Make a DIY Stone and Wood Bench Quickly and Easily
Recently, I dedicated a small garden in my yard to a loved one who left the planet too soon. It is a happy place filled with all of the lovely memories that we all shared as he grew to become the most remarkable individual we loved more with each passing day. His Momma provided the materials for the bench that is shown in this article.
Although it has only been completed for a few short days, it has already become a welcome place to stop and just enjoy the loveliness of nature for a few minutes. No matter the season, no matter the weather, we can pause for a bit, catch our breath, and find ourselves in tune with the universe.
To make a sturdy charming bench for your yard is a DIY project that you can put together in about one hour. When it is finished, admirers will think that it took much longer than it actually did. This particular bench is sturdy and attractive and can be moved to another location without too much difficulty.
Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.
— John Lubbock
How to Make a Stone and Wood Bench
Here's how to make your own stone and wood bench:
Materials:
- 70–90 rumble stones
- 3 boards (2x6)
- flat, straight brackets
- screws
Directions:
- Lay your first first stones as shown in step #1 (below).
- Place the second five stones the opposite way as shown in step #2.
- Continue alternating in the same pattern until you reach the height you wish. (The ones shown are 10 layers high, as that was the height needed for vertically challenged legs.)
- Measure the distance from your first column to where you want to begin the second column. You will want to allow space to the left of the board, as you will place stones on top of and beside the board to make it level.
- Make the second column using the same method as you did with the first.
- Place the board on top of the two columns in accordance with the photo in step #6. Place two stones on the board. Then add more stones until it is even. (You can continue the pattern used previously.) Follow this procedure on both sides.
- Join the boards using the straight, flat brackets. It is nice to do this, as the water can drain through the cracks in the board when it rains, rather than pooling on the seat of the bench.
Note: I did not end up using all 90 stones on the bench. I used about 20 to form a rustic path leading up into the garden.
Step #1: Begin Stacking the Stones
Step #2: Start a Second Layer of Stone
Step #3: Complete the Second Layer
Side View to Show First Two Layers
Step #4: Progress Is Being Made
Step #5: Both Columns Are Complete
Step #6: Placement of Board
The Finished Bench
You're all done! Now you have a quiet spot on your property with your very own bench and garden. Taking time to relax for a moment and reflect is renewing for sure. Moving away from the scheduled sometimes hectic lives we live to a place of solitude regenerates the soul.
Finding a New Home
Being able to relocate this bench brings me much joy. Originally it had been built as a way to honor the memory of my nephew (about whom I wrote here on this site as he left the planet too soon). So taking it along to a new destination brings me much happiness and will make his mother, my sister, very happy as well.
Update: Once again, the house I live in has sold and barring some unforeseen snafu, I will relocate. I am thrilled that this stone bench that has great sentimental value will go with me and find a new spot in the yard of the new place I find.
Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.
— John RuskinQuestions & Answers
© 2013 Patricia Scott
Comments
AUTHORThanks Marlene....I adore it, really, for many reasons. One is the obvious but it carries with it so much love from my family.
Hoping all is well with you and yours. Angels are on the way this morning ps
- AUTHOR
Thanks Marlene....I adore it, really, for many reasons. One is the obvious but it carries with it so much love from my family.
Hoping all is well with you and yours. Angels are on the way this morning ps
I love your "how to" articles. Anyone looking for a fabulous backyard project should check out your articles. Voted up and shared!
I absolutely love this idea. It looks really sturdy and lovely at the same time. And, I truly did not think it would be so easy to create. Beautiful instructions.
- AUTHOR
It is a nice, stable comfortable place to sit and enjoy the landscape for sure. And it is not so time consuming that if you change your mind about where it is you can easily move it.
You have the option of how high you make the side 'columns' as well and of course how high you make the seat from the ground. Some like to paint the wood but as much as I like to paint things I decided to leave this unpainted.
thank you Virginia for stopping by
Angels are on the way to you this day after our Independence Day ps
This might be just the project for us. We were thinking of getting one of those concrete benches from the garden center, but think we have some bricks and wood already on hand here. This would make good use of those.
