I’ve written on this blog a few times over the past few years regarding a custom wood fence we built for a client, and a number of smaller complimentary projects we’ve constructed using the same design. Last fall I highlighted a recent series of projects we built for the same client, and included a post about some “outside the box” design ideas they’ve incorporated into their garden.
Shortly after publishing that last piece, they contacted me once again to discuss some storage units they wanted constructed that could double as spillover seating during the outdoor entertainment season. (You don’t get to incorporate quirky design items in your garden unless you are a collector of stuff – and that stuff needs somewhere to be staged easily).
The requirements were simple – benches that matched the existing fencing, easy access for storage, and the ability to store long pieces of materials. They also wanted the ability to move them around as necessary, and use them either independently or together as one unit.
Here’s what I came up with.
Shortly after publishing that last piece, they contacted me once again to discuss some storage units they wanted constructed that could double as spillover seating during the outdoor entertainment season. (You don’t get to incorporate quirky design items in your garden unless you are a collector of stuff – and that stuff needs somewhere to be staged easily).
The requirements were simple – benches that matched the existing fencing, easy access for storage, and the ability to store long pieces of materials. They also wanted the ability to move them around as necessary, and use them either independently or together as one unit.
Here’s what I came up with.
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Each bench measures 8’ long, with a hinged lid that can be easily lifted for quick access. The back side is open, the other three sides are finished with the same design as the fences we’ve done in the past.
Additionally, I constructed one end of each bench unit with a removable panel that can be taken off when the client wants to position the two benches directly next to each other, with one continuous 16’ l storage space.
The end panels are attached using a simple hook design, that allows for them to be easily fastened to the benches when the client wants to position them independently.
Additionally, I constructed one end of each bench unit with a removable panel that can be taken off when the client wants to position the two benches directly next to each other, with one continuous 16’ l storage space.
The end panels are attached using a simple hook design, that allows for them to be easily fastened to the benches when the client wants to position them independently.
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And since they’re benches, we didn’t want obtrusive handles for the hinged lids that might interfere with seating. So we went with simple rope handles that can sit flush with the lids when being used as seating. The client plans on using seat cushions atop the lids, which will fit quite easily over the rope handles.
Quick. Simple. Effective. Attractive. Check, check, check and check. These are the kind of fun creative projects we love to do. Looking for some outside-the-box ideas for your yard? Give us a call – we just might have the perfect idea for you!
Quick. Simple. Effective. Attractive. Check, check, check and check. These are the kind of fun creative projects we love to do. Looking for some outside-the-box ideas for your yard? Give us a call – we just might have the perfect idea for you!
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