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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Super Simple Garden Bench

This super simple garden bench was made from lumber 
I pulled from my scrap pile. 



 The 4X4's were pressure treated.  The seat was a true 1X10x43 piece of cypress.  My only purchase was the two inexpensive plant hangers -- turned upside down.



You can do this...


You'll need two 32" long 4x4's.  Using post hole diggers dig holes about 16" deep and 24" apart.  Thank goodness I don't do this for a living -- I'd starve slam to death.  In fact, this might be a good time to appear helpless in order to attract some help.

Insert and test the posts to adjust the depth until the posts are the same height.  You want have 16 inches above ground and 16 inches below ground.  I used a level and laid it across the two posts to get them level.

 BTW, If you haven't been rescued by now, forget it, you're home free. 

Now, straighten the posts and pack the dirt back in around them.  You can use the handle of your shovel to pound the dirt in around the posts as you go.

Center the seat on top of the posts.  Screw down through the seat into the top of the two posts.  Use four screws in each post.

 




 Recycled sidewalk concrete was used to make the path and edging.







Now add your "brackets", stand back, and take a bow. 


 ***
 


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53 comments:

  1. kelly@TearingUpHousesMay 18, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    i like your rooster!

    kelly

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  2. Curtains in My TreeMay 18, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Great bench but I like your garden shed

    It looks a lot like mine however I don't have my walk or steps made yet.

    I don't have my lace curtains up yet either or my mowers in it yet.

    tonight

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  3. Betty May 18, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    What a clever idea. I know I have some wood around that I can try and make one too. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. AliciaMay 18, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Great idea and inexpensive too. I don't have a garden shed but I'm sure it would look great just about anywhere. Please come over and sign up for my giveaway. Have

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  5. AliciaMay 18, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    oops...I cut myself off. I was going to finish with Have a great rest of the week...lol. Sorry.

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  6. Art From The heartMay 18, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    I just might be able to handle that! Great project and thanks for sharing.
    Hugs, Amy

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  7. CarolMay 18, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Very sweet bench and I love the bird houses and the rooster!

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  8. JodieMay 18, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Too cute. I could burn some calories doing this one. Love, love love it.

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  9. LynnMay 18, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    I was seriously just yesterday thinking about making a bench with some 4 x 4s I have laying around. Thanks for showing me how to do it although I may ad lib a bit. ;)

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  10. RenéeMay 18, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Awesome! It adds so much charm.

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  11. EllenMay 18, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    Very cute! And how fun it will be to decorate the bench season by season. It's like having an outdoor mini-mantel!

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  12. Patricia @ 9th and DenverMay 18, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Lindy~
    love this little bench project! so cute. Years ago we (I) recycled some broken sidewalk and made cobbled look or rock walk... what ever it is called.
    It was hard work. That recycled cement isn't light weight stuff!
    We did that at a different house, not our current residence. Honey thought I was crazy, but I loved it!
    Love this! Pat

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  13. gail@My Repurposed LifeMay 18, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    Well, well, well! isn't that just too darn cute! I love the recycled concrete !! Oh and the birdhouses! tooo perfect!
    I have shed envy.
    gail

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  14. GBLMay 18, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Another future project gleened from your great blog! Your yard is very inspiring - thanks for sharing this-

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  15. PatMay 18, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    That is a great bench! How crafty! And I love your rooster too. Does he ever get up on the bench?

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  16. Every Day BlessingsMay 18, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Great Bench! I love anything outside. I love the path!

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  17. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorMay 18, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    What a great, simple and cute bench! I would definitely be asking for help on the post hole digging. I am very much a DIY'er but sometimes I'd rather act like I'm not. This would be one of those times! :)

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  18. NanaDianaMay 18, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Lindy- That is darling! You are my kinda gal! I love using the old concrete pieces for edging and paths too! Your shed looks perfect! Hugs- Diana

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  19. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalMay 18, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Really cute, the edging looks great. I love the brackets and awning over the shed door!

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  20. At Rivercrest CottageMay 18, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    love your garden, especially the broken path.

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  21. Carol AnnMay 18, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    I love what you made, the bench and the pathway around your shed. What a nice view!

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  22. La Vie QuotidienneMay 18, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Very cute...I like the embellishments. Your garden is looking lovely indeed. So nice!

