Free Dual Planter Bench Calculator
Take the guesswork out of your dual planter bench build. Plan your cuts, compare board lengths, estimate material costs, and reduce waste before you buy lumber.
Built for DIYers, woodworkers, and homeowners planning a log-cabin style dual planter bench.
Custom Project Dimensions
Enter your bench length, planter size, slat spacing and bearing.
Cut List + Shopping List
Know exactly what to cut and what materials to buy.
Pressure-Treated vs Cedar
Compare material costs before you commit.
Board-Length Optimization
Choose smarter board lengths and reduce waste.
How the Calculator Works
Enter your bench size
Choose the overall length, planter size, slat spacing and bearing.
Choose your lumber lengths
Compare 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft and 16 ft boards.
Adjust local prices
Update lumber, HeadLOK and PL Premium prices for your area.
Generate your plan
Get a shopping list, cut list, cost estimate and board-by-board cutting layout.
Build with less waste
Use the optimized layout to plan cuts before buying material.
Calculate Your Dual Planter Bench
Enter your bench size, board lengths and local material prices to generate your cut list, shopping list, cost estimate and board-by-board cutting plan.
Pressure-Treated Total
Western Red Cedar Total
| Material | Stock Length | Qty | Total Board Waste | Notes |
|---|
| Material | Status | Stock | Boards | Finished Cuts | Total Waste | Kerf | End Trim | Offcut |
|---|
Diagrams use the selected stock length and include kerf. Pink sections are remaining offcuts; black lines represent saw kerf between cuts.
What the Calculator Gives You
Shopping List
Board quantities by material type and stock length.
Cut List
Every 4x4, 2x4, 5/4 cap and filler block cut.
Cost Estimate
Pressure-treated and cedar material estimates.
Board Layout
Board-by-board cutting plan to reduce waste.
Bench Preview
Top and head-on views of the planter bench.
Fastener Estimate
HeadLOK and PL Premium quantities included.
About This Bench Design
This calculator is designed for a log-cabin style dual planter bench built from stacked 4x4s, 2x4 seat slats and 5/4 deck-board caps. It includes the real bench opening, 3 1/2" filler blocks, seat ledgers, false-bottom cleats, HeadLOK fasteners and PL Premium adhesive.
Default 96-Inch Bench Example
The default calculator settings are based on a 96" overall bench with two 23" square planter boxes.
Default measurements
- Overall length: 96 inches
- Planter size: 23 inches square
- Slat gap: 1 inch
- Slat bearing: 5 inches per side
- Top-cap overhang: 1 1/2 inches
- Saw kerf: 1/8 inch
Default cut-list results
- 46 4x4 wall pieces
- 2 4x4 filler blocks
- 6 2x4 seat slats
- 4 seat ledgers
- 4 false-bottom cleats
- 8 top cap pieces
- HeadLOK screws and PL Premium adhesive
Always verify generated measurements against your actual lumber and project before cutting.
Materials Included
4x4 lumber
Main log-cabin planter walls.
2x4 lumber
Seat slats, ledgers and support cleats.
5/4 deck boards
Mitered top caps.
HeadLOK fasteners
Structural screws for the stacked layers.
PL Premium
Adhesive for added strength.
Filler blocks
Small 3 1/2" blocks used at the bench opening.
Pressure-Treated or Cedar?
Pressure-treated lumber
Lower cost, widely available and practical for outdoor use.
Western red cedar
Higher cost, lighter weight, naturally rot-resistant and more attractive.
Use the calculator to compare both before buying material.
Tools You May Need
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Drill / impact driver
- Tape measure
- Square
- Clamps
- Level
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
Before You Buy Lumber
Check local lumber prices, confirm available board lengths, inspect boards for twist or cracks and adjust the calculator pricing before purchasing. The default prices are only a starting point.
Calculator Notes
This calculator is an estimating tool. Always verify measurements, board quality, fastener placement and local pricing before cutting or purchasing materials.
Planter Bench Calculator FAQ
Is this calculator free?
Yes. You can use it to estimate materials, cuts and board layouts for a dual planter bench.
Can I change the bench length?
Yes. Changing the overall length updates the clear opening and seat-slat lengths.
Does it include a cut list?
Yes. It lists the quantity, material and finished length of each required part.
Does it include lumber prices?
Yes. Default prices are included, and you can replace them with your local supplier prices.
Can I compare pressure-treated and cedar?
Yes. The calculator shows separate estimates for pressure-treated lumber and Western red cedar.
Does it include HeadLOK screws?
Yes. HeadLOK quantities and editable pricing are included.
Does it include PL Premium adhesive?
Yes. PL Premium quantity and editable pricing are included.
What board lengths can I compare?
You can compare 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft and 16 ft stock lengths.
Does it include the bench opening?
Yes. The design accounts for the real bench opening between the two planter boxes.
Does it include the filler blocks?
Yes. It includes the 3 1/2" 4x4 filler blocks used to preserve the log-cabin pattern at the bench opening.
Can I print the cut list?
Yes. Calculate the bench first, then select Print Cut List.
Need Help Building Your Planter Bench?
Bring your cut list to GTA WoodWorks and get hands-on help turning your plan into a finished build.