Vertical Planter Bench

From cedar boards, cut the cap (C) and the rails (D, E, F, and G) to length. Screw the cap to the top of the posts. The ends of the cap are aligned even with the outside face of the 4 x 4s (Project Diagram, Drawing 2).

Flip the back assembly over and add the narrow front rails (F) and wide front rails (G). Install the cable rail (H) between the legs to secure the bottom ends of the cables holding the planters. Install the 1-1/2-inch-thick second rail from the bottom (D) for attaching the seat slats.

Retrieve the legs (B) and the remaining narrow rails (F) and screw together the front assembly (Project Diagram, Drawing 3).

After the seat connectors are installed, unclamp the shelf connectors one at a time, rotate them against the top edges of the lower rails, and attach with screws. After the shelf and seat connectors are in installed, the bench will stand on its own.

Install the center five narrow seat slats to the bench so they’re aligned with the narrow shelf slats below (Project Diagram, Drawing 6). Wait to install the remaining slats until after you attach the cables and hanging planters.

Wipe the metal parts with mineral spirits to remove any oil residue. Apply aerosol primer and two coats of paint following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Drill 1/4-inch pilot holes centered in the width of the cap (C) and hook rail (H) (Project Diagram, Drawing 7) and twist the screw eyes into the holes. A pair of pliers will help spin the screw eyes once they become difficult to turn by hand.

Install the wide seat slats (N) and remaining narrow seat slats (M) (Project Diagram, Drawing 6).

Because of its height, the planter can tip forward if a child climbs on it. For safety, install the planter on a solid surface next to a fence or house and secure with a spacer block and screws (Project Diagram, Drawing 1a). Cut a spacer (O) and screw it to your house. Then secure the planter to the spacer.

For a freestanding installation, the posts need to be planted in the ground. Position the planter where you want and mark the ground where the holes need to be dug. After checking for buried utilities, dig 8-inch-diameter holes 24 inches deep, and add approximately 4 inches of crushed gravel to the bottoms of the holes for drainage.

Set the planter in the holes and add just a bit more gravel. Use a level to check the installation and lift the planter slightly to adjust for level. The rock will slip under the post to bring it to the final position.

Once the structure is level, mix and pour concrete in the holes and allow the concrete to cure. Add potting mix and your favorite flowers to the planters and watch your summer bloom.