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 GET  THIS WEEKEND
- BUILDING A MODERN PLANTER BENCH
In just 6 simple steps, build a wood top and use a pair of ceramic pots for legs. 
The hardest part of building a bench is to make certain that its legs are sturdy. We took out the legwork… literally to simplify this bench. This bench is designed with top that rests on a pair of oversize ceramic pots. Add plants or trees to enhance the look (New Zealand flax is pictured).
The bench frame and top are made of 2x6 decking. You can use redwood, cedar or pressure-treated lumber. For a comfortable seating height, choose pots that are about 18 inches tall and wide. Look for thick-walled, wide-lipped pots that have been glazed. Avoid unfired terra-cotta.
For safety, lift bench top periodically and check pots for cracks.
The cost of the project is about $300, depending on the type of wood and pots.
TOOLS
n Electric drill 
n Tape measure
n Electric sander
n Pencil and scissors
n Saber saw
n Paintbrush
MATERIALS
n Four 10-ft. 2-by-6s
n Two 9-ft., 11½-in. 2-by-6s
n Eight 19¼-in. 2-by-6s
n 2 lbs. 3-in. deck screws
n Medium-grit sandpaper
n Two very sturdy ceramic pots
n Heavy paper or scrap cardboard
DIRECTIONS
1. Following the diagram at right, build the bench’s ladder-like frame, countersinking all screws.
2. Sand the frame. Space the 10-foot lengths and screw to the frame so the edges overhang ¼ inch on all sides (see below).
3. Measure the inside diameter of one pot. On a piece of heavy paper or scrap cardboard, draw and cut out a circle that is 2 inches less in diameter.
4. With a helper, place pots under appropriate section of the bench top, as you carefully lower top onto pots. Center the cutout circle over each pot and trace its outline (see below).
5. Cut out each circle using the saber saw. Sand the cut sides and bench top, then use the paintbrush to seal wood with a deck stain/sealer (see below).
6. Place the pots in their desired location and position bench top before filling pots with soil. Add plantings through the cutouts.
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