Are you looking for a way to add a little green to your patio or deck while making summer entertaining a bit easier? You can build a planter bench with storage for all your outdoor entertaining needs!

What Do I Need to Build a Planter Bench?

Power tools make the job easier. A circular saw with an adjustable cutting angle or a miter saw will make the project easiest. Clamps will help keep glued lumber from sliding while fastening the pieces together. And a powered driver makes screwing pieces of lumber together easier than hand tools.

What Type of Wood Should I Use?

You can use any type of wood that you’d like, but the best choice is going to be western red cedar. It’s naturally water resistant, insect resistant, looks great, weathers beautifully, and is easy to work with.

If western red cedar isn’t available, Douglas fir is a possible substitute, but it will need to be protected against exposure with a stain and sealer or primed and painted with an exterior paint.

What Type of Fasteners Should I Use?

For outdoor projects, you’ll want fasteners and hardware that won’t rust. Stainless steel is the best here. However, if you’d like a more rustic look, a common nail will weather over time and start to stain the wood below the nail head. If you go this route, though, you’ll want to inspect your planter bench at the start of each season to make sure it’s still sound and able to support people.

Thanks to Real Cedar for the plans!