One of the best ways to make your yard and garden more enjoyable is to provide several spots where you can sit to rest, enjoy the view, and listen quietly to the birds and the wind. You can make a super-simple bench by standing a couple of large log sections on end, then attaching a sturdy plank onto the log 'legs' using long galvanized spikes or screws. (If you don't have a chain saw and big logs available on your property, just ask a tree trimmer or firewood cutter if they will cut the logs you need.)

Or if you want a more stylish bench with a matching table, consider this do-it-yourself plan inspired by the furniture at the Jordon Pond House restaurant in Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine. For almost 100 years, the restaurant has been serving its famous tea and popovers on the lawn overlooking the spectacular scenery of Mt. Desert Island.

Our Jordan Pond Bench and Table are designed to be easy to make with standard lumber. There are no fancy joints, just simple cuts, standard screws and weatherproof glue to give you sturdy, long-lasting outdoor furniture. The plans for the bench and table are just $9.95 and include drawings, instructions and a materials list. To order the plans click here.

If you've built your own garden bench or table, share your experiences by posting a comment below.