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Build a modular planter bench

By Bunnings magazine /

A planter bench photographed on a timber deck

How to make a D.I.Y. modular planter bench

Build budget-friendly boxes from timber boards to create versatile pieces for a deck, verandah or patio. This tiered trio can be scaled up (or down) by adapting the number of slats and length of uprights. Using H3 treated pine, galvanised screws and exterior paint helps to weatherproof them. The planters are designed to hold potted plants, not function as raised beds, increasing their longevity and making seasonal displays super simple to create and change.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Cut your timber to size

Following the below cutting list, measure and mark the primed 92mm x 18mm H3 pine, then cut to length with a mitre saw, sanding off any breakout. 

Bench seat

• Side slats 675mm (8)
• Top slats 675mm (7) 
• End slats 635mm (8) 
• Base cleats 635mm (2)
• Top cleat 635mm
• Uprights 380mm (8)

Planter 1

• Side slats 675mm (10) 
• Base slats 675mm (3) 
• Uprights 480mm (4)
• End slats 300mm (10)
• Cleats 300mm (2)

Planter 2

• Side slats 675mm (12) 
• Base slats 675mm (3)
• Uprights 575mm (4)
• End slats 300mm (12)
• Cleats 300mm (2)

2Cut and paint

Following the cutting list, measure and mark the primed 92mm x 18mm H3 pine, then cut to length with a mitre saw, sanding off any breakout. Using a roller, paint all pieces around the ends, sides and one face, leaving to dry. Repeat to paint the other face and apply a second coat around the edges and ends, to ensure they are sealed. Leave to dry.
A hand using a roller to paint decking boards white

3Make side panels

For the bench and planters, working on one at a time, set out the side slats with 20mm screws as spacers, using a builder’s square to line up the ends. Use pine offcuts as spacers to position the uprights 20mm in from the ends, flush with the top and base. Predrill offset holes into each slat and secure with 30mm screws.
A drill shown drilling holes in a planter bench side panel

4Build bench

Repeat Step 2 to make the end panels, then position them against the bench sides, predrill into the uprights and secure. Position top slats, edges flush with the sides, using screws as spacers, then predrill and secure. Position top cleat inside across top slats, predrill and secure.
A hand uses a drill to fix planter bench pieces toget

5Build planters

Position the end slats against side panel uprights, lining them up using screws as spacers, then predrill two holes into each joint and secure. Position the base slats flush with the sides and centred to create even gaps, predrill and secure. Tip: Predrill holes 9mm in from the edges.
The underside of a planter

6Add castors

For the bench, on the underside, position the base cleats on the uprights, predrill and secure. For the planters, position the cleats across the ends to secure. Position castors, with brakes on diagonally opposite corners, mark through the plates to drill 3mm-deep starter holes, and secure with 20mm button screws.
Castors added to the corner of a planter bench

7Sand and paint

Sand holes to remove any breakout, smooth over with timber filler and leave to dry. Sand off excess filler, wipe away dust with a damp cloth, then apply two coats of paint to planters and bench, inside and out. Tip: Use offcuts to make plinths for inside the planters to raise 250mm plastic pots in saucers, see box (top left).
A plinth for a planter bench

8Quick plinths

Use offcuts to make plinths for inside the planters to raise 250mm plastic pots in saucers. Cut pieces to fit, paint to seal the cut edges, assemble with predrilled holes and 30mm screws, then apply two coats of exterior paint.
A plinth for a planter bench

9Ready to make more outdoor furniture?

Check out this D.I.Y. guide to making modular outdoor seating.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.