Create a perch—or several—for admiring your landscaping handiwork, all from thisoldhouse.com
1. Go Big With an Arbor Bench
Extend your leisure time in your quaint English-cottage-style garden by adding a place to park yourself with a favorite book. Create an architectural feature and the perfect outdoor reading spot by Building an Arbor Bench.
If you’re looking to amp up your garden-gate style, Build a Garden Arbor.
Extend the look to your garage with How to Build a Garage Pergola.
See pergolas and other creative structures in 16 Ways to Customize Your Deck.
2. Keep-It-Simple Garden Bench
There’s hardly a better spot for taking in the results of your outdoor sweat equity than a classic bench nestled among the greenery. Put aside some gardening time to explore this no-frills project, Build a Garden Bench.
Find out more about reaping the benefits of your hard work with ideas for sectioning off private spaces in Creating a Secret Garden.
Make your outdoor rooms a reflection of your personal style with cues from 18 Tips for Decorating Your Garden.
3. Picnic Table and Chairs Fit for Entertaining
This upgrade of the classic family-barbecue staple features a trestle-and-slat design so handsome it will win praise even when it's not in use. Prep your favorite new entertaining fixture in time for warm weather by following the steps featured in How to Build a Picnic Table and Benches.
If you prefer the classic look, watch TOH TV host Kevin O'Connor TOH general contractor Tom Silva Build a Picnic Table.
Outfit the rest of your backyard for grilling with 10 Smart Ideas for Outdoor Kitchens and Dining.
4. Boastful Planter Bench
Give an empty corner of your yard an all-in-one eye pleaser with a bench built to contain beautiful flowers. See how rot-resistant cedar lumber and lap joinery safeguard the structure against pressure from tree roots in How to Build a Planter Bench.
Go mobile with your new garden fixture and Make an Herb Planter From a Wagon.
Take notes as gardening expert Carrie Kelly and TOH TV landscape contractor Roger Cook discuss gardening on a small scale in How to Create a Container Garden.
5. Classic Westport Chair
Some looks never go out of style. This predecessor to the Adirondack chair (see next slide) is an attractive, ample lounger constructed of stock cedar. Add some single-seating panache to your garden with our tutorial on How to Build a Classic Westport Chair.
Step up your existing patio furniture with our quick steps on How to Repair Aluminum Patio Chairs.
Bring some old-world character to your green space with ideas mined from Timeless Treasure Garden.