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Child's Bench with Arbor

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Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 08/28/2013 - 09:42
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Free plans to DIY a kids arbor bench!

Hi everyone! Are you ready for another dose of DIY?

A little while back, my dear friend Kirsten from the Crafting Chicks - who built this amazing play kitchen -

and I teamed up, this time on a Child's Garden Arbor bench!

How stinking cute is that????

Believe it or not, this one's actually pretty easy to build!  We've of course got you covered with the free step by step plans below.

But want to see lots more photos of this bench?  And more details on those pillows and construction photos?  Please take a second to stop over and check out Kirsten's building post here.

Thanks Kirsten!

XO Ana

Dimensions
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

2 – 1x6 @ 8 feet long
1 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
2 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
2 – 1x4 @ 10 feet long
4 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long
1 ¼” galvanized screws
2” galvanized screws
3” galvanized screws (just need a couple)

Cut List

4 – 2x2 @ 48” (Legs)
6 – 1x2 @ 16” (Side trellis rails)
4 – 1x4 @ 52” (seat supports and top)
12 – 1x6 @ 16” (seat and backrest)*
12 – 1x3 @ 24” (Flower pot base) (top trellis)
1 – 1x3 @ 36” (Seat back support)
1 – 2x2 @ 33” (seat back base)
1 – 1x2 @ 33” (seat back top)

*for the 1x6 @ 8 feet long, cut 5 – 16” long and then the remaining will be approximately 15 ½” long. Leave this shorter piece for the ends of the seat back that are slightly shorter to conserve boards.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Attach with 2” screws and glue. Check for square.

Step 2

Build seat, then attach legs. Note - seat can be attached higher for older children as well.

Step 3

These are for the flower pots. You can space as you like.

Step 4

Make sure the distance between the 2x2 is the same at the top as at the seat. Screw on with 2” screws and glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Kids Tables and Chairs
Toys
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Pam the Goatherd

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:08

Please do an adult sized version of this. I have the perfect spot in my yard (next to a stream that flows across my property) for this. I have been looking for just the right seat to build for that spot and this would be it.

momofour09

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:35

I was torn about my next project, but as long as this stays within budget I'm sure I now know what I'm making. My kids would love one of these and I agree with Pam, we need an adult version! Great plans as usual :)

birvine

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 18:22

This past weekend I finished cutting up the last of 30+ pallettes. Every time I walk into my workshop garage I wonder what I can make next with all of this nice wood. Thanks for this share, Ana. I will convert the plans to use palette wood. So many plans with palettes look like, well, palettes. Nof mine - this nice little project will be a perfect fit!

B

birvine

Sun, 09/01/2013 - 10:49

As well as another piece of 2x2 for the back of the seat.

momofour09

Tue, 09/03/2013 - 19:31

I am planning on building this over the weekend and am hoping someone can help me. I don't know what type of screws to buy, there are quite a few different types of galvanized screws. If I can't figure it out will regular wood screws work?

Thanks in advance :)

Juriathe

Fri, 09/20/2013 - 08:45

Hi ! I built this bench using regular wood screws. I know they will rust if left out over time, but if you are going to paint your bench or seal it, that will slow the rust down. My problem was finding screws that were short enough to not go all the way through both layers of wood, like when I attached the slats of the seat backrest to the support board.
I hope your's turned out nice ! Will you post a photo of it?

momofour09

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 12:16

I was planning on keeping it on the lanai so it wouldn't be directly exposed to the elements, it may get wet ocassionally but not much. So I'll just use the wood screws since they're easier to find. I haven't gotten around to making it yet but I will post a picture as soon as I do.