid project.

And once you build one…

You’ll probably end up building a few more.

Whether you’re new to woodworking or a seasoned pro, this project offers the perfect mix of functionality and creativity. Below I have the YouTube video linked for a step-by-step video tutorial for you to follow along with. If you’re a more “plans in the hand” person, click “Get Plan” down below for downloadable instructions. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into woodworking, check out my new course, “Woodworking Kickstart” (which is also linked below). It’s packed with step-by-step lessons to help you build confidence and skills, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced DIYer. You’ll be building with confidence in no time.

Remember, creativity doesn’t have to be expensive; all you need is a little inspiration and a willingness to try.

Get Easy Step-By-Step Directions to build this by clicking the button below

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