Surprise Mom with a homemade planter bench

(NC)-Looking for something to give Mom or Grandma this spring as a token of affection and appreciation? Why not make her something from hand - a planter bench that can store her favorite herbs or perennials. Planter benches are easy to put together, and make for a useful gift for any occasion. This project requires the use of power tools, so make sure an adult is supervising and cutting, but feel free to have young children pitch-in and help decorate. Here are some easy DIY tips from The Home Depot Canada, for this fun family project:

Gather the Tools That You Need - Before you get started, make sure you have all the materials you'll need to complete this project. For a planter bench, you'll need: 1x6 lumber, galvanized 2-inch spiral nails, a hammer, a drill, a mitre saw and a hand sander. Don't forget your safety glasses and ear plugs (for when you use an electric saw) and that all important tape measure.

Measure and Cut Your Wood - Cut two 1x6s for the sides of the planter using a mitre saw. The finished size of each side should be 3/4" x 4 1/2" x 6"

Sand to Smooth - Use a sander to smooth the surfaces of the boards that will form the outside of the window box.

Create Drainage Holes - Using a 1/2" drill bit, drill three holes in a piece of wood that will serve as the base of the planter. Be sure to check that the drill bit is tight and secure and that the chuck is tight in the spindle. Wear safety glasses and hold the drill securely.

Put it All Together - The final step is to hammer nails into the wood to assemble the planter box. Be sure to align the sides of the planter box with the bottom before driving in nails. Next, align the ends of the front and back flush with the end of the bottom and sides. Hold the hammer at the end and strike the nail perpendicular to the end of the hammer. If you are concerned about hitting your fingers, wear gloves or use pliers to hold the nail in place.

Now that you've finished assembling you planter box, consider applying a light stain to bring out the wood's natural colour, or have the kids put on their own personal touches with stickers and finger paint.

For more great gift ideas for mom, visit www.homedepot.ca or The Home Depot in your community. - News Canada

These articles are for informational purposes only. The authors have provided these projects in good faith; however, results cannot be guaranteed. Follow instructions carefully and use caution and common sense. If you have any questions, get them answered before proceeding. Read and follow instruction's on product labels. Make safety a priority. Store supplies in a secure place.

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