I wanted to share the making of our tree bench we did around our magnolia tree at the back of our yard! This has become my favorite seat in the yard because it gives you a view of the entire yard, the lake is in back of it, and its just peaceful! Don’t worry I will be making a post about the garden we made, next time, I wanted to do it this time, but I still have some painting to finish on it so it will have to wait so I can get a “final” picture! Anyway we ended up making this tree bench with extra wood we had from making the garden, so essentially it was free for us! We took plans we found online, which was for a wraparound tree bench, and we basically cut it in half and changed a few things. We will be staining and sealing the fence this week, so we will be spraying the bench as well to match and make it look cohesive!
So here is what we did as a picture step by step, along with measurements and materials:
Pocket Jig
Drill
2″ Wood Screws
Saw
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Angle T Square
2 Pillows 😉
three- 28″ 2×6 (cut at 30 degree on each side)
three- 35″ 2×6(cut at 30 degree on each side)
three- 42″ 2×6(cut at 30 degree on each side)
eight- 16″ 2×6 supports
eight-18″ 4×4 posts (recycled from fence we took down)
three-42″ 1×6 front face molding (cut at 30 degrees vertically)
Step by Step
First we cut our angles for the seats, 3 sets of the 28″-35″-42″ at 30 degree edges
Then we added pocket holes and connected each seat set together like the middle picture here, then we made the seat supports and posts as shown. We made 4 sets of support post sets (2 shown).
Next we attached the supports and posts to the seat platform. We took it out to the tree next and set it up and secured it to our fence as well.
Next we made the front facing to hide the look of the post/supports. This is a little tricky because you have to cut the edge at a 30 degree angle vertically not horizontally.
We started to make a facing on the inside again the tree too, but it was actually more comfortable without it, we wanted to be able to lean against the tree, so we removed it. But it is an option!
And here is the finished tree bench! We love sitting here and enjoying Spring blooming at its best, and as I mentioned before we will be staining it this week too, to protect it and make it look complete, and maybe some more grass seed too since we squished it!
We like that it is close enough to our firepit so you can enjoy it without the heat too. We just love it!
I promise the next post will be the garden beds!!
Josie Pelayo says
So nice and cozy.. Chris has developed into a real handyman. That’s what homeownership does. Can’t wait for your next blog.
Chris Pelayo says
Great free project!
JoAnn says
Nice work you two!! Practicall AND cozy! And a second project completed with left overs
Love the planning and home improvements!
And watching you two GO!!!’!!!!!!!!!