Creating this kind of bench and planters for the garden...

R.O.S.S.I

R.O.S.S.I

R.O.S.S.I

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The Mrs has been prowling Pinterest (need to stop her doi gthis) and as we are getting the garden sorted at the moment for Summer time she's spotted lots of pictures of like raised beds that have benches built into them.

Here are a few ideas of what I'm (she's) thinking of....

cedar_screen_raised_planter_bed_limestone_paving.jpg

hardwood_cedar_privacy_screen_trellis_floating_b.jpg

travertine_paving_patio_render_block_raised_beds.jpg


Now to me they don't look too complicated to build. The thing i want to get right is the bench aspect. Would I be right in thinking that we just build the actual planters out of breezeblock or similar to the size and shape we want and then get the whole thing rendered and painted?

When would be the best time to integrate a bench and can anyone recommend the best ways of going about it? I thought about building it into the sides of the planters as they were being built but im not sure if this will then be a nightmare to render around and paint which will then end up looking a messy.

Would the bench be something that is better fitted after its all been built and rendered etc? Or is it something that can be made so that it can be removed as required? To me they just look like decking boards so wasn't sure if there any type of supports that could be built planters themselves or if it would just be a case of using some batons to support the bench?

Keen to find out how some of the more advanced DIY/gardeners in here would approach something like this!
 
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That looks pretty cool.

I think I'd aim to create the wall and render, then when complete use bits of 6x2 anchored to the wall with the decking screwed to that. I guess the biggest issue would be making sure the wall was strong enough on particularly long runs?
 
The enclosed benches, I would add after, using batons around the edge.

For the floating bench, go through the wall and anchor into the opposite wall at the height you want the support This would leave you with a couple of supports sticking out of the wall where the bench would sit. These supports would be covered with soil. I'd like to say use wood but it may rot after a few years and steel seem like overkill.

Then render and add batons like the other before the bench sits on top.
 
It wont be a long bench at all it'll probably be most like the middle picture however my only issue is these look all lovely when they've been freshly rendered and painted but just wondering how long it will likely stay looking like that?
 
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R.O.S.S.I said:
It wont be a long bench at all it'll probably be most like the middle picture however my only issue is these look all lovely when they've been freshly rendered and painted but just wondering how long it will likely stay looking like that?
Click to expand...


Jet wash the walls and oil the wood twice a year and it will stay looking like that for its whole life!
 
I'd put a mowing strip around the edge too, like the second picture, but on every side. Strimming or shearing up against the planter might leave a mark along it.
 
I don't intend on having real grass in the finished garden. Will be using artificial so a mowing strip probably isn't necessary.

Would something like this be best constructed out of breezeblock out of interest?
 
Yep breeseblock and render it. If of use something like a K-rend you will get a better result and won't need to paint it.
 
Dense concrete blocks will do and you can get fair faced smooth you can render very lightly. K rend is okay but goes on very thin, if you're not spot on with your blockwork you'll end up dubbing out (making up the low spots) with a very expensive product.

Those pictures are all okay but to get that quality of finish is quite skilled.
 
If it comes to it, i'll probably do the block work myself as it doesnt seem like a massive job and get someone in to render it all up when its built.

I'm still trying to work out the best means of supporting the bench
 
When you say build it into the blockwork do you mean physically build the wooden part into the blockwork as i'd rather not do that as I can imagine the wooden parts will get messy during the rendering part.

Could I make the block work protrude out in the alcove where the bench will be then I can simply fit the wooden bench over it after? Kind of like some blockwork ledges?

Also, in terms of footings for the walls do you think i'll be OK with using some Type 1 MOT to 6" whacked down or am i best off mixing up some concrete?
 
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What are you meaning by cantilever seats?

In my mind the seat is just some robust decking boards screwed together or held together by batten underneath and placed onto some masonry ledges?
 
The missus wants me to do exactly the same thing so Ive been out measuring and calculating some costs etc.

One thing Im unsure on is what you do with the inside of the planter block? If you render the top do you need to go down one block on the inside too? IVe read about people saying its worth tanking the inside with a waterproof paint or a membrane? My main concern is the water affecting the render on the front so would rather do it properly and pay an extra few quid if need be!
 
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