Every garden needs tools and a place to store them. For the San Carlos Park Elementary garden I came up with the idea of combining a storage box and a bench.

Typical chair height for adults is 16″ but for children it’s 12″ so I made one for each size. The frame is pressure-treated lumber lined with T-11 siding, topped with tongue and groove cypress decking. The leaves are 3/4″ pine painted with acrylic.

I put these details here for two reasons: People go to the internet for inspiration and instruction. (What can I do…then how do I do it?) I hope this helps. Click on each photo for captions.

When the teachers and parents return this fall they may look at the handiwork and say “The second graders sure are talented here!” My desire is that a second grader looks at this creation and says “Hey, I could do that!”

Firm frame connected with hidden pocket screws. Some artists have sexy models. I have a rake and shovel.

Once built I will treat all surfaces with Thompson’s weather sealer and caulk the seams with silicone.

Cut out leaves with band saw, then routed the edges half-round.

Gluing together the cypress for lids.

A little color on the panels to tie into the leaves to come.

Spacing out the boards, keeping in mind children’s size. With ballusters on a railing there should be no gap larger than 3.5″.

Danish oil penetrates and accentuates the grain of the wood.

Shorter bench but same size leaves/back.

Used more cypress inside to brace the decking. If it is too heavy it could be dangerous. I have “slow-close” lid hardware coming soon.

Organizing the rainbow. One bench with “warm” colors, the other with “cool”.

I don’t need no stinking pallet!

Cool. I routed a groove in each leaf and painted on veins later.

Second coat, ready for third and a final sanding. The galvinized hinges need color too.

Sanded with 280 grit for weathered look. Painted metalic gold veins.

Florida furniture needs to be hurricane proof. Digging holes to pour concrete for anchors to attach.

I forgot, the back will be seen from inside the classroom. One coat of Hunters green does it.

Done.

Weather-proof locks coming soon.

Cozy in the shade.