How to Make a Raised-Bed Planter With a Built-in Bench

Add a garden to your deck or patio with this combination raised planter box and bench.

May 04, 2022

Learn how to build a planter box with a built-in bench seat. It's perfect for framing a porch or patio. This simple woodworking project can be built in less than a day yet last for years to come.

Make your own modern planter bench

Modern Planter Bench

Make a stylish modern planter bench

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Tools and Materials

  • (4) 2x10 x 12’ treated pine
  • (1) 2x10 x 8’ treated pine
  • (6) 2x4 x 12’ treated pine
  • (1) 2x4 x 8’ treated pine
  • (6) 1x6 x 8’ treated pine
  • (100) 2-1/2” deck screws
  • (50) 2” deck screws
  • exterior stain clear and/or colored
  • measuring tape
  • carpenter’s square
  • pencil
  • circular saw or table saw
  • clamps
  • drill
  • level
  • soil
  • plants
  • pea gravel

Cut List

  • From one of the 2x4 x 12’ boards, cut eight pieces 11-1/2" long (inside supports for the long side of the box).
  • Cut the other four 2x4 x 12’ boards to 11’-9" (inside supports for the long side of the box).
  • From the 2x10 x 8’ board, cut four pieces 21” long (short sides of the box).
  • Cut four pieces of 2x4 boards to 18” long (inside supports for the short sides of the box), and two pieces to 17-3/4” (supports under bench)
  • Cut the 1x6 x 8' boards in half (about 48-1/4”). Then cut each board to 47-1/2” long, removing the factory edge (for the bench).

Build the Long Sides

Lay two of the 2x10 x 12’ boards on a flat surface side by side. Place one of the 2x4 x 11’9” boards at the top and the other at the bottom of the 2x10 boards. Center each of the 2x4s so that you'll have 1-1/2” space on each end.

Place four of the 2x4 x 11-1/2” boards between the two 11'9" boards, spaced evenly with the two at the ends flush with the ends of the long 2x4 boards.

Clamp the two 2x10 x 12’ boards together and screw all of the 2x4 boards in place using 2-1/2” screws. Repeat for the other two 2x10 x 12’ boards to make the other long side of the planter.

Make your own modern planter bench

Modern Planter Bench

Make a stylish modern planter bench

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Attach Short Sides

Stand the two long sides up with the center support boards (2x4s) facing each other. On one end, stack two of the 2x10 x 21” boards between the long sides — they should fit into the 1-1/2" indent at each end. Clamp both short-side boards to both long sides. Use 2-1/2” screws to attach the short side pieces (2x10s) to the 2x4 inner support pieces of the long sides. For extra support, attach two 2x4 x 18” pieces on the inside of the short 2x10s, one at the top and one at the bottom. Repeat for the opposite end of the planter box.

Make your own modern planter bench

Modern Planter Bench

Make a stylish modern planter bench

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Prepare the Planter

Position the planter where it will stay. Use a level to make sure the planter is level from end to end and from side to side. Note: The planter will be quite heavy. This will require more than one person to move.

Make your own modern planter bench

Modern Planter Bench

Make a stylish modern planter bench

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson


Stain or paint the planter according to the manufacturer’s directions and allow for the appropriate drying time before proceeding. When it is dry, fill the planter with soil about three inches from the top.

Make your own modern planter bench

Modern Planter Bench

Make a stylish modern planter bench

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Build the Bench

Measure in three feet from one end of the planter. Make a vertical line with a level starting at the top and stopping about three inches from the bottom. (Image 1) Use 2" screws to attach the first 47-1/2” board against the face of the planter box with the long edge flush with the top of the planter box and the short edge flush with the level line. Use a clamp to make sure the board stays flush while attaching.

Add two more 47-1/2” boards under the first one, lining up the edges (Image 2). Attach the first of the horizontal seat boards, lay the long edge flush with the front of the top 47-1/2” vertical board. Fasten this board into the planter top using 2” screws.


To add extra support under the bench, place two 2x4 x 17-3/4” boards in the planter under the first seat board, spaced about 9 inches from each end. Clamp the seat board to the 2x4 support boards and screw them together (Image 3).


Place another seat board on the opposite side of the planter. Hold a 47-1/2" board against the outside of the planter to make sure the seat board is flush with the outside of it. Screw the seat board into the planter top. Use the clamps again to secure the seat board to the 2x4 support boards in the planter. Screw the seat board in place using 2” screws.


Add the 47-1/2” boards to the outside of the planter under the seat board in the same way as the opposite side. Fill in the seat by attaching two more 47-1/2” boards flush with the outside seat boards. You will have a gap in the middle. Rip one 47-1/2” board 3-3/4” wide (or whatever you need to fill the gap). Place it in the gap and secure it using 2” screws.

Add the Plants

Add the plants to the soil and water as needed. Add pea gravel to 1” below the top of the planter.

Make your own modern planter bench

Modern Planter Bench

Make a stylish modern planter bench

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Next Up

How to Make a Combination Outdoor Planter and Privacy Screen

Gain some privacy in style with this easy-to-build privacy screen great for small decks or patios.

Design Budgeting 101: Outdoor Rooms

Professional designers know how to stretch a buck. Joan Grabel and Katie Z. Leavy share some of their best ideas for decorating an outdoor space for less.

How to Make an Outdoor Spiral Bench With Built-In Planters

A bench doesn’t have to be a rectangle or square. Learn how to build a three-sided spiral bench with built-in planter boxes.

How to Make Planter Posts for String Lights

Extend the party into the night with these wooden whiskey barrels made into planters with posts that hold string lights.

How to Make a Raised Planter With a Trellis

Learn how to build a mobile planter box with a built-in trellis. It's perfect for a small deck or patio, and once your plants grow big and tall, the trellis can also serve as a privacy screen.

How to Make a Wood Planter Box With House Numbers

Up your curb appeal with this stylish planter featuring modern house numbers and a bold color.

How to Refinish Acacia Wood Outdoor Furniture

A more budget-friendly option to pricey teak, acacia wood outdoor furniture is easy to find — and easy to love — thanks to the wood's rich honey-hued finish when new. But over time, acacia wood weathers to a dull, splotchy look with a rough texture. Give your old, weathered outdoor furniture a smooth, like-new finish with our acacia wood refinishing tips.

The Best Patio Chairs for Every Style and Budget

These weather-resistant chairs are just what you need to transform your outdoor space into a summer oasis.

How to Determine Your Deck Style

Learn what factors and styles to consider when planning your deck.

Turn a Plywood Board Into Easy DIY Outdoor Art

Does your patio, porch or deck have a case of the blahs? We'll show you how to easily stencil a plywood board to turn it into colorful outdoor art that can stand up to the elements.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.