How to convert planter box into seating?

[Mark74]

I'm wanting to convert an old planter box, which has limestone retaining on the leading edge to a section of seating, using decking products. Should I make use of the existing fence posts as part of the structure or build around using separate footings. Lots of base rock in the ground so some area's could be challenging to place footings. Any ideas appreciated.

Overall length is about 4.5m and average width is about 1m. 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Mark74. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about constructing seating.

Your fence should not solely support your seating, though it can be used as an attachment point. Whether you need to connect to it will likely be determined by the design of the seating you're going for. If you can provide our members with a sketch, that will help them suggest adequate ways to support your structure.

You can construct a frame and have the rear of it sit on pavers and adjustable pedestal feet; this is a fantastic way of achieving a stable frame over uneven terrain or where footings would be inconvenient.

If you can let me know what the seating would look like I'd be happy to create a rendering of a frame layout for you.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[amalpaul]

Hi There,

I have a similar situation. Have an old planter box i want to convert into a seating area.

Attached is a rough idea of what i am aiming for. Would it be ok if i fill the planter box with concrete (the planter box is connected to wooden sleeper walls hence using the concrete layer and not connecting it to the sleeper)

Thanks

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @amalpaul. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about filling a garden bed.

While you could fill the planter box with concrete, it may not be the most practical solution. It would require a significant amount of concrete to fill the bed, which could pose structural challenges, especially if the planter box isn’t designed to hold the weight of wet concrete until it cures. Additionally, concrete might not offer much flexibility if you decide to make adjustments to the seating area in the future.

If your end goal is to add decking or a seating surface over the planter box, building a timber frame to support it would likely be a more efficient and practical solution. A timber frame could be securely attached to the wooden sleeper walls and allow for a stable, elevated seating platform. This approach is also easier to customise to your design and would avoid the need for large quantities of concrete.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell