Building an Outdoor Concrete Bench | QUIKRETE: Cement and Concrete Products
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A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below.

BUILDING AN OUTDOOR CONCRETE BENCH

Adding a QUIKRETE concrete bench to your backyard patio provides additional seating and helps to make outdoor entertaining fun, relaxing and comfortable.


Project Instructions

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

Step 1
Cut the wood into 2x4s and 2x6s, using a circular saw, and assemble into concrete forms for the two bases.

Step 2
Add appropriately sized melamine board or plywood to the bottom of the molds to keep concrete from spilling out.

Step 3
Mix the concrete, according to the instructions on the bag, and pour the mix into the molds.
Tip: Add wooden blocks with 3 inch screws in them to grip into the concrete and keep the weight down.

Step 4
Let the concrete cure for 3 days, and then, remove the molds with a prybar.

Step 5
Dig a square about 8 to 10 inches deep where you want each concrete base to the bench to go.

Step 6
Add about 3 inches deep of gravel within each of the hollowed out squares.

Step 7
Wheel the blocks to the holes and place them on top of the gravel.
Tip: You can place the blocks on the edges of the wood or a little closer to the center. It depends on what look you want for your bench.

Step 8
Level the bench by placing a 4x6 within the grooves and add gravel to each side to help it level out.

Step 9
Add the other two 4x6s and sand all three pieces of wood down.

Step 10
Cut grooves for the 2x2 short pieces across all 4x6s. Use a hammer and chisel to knock out wood chips to leave a clean hole.

Step 11
Cut the 2x2s to fit the groove and screw them in using 3 inch deck screws and sand down the edges.

Step 12 (Optional)
Finish the bench with a deck sealer for a cleaner, nicer look.


Shopping List

  • QUIKRETE Concrete Mix
  • QUIKRETE ¾ inch Gravel
  • Scrap 2x4s
  • Scrap 2x6s
  • Three 4x6s for top of bench
  • Two 2x2s to connect top of bench
  • Scrap Melamine Board or Plywood
  • 18 Volt Cordless Drill
  • 18 Volt Circular Saw
  • Orbital Sander
  • 120-grit Sandpaper
  • 2½ inch Deck Screws
  • 3 inch Deck Screws
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Hoe
  • Rake
  • Shovel
  • Tamp Tool
  • Chisel
  • Hammer
  • Level
  • Wheel Barrow or Plastic Mixing Tray
  • Hand Truck
  • Clean Tap Water
  • Water Proof Gloves
  • Safety Glasses