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 are 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.
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:
- 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.
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 LubbockSunshine 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 RuskinThis 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
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 :)
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
This looks like a fun project..and you chronicled it in a delightful manner. Thanks for sharing this, it is truly inspirational!
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!
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. :-)
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.
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. :-)
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)
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.
A wonderfully simple idea! Shared and pinned. Thanks!
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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