The most unique plan comes from This Old House and has two different level planters connected by a bench. This project is made out of cedar to be weather resistant and should not be a very difficult plan for most woodworker to tackle.
My favorite plan comes from Sunset Magazine where they build an fancy Redwood Planter Bench. This two planter bench connects two planters with a small redwood bench. Interesting details include using copper pipe end caps to cover the screw holes. Overall a very attractive DIY project.
The most creative plan is from Family Handyman and includes 3 planters with 2 benches and two 7 ft. high trellises to create an interesting leafy green corner retreat for your yard or deck.
thisoldhouse.com
A cool plan with two planters that are different heights. This unique design was made from cedar and is weather resistant. Detailed plan with 16 step-by-step instructions with photos and a diagram.
sunset.com
Sunset Magazine has this attractive bench that sits on top of two ceramic planter pots. They have written instructions, construction photos and diagrams to make this unique design.
morelikehome.net
This is really just a simple bench and matching planters that can be build together or separately. They are very attractive and go together well. Good diagrams.
myoutdoorplans.com
Easy to follow instructions for building this plan. There are clear diagrams, good construction instructions, and a tools and materials list. Click on their illustrations for larger detailed pictures.
sunset.com
Sunset Magazine has this great 4 page PDF plan for building two planters with a bench in the middle. You can make this out of cedar or redwood, Good written instructions with diagrams and materials list.
southernpine.com
Southern Pine has this sturdy bench and planter that could work well on the corner of your deck or just in the backyard. The 6 page PDF plan steps you through the construction process with a materials list, assembly instructions and diagrams.
handymanclub.com
Handyman Club has this attractive bench and trellis planter that you can build for your deck. They have project photos, written instructions and a good exploded illustration.
minwax.com
Minwax has this Modular Planter Bench Plans in a PDF. This simple plan uses the planters as the two legs with the bench overlapping the top corners of the planters. You can also link these together for multiple benches and planters.
Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanic Magazine has several nice custom bench and planter plan for your backyard patio. These plans are a bit complicated but there are good exploded diagrams and written instructions.
How to Build an Outdoor Planter Bench
by Lowes
The above 3:53 minute video on Building a Planter Bench from Lowes.com has construction instructions and a building materials list. Go to Lowes Outdoor Planter Bench Plans for the project overview, tools and materials list and a cutting list and project diagram.
More on Lowes Planter Bench Project Diagram (PDF) by Lowes.com
diyadvice.com
Easy to build project that should take several hours. You will need two large plastic tubs with holes in the bottom to go in these planter boxes.
greatsouthernwood.com
This 5 foot bench planter has a single planter on one side and a bench on the other side. The lumber used is 8 ft 2x4s and 1x6s.
craftsman.com
Create this cedar planter bench with 1x6 and 2x4 lumber using various sizes of drywall screws to fasten it together. The instructions are a little complicated.
familyhandyman.com
You can build this slightly complicated two sided arbor with three planters and two benches to add a nice leafy green retreat in your backyard. This detailed plan from Handyman.com includes many construction photos, step-by-step instructions and illustrations.
ufpi.com
Here is a single planter bench plan using various sizes of treated lumber. There is one photo of the completed project and an illustration with lots of written instructions in this 4 page PDF plan.
ronhazelton.com
Ron Hazelton has this great planter bench. He runs you though the construction of this slatted bench with two planters in a 5:48 minute video. The bench has two planters one on each side of the bench.