- AUTHOR
that is a great idea, RTalloni. Who would not love to have one of these? My grand baby boy plays on it often and we still honor my nephew by sitting in the calm and reflecting .
Thank you for visiting
Angels are on the way ps
A meaningful project all round. It occurs to me that a gift certificate (or coupon might better describe it) for a stone bench to be built in the spring would make a delightful gift this time of year. Thanks for sharing your how-to on this useful garden project.
- AUTHOR
Yes Peggy it is. I stole a few minutes this morning just to enjoy a few quiet moments and connect to all that is tranquil.
thanks for visiting
Angels are on the way to you this evening. ps
It looks like such a peaceful place to spend some time in reflection and perhaps some prayer as well. Thanks for the step by step photos that you made of constructing this bench. Nice that it could be moved if desired. May angels surround you today and wishing you a lovely weekend.
- AUTHOR
Hi Alocsin
That is a very good question. And yes, a strong unruly child/teen/adult could knock it over I imagine. That is where supervision comes in to play I guess. So far that has not been a problem as it is very sturdy and the stones are heavy. Thanks for visiting. Sorry for the delay in responding...I just moved so my internet is not hooked up yet. I feel like I am out of the loop...I am my daughter's this afternoon and am using her computer...woo hoo.
Have a lovely day...Angels are on the way.
- AUTHOR
Hi Alocsin
That is a very good question. And yes, a strong unruly child/teen/adult could knock it over I imagine. That is where supervision comes in to play I guess. So far that has not been a problem as it is very sturdy and the stones are heavy. Thanks for visiting. Sorry for the delay in responding...I just moved so my internet is not hooked up yet. I feel like I am out of the loop...I am my daughter's this afternoon and am using her computer...woo hoo.
Have a lovely day...Angels are on the way.
I guess the obvious question is how does it stay together? Can't some unruly kid or someone who lays on it incorrectly knock the whole thing down? Voting this Up and Useful.
- AUTHOR
Hi moonlake
One thing I love about it is how easy it can be dismantled and rebuilt As fate would have it, a house I was wanting to move into has become vacant so I am moving. The stones and wood are already next door and soon will be reassembled.
It is just so welcoming...sitting in and among the loveliness in the evening.
I am probably going to make another as my yard is ginormous.
Thanks for visiting...have a lovely afternoon. Angels are on the way ps
Very good idea. I like your step by step photos. I could use some of these around the yard and in the meadow. Voted up.
- AUTHOR
Hi Koffee Klatch Gals
You know since we are practically neighbors we may be enjoying some aspect of nature at the same time each day!!!
This little bench which has been in my yard only a few weeks is being dismantled and moved next door as I am moving to a new house (new to me that is). It will sit in one of my little garden areas and be a happy place to reflect and remember those that I love so.
You will be happy with this rustic little bench...it just seems to blend in to the surroundings you know.
Have a lovely rest of the day and thanks for stopping by Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Hi Koffee Klatch Gals
You know since we are practically neighbors we may be enjoying some aspect of nature at the same time each day!!!
This little bench which has been in my yard only a few weeks is being dismantled and moved next door as I am moving to a new house (new to me that is). It will sit in one of my little garden areas and be a happy place to reflect and remember those that I love so.
You will be happy with this rustic little bench...it just seems to blend in to the surroundings you know.
Have a lovely rest of the day and thanks for stopping by Angels are on the way ps
I love your stone and wood bench. Like you I have a couple of little garden areas devoted to loved ones who have passed. I am in the midst of working on one now. Your bench will be the perfect touch to add.
- AUTHOR
Thanks for stopping by, rebecca.
It is a lovely little bench and I am so thankful it is easy to take apart and reassemble as I am moving!!!
It will soon be looking happy in my new yard,
Angels are on the way to you this evening. ps
This looks like a fun project..and you chronicled it in a delightful manner. Thanks for sharing this, it is truly inspirational!
- AUTHOR
Thank you Glimmer Twin Fan
I love it as I can enjoy it as I sit here and work on the computer as the little garden and the bench are in plain view. How nice that is.
