Exokire the joy of DIY and add a touch of rustic elegance to your garden with this DIY log bench project. Perfect for those who love to merge the beauty of nature with the satisfaction of creating something useful, this project will not only provide a quaint seating area but also incorporates planters for your favorite flowers or herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to embark on a new adventure, follow these steps to create a log bench that’ll be the envy of all your neighbors.
DIY Log Bench Project
Materials Needed:
- Twelve 8-foot garden timbers (available at hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s)
- 10×3 1/2 inch wood screws
- Wood stain
- Polyurethane for finishing
- Seven 3/8 inch dowels
- Wood Glue (Titebond recommended)
- Heavy-duty gardening plastic or weed barrier
- Plants and soil for planting
Tools Required:
- Miter saw or table saw (a hand saw is an option, but will require more effort)
- Drill with pilot hole bit and a 3/8 inch drill bit
- Staple gun or staples
- Hand sander with sandpaper (grits: 50, 80, 100, 220, 320, 400)
- Stain and finish brush
- A level (optional)
Step-by-Step Creation Process:
Prepare the Timber
Sanding: Before cutting, sand the timbers up to an 80 grit to smooth any rough edges. After cutting them to the required sizes, sand the newly cut edges as well.
Cutting: Cut eleven of the garden timbers as per the following dimensions:
- 2 pieces of 83-1/2 inches for the top back and front of the bench.
- 24 pieces of 12-1/2 inches and 20 pieces of 18 inches for the sides of the planters.
- 3 pieces of 48 inches for the bench seat.
- 2 pieces of 15-1/2 inches for seat support.
- 8 pieces of 4 inches for the feet.
Constructing the Planters
- Assembly: With the pieces cut, proceed by creating the sides of the planters. Connect two 12-1/2 inch pieces with an 18 inch piece on top using wood glue, then drill and screw them together. Repeat until you have five layers of planters.
- Stack and Secure: Stack the five layers atop each other, securing each layer with screws to form the planters.
Assembling the Bench
- Bench Back and Seat Support: Position an 83-1/2 inch timber across the back of the planters as the back of the bench. Secure it with screws. Attach the 15-1/2 inch pieces as seat supports on the outer edge of each planter.
- Seat Placement: Arrange the 48 inch pieces and two of the 12-1/2 inch pieces to form the seating area. Center this assembly between the two planters and secure it in place.
- Front Piece: Lay the other 83-1/2 inch timber along the front of the planters and fasten it with screws, completing the main bench structure.
- Feet Installation: If desired, attach the 4-inch feet to the bottom of the planters for elevation.
Final Touches – Staining and Finishing
- Stain: Choose your stain (the example used Early American 230) and apply to all exterior surfaces of the bench, excluding the planter interiors to avoid harming plants.
- Polyurethane: After the stain dries, apply a coat of polyurethane to protect and seal the wood. Three coats are recommended for a lasting finish.
Planting
- Weed Barrier: Line the interior of the planters with gardening plastic, securing it with staples. This step helps prevent soil leakage and weed intrusion.
- Planting: Add your plants and then fill the planters with soil, leveling it gently around the plants.
Celebrate Your Creation
With the bench assembled, stained, and planters filled, find the perfect spot in your garden to place your new log bench. This project not only adds a functional and attractive element to your outdoor space but also serves as a testament to your DIY skills and creativity.
Embark on this project with enthusiasm, and soon, you’ll have a delightful log bench nestled in your garden, ready to provide a serene spot for relaxation and enjoyment of your greenery.
Leave a Reply