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| Build A Tree Bench | | By: Lou Alvarado |
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If your yard is adorned with lots of shade trees, you've got some hidden seating just waiting to be used. Jodi Marks and Lou Alvarado show how to build your own tree bench so you can sit and enjoy the great outdoors.
Begin by taking measurements of the area, noting any slopes and checking for level.
Measure for the diameter of the bench. Measure 16" out from the tree and stake it. Then place two boards at the marks and measure between the boards to give you the inside diameter of the bench.
Transfer the measurements for the inside of the bench to graph paper.
Determine the depth for your seat. Three 5/4"x6" decking boards placed side-by -side usually provides adequate seating space.
Create a template for cutting the pieces for your bench. On a piece of plywood , mark the width of the seats at 15" on each end of the plywood. Then pop a chalk line between the two 15" marks. Mark a 22-1/2 degree angle (half of a 45-degree angle) on one end of the plywood. Using a straight edge, draw an intersecting line to the chalk line. Measure 30" down on the chalk line and make another 22-1/2 degree angle in the opposite direction. This will create an outline that you can use to check the bench sections as you complete them.
Begin creating the bench sections. Cut a 22-1/2 degree angle on the end of a 2x4; then cut the eight 30-inch back pieces. Repeat this process to create eight 42-1/4" front pieces. Then use the template to make sure your cuts are accurate.
Next, cut sixteen side pieces 12-7/8" in length. Use a miter saw or circular saw to make the angled cuts. Then cut four 12" center braces to support the framing. Remember to double-check the measurements before you cut so you don't waste any lumber.
Pre-drill holes into the front and back pieces of the frame. Then assemble the frame using 3" galvanized screws.
With the outer frame complete, attach the center brace for extra seat support. You can then use the frame as a template for cutting the 5/4" decking boards for your seats.
When all the components are done, you can lay them out and assemble the individual frames into two larger frames of four segments each. Then attach 5/4"x6" decking boards to create the bottoms for the planter sections, and place the two frames around the base of the tree.
Carefully lift one side of the bench and slide a 12' long 2x4 under the bench. Then lift up on one end of the 2x4 and place concrete blocks under the board on both ends and on the opposite side of the bench.
To get the bench level, place additional blocks and 2x4s around the bench until it's level.
Cut eight 15" cross braces to support the legs.
Using 2x4 lumber for the legs, position them inside the frame, make a mark at the proper height, and then cut them to length. Be sure to tap the lumber down into the ground before measuring; this will help to minimize the amount of settling the bench does after it's in place.
Attach the legs to the frame using 3"galvanized screws. For added support for the legs, attach the braces across the bottom of the legs.
When all the legs are in place, it's time to attach the seats. Cut the seats approximately six inches longer than the actual measurements of the seat. Dry fit the seat boards, then secure them with screws. Mark reference lines for the angled cuts, and then use circular saw to make the angle cuts on the seat boards. Be careful to set the saw blade just deep enough to cut through the seat board and not into the bench framing .
Add trim to the top of the planter sections by pre-drilling holes and then securing with screws.
Apply a uniform coat of sealer to the bench seats and planters. Spray the sealer on in a sweeping motion.
Brush out any pooled sealer to avoid shiny patches. The sealer may have a milky appearance when first applied, but the milky finish will disappear as it dries leaving a clear coating. Let the sealer dry thoroughly before sitting on the bench.
Roll out the landscape fabric, cut it to size, and place the fabric in the bottom of the planters. Then fill them with potting soil and plants as desired.
Guests:
Lou Alvarado
Owner
Handy Husband
PO Box 81649
Chamblee, GA 30366
Phone: 770-234-0424
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.handyhusband.com
Resources:
For More Ideas...
If instructions for this project aren't listed above, you may be able to find similar projects in the Building and Remodeling Index, or consult our Resource List for helpful publications and organizations.
Also be sure to check out HGTV's Complete Fix-It manual, which contains step-by-step instructions for over 200 home repairs, fix-ups and projects with detailed, full-color illustrations and pictures. Go to Table of Contents or click here to order this book.
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