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  23. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    Lindy, I'm just so impressed! Wonderful bench from scrap lumber and the broken cement pieces placed like flagstone looks just fabulous! Excellent job!!

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  24. All That GlittersMay 19, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    I'm in love!!!! You have a cute building too!

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  25. SueannMay 19, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    Your outdoor vignette is fabulous!! Love it! Well done!!
    And the broken cement stepping stones are wonderful!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  26. Gwen @ Gwenny PennyMay 19, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Love this! I've been trying to come up with some new things to put outside in our gardens this year. My father-in-law just made me a little piece of picket fence for my birthday. I would love to add a bench, too.

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  27. AshleyMay 19, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    simply love it! its darling

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  28. JulesMay 19, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    This would be a great idea for me to use beside my barn-like shed! Then I could use it for a photo session if I wanted to. Great idea! THanks for sharing. :o)

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  29. Laura Everyday EditsMay 20, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    I enjoyed the post and now I'm a following you.
    visiting from http://imnotatrophywife.com

    laura

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  30. Stacy CUrranMay 20, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Great idea using the plant hangers as decorative accents like that! And the painted fabric in your previous post is terrific!
    Stacy

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  31. Mami Made ItMay 20, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Lovely! Looks great!

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  32. ~Lesa~May 20, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    Your bench is great, and the rooster is wuuunderful! Havin' rooster envy now.

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  33. AnonymousMay 21, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Lindy---I love that you used recycled sidewalks for your path--gorgeous! And I'm totally coveting your door overhang iron!
    Catherine

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  34. AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    Love your cute bench. It works so well next to your storage house. Love, love that rooster too!

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  35. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)May 22, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    This is darling. I love the statement it makes outside your cute storage house. hugs ~lynne~

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  36. Okio B DesignsMay 22, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I just love birdhouses and I love it even more when you can use things you already have! Coming over from Met Monday - your newest follower!

    Jeanine

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  37. AtticmagMay 23, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    It's a charming bench in the perfect spot! Love it. Jane

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  38. abeachcottageMay 23, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Really nice, love the path and edging too :)

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  39. AnonymousMay 23, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    Lindy,Love the bench,so much fun and seems easy too,did you dig holes and how deep did you put the 4x4's,the concrete walk is awesome,and I want a Mr Roo to stand guard over my bench too,lol.This is fantastic.
    ~Jo
    Lazyonloblolly

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  40. UnknownMay 23, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Love it! Love the sidewalk edging too.
    Roselle

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  41. Lindsay @ MakelyMay 23, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    That is so sweet!

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  42. SusanMay 24, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    That bird house bench is such a wonderful addition to your garden! I love it!

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  43. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEMay 24, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Well...you should take a bow...that is brillant and it looks great with the sidewalk!

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  44. Linda@Coastal CharmMay 24, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Lindy,
    You are one NIFTY THRIFTY gal!!! Thanks so much for sharing at my party.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  45. KatieMay 25, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    I can't believe I haven't found your blog before today. I love it and am a new follower! I love your new garden bench! I'd love if you linked up to Sew Woodsy.

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  46. Herman Grans ♥May 26, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    Cute! :)

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  47. IndulgingMay 26, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    It's gorgeous! You have a lovely blog here :)

    Love and luck!

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  48. Funky Junk InteriorsMay 28, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    So adorable! And looks super simple too! The brackets really finish it off so nice.

    Donna
    http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

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  49. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMay 29, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Lindy, Your little bench is wonderful! I love that you added the iron to the bench and around the door. The entire area is adorable. Thank you so much for joining my party.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  50. Mary @ Redo 101May 29, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    I love your bench. Are you serious? I could really do this? I might have to give it a try, because ... I really love your bench. Thanks for sharing, and I "followed" your blog!

    Mary @ Redo 101

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  51. heather {WhipperBerry}May 29, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Bravo, this is a great bench!! I featured it at WhipperBerry today!

    kisses

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  52. AnonymousMay 30, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    What a fabulous bench! It's in such a great spot.

    Kathy

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  53. MarieMay 30, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    The bench is fabulous of course, but that section of your garden is full on gorgeousness! Uh-mazing!


    -Marie

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I'm excited you're leaving a comment. I can't wait to read it...L.