Creating Bonsai Shelving and Benches

[whfarro]

Yeah, its actually pretty stable, but I don't keep it on the deck. Its usually on the ground and secured with blocks and soil. I just didn't want to bury the post permanently, so I added the base.

 

[lieuz]

It seems I have this intimidation of starting something because I have too many ideas and I can't commit to something. So I was sitting in the car sometime last week in a parking garage waiting for my fiancee to meet me. The more I get alone time, the the backyard design is constantly on my mind. I keep on thinking I really need to commit some time to put at least pencil to paper. That way I'd have some thoughts on what is needed and what isn't. I thought I'd use the time wisely and start with something. It's been about a month and what a busy month. So sitting in the car, I remembered I had took some pictures of space and with my trusty stylus, I doodled with what I need. I don't need anything crazy so I just conceptualized what's most functional for the form I have. Here are a few things I came up with. I have a few things I'm concerned about and it's all mainly cost associated. If anyone can offer any word of advice on cost and possible design, it would be tremendously welcomed!

One of the questions/concerns I had was if I decided to go the cheap route and mulched the entire green space, what kind of downsides would I have. My constant concerns is termites and mosquitoes; however, I think that fear is quelled by talking to a few of my construction contractors friends. The mosquitoes fear is still pretty real. I also would like to install gravel or river stone but feel apprehensive due to cost. I can't seem to get any clear cost reference, I have tried calling into a landscape company but get very discouraging figures.

Here is what I came up with. FYI, I have a few hydrangea plants coming from the parents so I'll definitely would like to incorporate some of it to my design. That's why I was so amendment about adding them to the plan. Also, I really liked some of the stand ideas a few other posters came up with and I really thank you for that. I think I'll probably just need 3 for now.

Picture 1:

 

[lieuz]

Picture 2:

 

[lieuz]

Picture 3:

 

[lieuz]

Picture 4:

 

[lieuz]

Picture 5:

 

[sorce]

Lieuz.....swimming ass Lieuz! Lol.

Are your stairs outside the fence like this?

And can you not move the shed underneath the deck?

Or possibly, get rid of it, and store that stuff under the deck?
Sawzall the bottom off and jam it under there?

That's a lot of good sun wasted to shed.

Also....I don't know how the neighborhood is....but maybe a center island.....

I always feel those ones around the fence can be easily stolen.

If I think of jamming a lot of excellence into a small space....I think of @jeremy_norbury s yard.

Sorce

 

[whfarro]

Here is a basic plan using step risers. They come in varying numbers of steps/shelves. I modified this plan for one of my benches. It is free standing so it can actually be moved if needed.

 

[lieuz]

@sorce I don't have stairs leading down unfortunately. Good point about the storage, it does seem to be a bit of wasted space indeed. I honestly didn't entertain the idea about the possibility of moving that shed. But I probably should because people with decks probably know the sacrifice. I'm glad the deck isn't that much bigger because it'll then just block all the sun.

 

[lieuz]

@whfarro oh this is perfect! Thank you!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Something to consider...

I would recommend thinking about making all of your shelving moveable / removable / adjustable. For example, the idea of shelves hanging on the fence... maybe there are metal hangers you can use? For your shelves on the ground - perhaps use cinder blocks and 2x8's.

Having flexible shelving makes it MUCH easier to clean when it gets dirty / weedy. It allows you to replace elements that rot or warp. It allows you to move them to paint or treat the fencing behind them. Finally it allows you to adjust based on your trees and collection.

Also... rethink the idea of a bottom shelf directly below a top shelf, unless you don't plan on watering anything on the top shelf All the lower shelf does is get wet, dirty, and rot.

 

[ColinFraser]

Oh man, that is a tiny little yard! Is the fence strong enough to support all that shelving, or will it need reinforcement?

 

[f1pt4]

Here is a basic plan using step risers. They come in varying numbers of steps/shelves. I modified this plan for one of my benches. It is free standing so it can actually be moved if needed.

View attachment 92314

Brilliant. Why didn't I think of that?!

Another thing I didn't think of but a club member did, is he made all of his shelves with a park bench kit. (similar to this one....see below)



For the top shelf he slid and fastened a shelf through the opening between the 2x4's on the back rest. Or maybe he just fastened to the top with some elbow brackets. Honestly, I've only been to his place once, and I don't remember.

He's got a lot of heavy trees, and they seem to be doing just fine. For winter storage, he buries his lot underneath the benches, plus additional spots in his backyard.

Benefit. Completely modular, and fairly easy to assemble. and doesn't look bad.

I for one use some benches I built a while back, and an old picnic table that was left at the house we bought.

 

[lieuz]

@whfarro I took your design and got some dimensions so if I went with this I have it! Thank you much!

 

[lieuz]

@Bonsai Nut I definitely had that issue when I was living with my parents. Had a weed issue and could NEVER get around to clearing it because it was more or less immobile. I really do like how bare bones it is with the cinder blocks. Get some 2x6 planks and I'll be set to go.

 

[lieuz]

@Bonsai Nut @f1pt4 @ColinFraser I'm really intrigued with mobile shelving units. That fence is very sturdy and will not need any reinforcements. I'll definitely be looking for a more mobile way to hang stuff. Right off the bat, I'm thinking about French cleats.

 

[lieuz]

Thank you for redirecting this to the stands category! Figured it was much more suited here anyway.

 

[whfarro]

@whfarro I took your design and got some dimensions so if I went with this I have it! Thank you much!
View attachment 92335

They have 3, 4 and 6 step 'stringers' at Home Depot and Lowes. Good luck. Keep us posted with the progress of your new Bonsai area.

 

[lieuz]

@whfarro OH you're right! I forget they have those! I was thinking to myself, how the hell am I going to cut this? Poor jig is going to have to come out of retirement. Thanks for that tip. I think I need to figure out either to go with mulch or rock gravel for the ground covering...

 

[CWTurner]

Is the fence strong enough to support all that shelving

You should probably attach the shelves (or that slideable shelf "hanger" system) to the posts. I doubt that the fence panel material will be strong enough.