Thank you for visiting today
Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Thank you Glimmer Twin Fan
I love it as I can enjoy it as I sit here and work on the computer as the little garden and the bench are in plain view. How nice that is.
Thank you for visiting today
Angels are on the way ps
What an awesome place to sit and remember loved ones. I love this idea and project and it's meaning is so deep. I'm thinking of a place to put mine right now. Great job!
- AUTHOR
That sounds like a good idea. Then they can help you put it together. It really is just a matter of finding a spot and stacking the stones. I am so glad I got this one put together.
Have a lovely day Angels are on the way ps
This is really neat! I think I will give this a whirl once the kids are a little bigger and I can "remain" parts of my small garden. :-)
- AUTHOR
Hi thanks for visiting. It is a great little spot and we are enjoying it very much. I am considering make another one further back on the property near my grandson's play area.
Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Hi thanks for visiting. It is a great little spot and we are enjoying it very much. I am considering make another one further back on the property near my grandson's play area.
Angels are on the way ps
A charming & thoughtful project, Patricia, and beautifully executed. I love the look of the stone & wood together--strength, beauty and age combined. Voted up & awesome.
- AUTHOR
It was indeed, Victoria Lynn. Every stone I placed was a pleasure. And it is just what was needed to give the little cluster of flowers that I have a feel of a magical little garden.
The weather has been beautiful ever since I made it which has made it even more of a welcome spot in the yard.
thanks for visiting. Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
It was indeed, Victoria Lynn. Every stone I placed was a pleasure. And it is just what was needed to give the little cluster of flowers that I have a feel of a magical little garden.
The weather has been beautiful ever since I made it which has made it even more of a welcome spot in the yard.
thanks for visiting. Angels are on the way ps
What a wonderful labor of love! So special! And I love the pictures that guide us through it. I'm sending you some angles of your own. :-)
- AUTHOR
Kathi, that is so sweet. It is so heartwarming to honor those we love in such a way...helping to keep us connected at least in part.
This was a labor of love...I was so touched that my sister gave me the stones and board to make this in my yard....
Thanks for the visit...Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Kathi, that is so sweet. It is so heartwarming to honor those we love in such a way...helping to keep us connected at least in part.
This was a labor of love...I was so touched that my sister gave me the stones and board to make this in my yard....
Thanks for the visit...Angels are on the way ps
That is the cutest bench, so nice of you to share how anyone can do it! It will always be a lovely reminder for you.
When my husband passed we planted a tree on his birthday and I want to plant another one this year too! I bless the tree all the time and it has grown big and is in a spot where it watches over my yard and house. Hugs and Blessings, Kathi :o)
- AUTHOR
Hi drbj
So glad to see you this afternoon. It is a delightful little spot and a nice addition to the yard. My baby grandson runs over and climbs up on it as soon as we get here.
I hope you do have the chance to make one of your very own.
Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Hi drbj
So glad to see you this afternoon. It is a delightful little spot and a nice addition to the yard. My baby grandson runs over and climbs up on it as soon as we get here.
I hope you do have the chance to make one of your very own.
Angels are on the way ps
What a beautiful bench, Patricia. I'm bookmarking these DIY instructions in case I ever move from my condo back to a house with a garden.
- AUTHOR
Yes...it is so simple and really very quickly assembled. I enjoyed putting it together and have not missed a day of enjoying using that.
Thanks for visiting today Angels are on thew ay ps
- AUTHOR
Yes...it is so simple and really very quickly assembled. I enjoyed putting it together and have not missed a day of enjoying using that.
Thanks for visiting today Angels are on thew ay ps
- AUTHOR
Yes, you are right...wonderful in its simplicity. Come on over any time and enjoy the cool breeze, the hum of the insects, and the smiling blossoms...Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Yes, you are right...wonderful in its simplicity. Come on over any time and enjoy the cool breeze, the hum of the insects, and the smiling blossoms...Angels are on the way ps
A wonderfully simple idea! Shared and pinned. Thanks!
