Adults and children appreciate having plenty of seating areas in and near their playspace. Benches encourage adult supervision when placed in close proximity to the playground equipment. A tree bench also encourages a sense of community by creating a designated area for neighbors to gather together under a tree’s natural shade. If you have small to medium sized trees near your playground this may be the bench for you!
Materials & Tools
| Materials | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 2x6x12' boards | 2 |
| 2x6x10' boards | 2 |
| 2x4x8' board | 1 |
| 4x4x8' board | 1 |
| 2 ½" deck screws | 2lbs |
| ½"x8" galvanized screws | 6 |
| ½" galvanized washers | 6 |
| ½" galvanized nuts | 6 |
| Tools needed |
|---|
| Miter saw |
| Pencil |
| Tape measure |
| Carpenter's square |
| Safety glasses |
| Drill |
| ½" long drill bit |
| Screwdriver bit |
| Hammer |
Preparation Instructions
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Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
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Take the [2] 2x6x12' boards. Cut each down to [3] 43" pieces, for a total of [6] 2x6x43" pieces.
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Take the [2] 2x6x10' boards. Cut each down to [3] 2x6x36 ½" pieces, for a total of [6] 2x6x36 ½" pieces.
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Take the 2x4x8' board. Cut into [12] 2x4x8" pieces. Because of saw blade width and variances in lumber length, your [12] pieces may not be exactly 8" long. This is fine.
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Take the 4x4x8' board. Cut into [6] 4x4x16" lengths.
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Angled Cuts:
- Take the [6] 2x4x43" pieces. Set the miter saw to a 30° angle and cut off the angle on both sides of the wood to create [6] 2x6x43" trapezoids.
- Take the [6] 2x6x36 ½" pieces. Set the miter saw to a 30° angle and cut off the angle on both sides of the wood to create [6] 2x6x36 ½" trapezoids.
- Take the [6] 2x4x43" pieces. Set the miter saw to a 30° angle and cut off the angle on both sides of the wood to create [6] 2x6x43" trapezoids.
Build Instructions
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Inventory and sort all of your materials.
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Attach the 2x4x8" braces to the legs. Place(2) 2x4x8" on either side of one end of each 4x4x16" perpendicularly (creating a "T" shape).
Be sure the long sides of the 2x4s are flush with the edge of the 4x4s. Use [3] 2 ½" screws on each side to secure the braces in place. 
Then, use the ½" drill bit to drill a hole through all three pieces of wood and place an 8" carriage bolt in the center of the joint using 1 washer and 1 nut. 
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Repeat the same process for the remaining 2x4x8" pieces and the 4x4x16" pieces. You should have a total of 6 "T-shaped" legs.
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Take all six 2x6x43" trapezoids and lay them on the ground so that they create a ring.
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Take all six 2x6x36 ½" trapezoids and lay them on the ground on the inside of the outer ring.
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Place one of the legs at each of the six joints where the trapezoids meet. Use the 2 ½" screws to attach the legs to the trapezoid. NOTE: Be sure to leave one side unattached until after you've placed the bench around the tree!
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Carry the Tree Bench to the tree you'll be placing the bench around, place it around the tree, and attach the final side of the bench.
Be sure the long sides of the 2x4s are flush with the edge of the 4x4s. Use [3] 2 ½" screws on each side to secure the braces in place. 
Then, use the ½" drill bit to drill a hole through all three pieces of wood and place an 8" carriage bolt in the center of the joint using 1 washer and 1 nut. 
More enhancement projects
How to paint U.S. and world maps
Adding a huge, colorful map brings color to the playspace and teaches geography to kids. Children will be amazed by this enormous map, and will be drawn to thinking about it and playing around it. Painting is also a fun volunteer project! A finished painting project always provides a sense of accomplishment and very little expertise is needed to contribute successfully to the project.
How to create a play pole / directional post
Colorful directional posts can beautify your playspace and are great for pointing out landmarks selected by the community. If there are children present at the build day, you may want to enlist their help to choose the directions and paint the signs.
How to build a bean bag toss
A Bean Bag Toss (otherwise know as Cornhole) is a fun way to add play opportunities in a smaller space. The boards can be decorated in lots of playful ways to make them look bright and engaging. Children and adults of all ages can enjoy this classic cookout game!