Cinder blocks can be repurposed in numerous ways to create interesting things such as media units, planters or… Amazing concrete DIY cinder block benches!
Spring is at our doorstep. Do you have lots of ideas for your terrace or garden? If you think you’re running out of money to create a bench seat, planters or outdoor bar, why not use cinder blocks, also called hollow concrete blocks or concrete bricks?
They didn’t ask to end their lives in a pile of rubble… Cinder blocks have the right to resurrect in a beautiful way. Help them become a nice garden cinder block bench.
If you don’t have cinder blocks, you can search for them on the free donation sites. Gravel and embankments are often found there, bricks can be part of these “falls” of work that one tries to get rid of.
Table of Contents
Starting materials to make a cinder block bench
How much does it cost to make a cinder block bench?
These materials used in construction and masonry are very economical. Another advantage is that they are weatherproof, strong and relatively light. Here are some sustainable improvements you could make…. with a mini-budget!
- Cinder blocks
- Standard wooden garden posts (square: 7cm x 7cm)
- Exterior facade paint. We recommend a light color for the exterior of the blocks, a darker color for the interior, but in fact, it’s the way you want it.
- Exterior wood paints, if you wish to paint the seat of the bench.
- Floor protection (tarpaulin or plastic)
- Cushions for comfortable seating
- Possibly for comfort, a wood board for the seat of the bench to be fixed on the posts.
- Tools
- Cinder block glue
- Brushes and a small roller of paint
- A screw, and screwdriver (if you choose to add a board to the seat)
Steps
- Set up near the site of the future bench to avoid having to carry everything at the end of construction. Cinder blocks are heavy!
- Assemble the blocks: place three blocks next to each other. The third is turned in the opposite direction, the opening facing what will be the front of the bench. Place a few glue joints between the blocks. Reinsert three blocks on the first layer, oriented and glued in the same way. For the third and last layer of blocks, all must be in the same direction, so as to be able to slide the garden posts. Glue.
- Repeat the operation with the other blocks, placing you at the distance equivalent to the length of the bench. To determine the ideal length, place a garden pole on the ground.
- Paint the cinder blocks with the chosen colors. Finish with a brush. While you’re at it if you want to add color to your garden poles and possible seat board, do it now!
- Place the wooden posts (painted or unpainted) in the top three blocks.
- If you want to add a board to the seat, now is the time. Put it on the seat. Make sure that the board is on board with the garden poles. Screw the board into the three posts at each end of the bench. To do this, use the twist to make a small pre-hole, then screw. You have the right to use a screwdriver for convenience and speed!
- Add the cushions on the bench and decorative elements in the openings of the blocks.
- Sit down!
Now, find 10 amazing cinder block benches to get some inspiration!
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Cinder block bench
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How to use cement blocks in a practical outdoor project
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Great DIY ideas to bring your patio furniture back to life
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Build a simple outdoor bench with concrete cinder blocks and 4×4 wood posts. Other ideas with cinder blocks: Easy Outdoor DIY Firewood Rack from Cinder Blocks
And if you want to play a bit…
- 24 blocks and 1 miniature wooden pallet - AGES 12+
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I REALLY want to make the Zen benches!! What size (length) of the 4×4 boards did you use? Also, are they connected at the two ends that meet? I’m trying to guess the best way to do this off the photo and vague directions. If there are more specific directions please let me know!! Thank you.
This fence blog is so very helpful, now i know what is the best fence
My thoughts here is the fourth timber peg at the end is the support for backrest . From the back, that is!
Does the wood planks need to be glued to the blocks?
What color stain did you use for your deck? I like the darker shade.
hi, i would like to see pictures of that
I’d love to be a part of group where I can get advice from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you.
you get cement adhesive (use caulking gun). To hold them tight.
what type of lumber did you used?
Use adhesive on the cinder blocks.
ineresting
how do you secure the blocks to the patio? have a 3 year old and this could be not safe for him. some kind of cement glue?
I was wondering how the blocks are secured too. Looks like if you mean back it would fall over. Maybe a bracket you can’t see on the inside? I dunno.
Construction adhesive for cement products