- AUTHOR
Hi grandmapearl
As I sit here composing this response to you, I can see the little garden and the bench. It is comforting and charming as well. It is just a tiny oasis to refuel my soul at some point in each day.
Thank you for visiting...Angels are on the way to you this morning. ps
Clear and complete directions, a beautiful result and not much time to put it all together--what's not to like?! I love this idea, and I am going to put this on my to-do list. Thank you for sharing your beautiful stone and wooden bench project! Voted Up++++
;) Pearl
- AUTHOR
thank you vespawoolf for visiting this afternoon. It is such a lovely afternoon that I have actually been out enjoying the cool breeze and the calm that it offers. I shared some time there with friends this afternoon too.
I am so glad I could make this...
Sending Angels your way this afternoon. ps
- AUTHOR
thank you vespawoolf for visiting this afternoon. It is such a lovely afternoon that I have actually been out enjoying the cool breeze and the calm that it offers. I shared some time there with friends this afternoon too.
I am so glad I could make this...
Sending Angels your way this afternoon. ps
What a beautiful and quick project--how nice that you made it as a way to commemorate your loved one. This is also a good reminder that relaxation isn't a waste of time. Thank you!
- AUTHOR
Thank you, rajan jolly for visiting.
This was a project that I made with no help. Usually I like to have others help but this time I needed to do this alone, communing with nature as I completed it.
We have had nice breezes this last week which has made this a welcome spot to stop an enjoy all that surrounds me.
I too like that particular quote.
Angela are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Thank you, rajan jolly for visiting.
This was a project that I made with no help. Usually I like to have others help but this time I needed to do this alone, communing with nature as I completed it.
We have had nice breezes this last week which has made this a welcome spot to stop an enjoy all that surrounds me.
I too like that particular quote.
Angela are on the way ps
A beautiful bench and quite an easy project. Love both the quotes especially the one by John Ruskin looks so positively at the changes of weather.
- AUTHOR
Hi bac2basics
thank you so much for your kind words. Our lives are beginning to make sense of it all and while we are still so very sad we refuse to be stuck in a place of sadness When he loved life so much.
You will LOVE this bench .....
Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Hi bac2basics
thank you so much for your kind words. Our lives are beginning to make sense of it all and while we are still so very sad we refuse to be stuck in a place of sadness When he loved life so much.
You will LOVE this bench .....
Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Thank you Pamela.
It is so cool because as I work on my writing the bench and the garden are just outside of the window where I am working. On nice days like today I have the windows open so the breeze is gently blowing the curtains and I can hear the birds chatting away.
Thank you for your kind words...every day is a gift.
Angels are on the way to you again today ps
- AUTHOR
Thank you Pamela.
It is so cool because as I work on my writing the bench and the garden are just outside of the window where I am working. On nice days like today I have the windows open so the breeze is gently blowing the curtains and I can hear the birds chatting away.
Thank you for your kind words...every day is a gift.
Angels are on the way to you again today ps
The bench is such a wonderful idea. It looks like the perfect place to sit and remember. I am sorry for your loss even knowing he is in a better place. This is such a nice tribute to someone you love. God bless you.
Dear PS.
I love the bench and the sentiment behind it too. I also made a garden in remembrance of my dear Hearty when he passed away, it´s a wonderful thing to do.
I am so very sorry the loss of your loved one and I know it came out of the blue because I read and replied to your forum post. My heart goes out to you all and sending big hugs your way.
I am going to link this to some of my gardening hubs, I love the ease of construction and the lovely rustic appearance too, now you have me wanting to make one just like it.
- AUTHOR
How precious YOU are!!! This is a work of love...while I did the actual preparations and all, it is a symbol of our love for someone we adore.
And it is as I said, a happy happy place to wrap ourselves in nature's bounty.
Angels are on the way to you this morning. ps
Ohhh you make me cry. Thanks for sharing your strength, thanks for such lovely bench. I love benches, but I love how this bench inspires so much love. I will pin this lovely hub in my collection. You are so special, no wonder your nephew also was, it runs through family DNA.
59