DIY Stone Bench

Patricia is someone whose life is centered around family. Each day is one more opportunity to show my loved ones how much they mean to me.

DIY Stone Bench

Some years ago, a small garden was dedicated 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 are shown in this article.(One beauty of this bench is that it is portable. It now sits in my most recent yard.)

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.

Still a place of calm and solace to sit and soak in nature.

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How to Make a Stone and Wood Bench

Here's how to make your own stone and wood bench:

Materials:

• 70–90 rumble stones or pavers
• 3 boards (2x6)
• flat, straight brackets
• screws

Directions:

1. Lay your first stones as shown in step #1 (below).
2. Place the second five stones the opposite way, as shown in step #2.
3. 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.)
4. 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.
5. Make the second column using the same method as you did with the first.
6. 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.
7. 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 bench seat.

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.

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

Another peek at the finished bench.

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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 Ruskin

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2013 Patricia Scott

Comments

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on June 19, 2019:

That sounds interesting thank you for stopping Angels are headed your way this afternoon ps

hawkingbrandy on May 23, 2019:

It took me nearly 2 weeks to complete the building that. I take that to be because I ain't no carpenter. All the same I'm very grateful to this woodwork plan [ check woodprix ], it has really helped me do such a good project. The easy instructions were amazing. Try to make it with woodprix :)

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on August 01, 2015:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on August 01, 2015:

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

Deborah-Diane from Orange County, California on July 29, 2015:

I love your "how to" articles. Anyone looking for a fabulous backyard project should check out your articles. Voted up and shared!

Marlene Bertrand from USA on July 29, 2015:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on July 05, 2015:

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

Virginia Allain from Central Florida on July 01, 2015:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on December 10, 2014:

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

RTalloni on December 08, 2014:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on July 13, 2013:

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

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on July 13, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on June 15, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on June 15, 2013:

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.

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on June 13, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on June 08, 2013:

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

moonlake from America on June 08, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on June 06, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on June 06, 2013:

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

Susan Hazelton from Sunny Florida on June 06, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on June 03, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on June 03, 2013:

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

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on June 02, 2013:

This looks like a fun project..and you chronicled it in a delightful manner. Thanks for sharing this, it is truly inspirational!

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 30, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 30, 2013:

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

Claudia Mitchell on May 30, 2013:

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!

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 30, 2013:

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

Darrylmdavis from Brussels, Belgium on May 30, 2013:

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. :-)

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 29, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 29, 2013:

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

Jill Spencer from United States on May 29, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 28, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 28, 2013:

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

Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on May 28, 2013:

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. :-)

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 28, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 28, 2013:

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

Kathi Mirto from Fennville on May 28, 2013:

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)

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 28, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 28, 2013:

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

drbj and sherry from south Florida on May 28, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 27, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 27, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 27, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 27, 2013:

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

Teresa Sanderson from Rural Midwest on May 27, 2013:

A wonderfully simple idea! Shared and pinned. Thanks!

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 27, 2013:

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

Connie Smith from Southern Tier New York State on May 26, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 26, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 26, 2013:

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

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on May 26, 2013:

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!

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 25, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 25, 2013:

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

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 25, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 25, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 25, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 25, 2013:

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

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 25, 2013:

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

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on May 25, 2013:

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.

Anne from Spain on May 25, 2013:

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.

Patricia Scott (author) from North Central Florida on May 25, 2013:

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

Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill from Borikén the great land of the valiant and noble Lord on May 24, 2013:

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.