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.
Making a concrete weight bench using a minimalist design delivers big results in a small space.
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.
Step 1
Cut the laminate shelf board to size, for the base of the forms, and cut the 2-1/2" vinyl trim boards for the side panels.
Step 2
Drill holes in two of the laminate shelf boards, to fit 1" iron pipe.
Step 3
Glue the mold together.
Step 4
Seal the seams with silicone caulk. Remove any excess.
Step 5
Insert the steel pipe and wrap with reinforcement wire hot-glued into place.
Step 6
Screw on a coupling, to each end of the pipe, and hot glue into place.
Step 7
Glue two pieces of wood to the forms, one at the top and one at the bottom, to ensure spacing.
Step 8
Then, make the bench indentations by gluing scrap pieces of trim to the top of the forms. These can be screwed in, as well, for additional support.
Step 9
Seal the coupling with silicone caulk.
Step 10
Mix the QUIKRETE 5000, according to the directions on the back of the bag, and place it into each mold.
QUIK-Tip: Use a dowel to push the concrete down to the bottom of the form and around the pipe.
Step 11
Vibrate the molds.
QUIK-Tip: Use an orbital sander, without a pad, for this step.
Step 12
Let the concrete cure for at least 48 hours.
Step 13
Remove the forms.
QUIK-Tip: You may need to drill holes on the inside portion of the form, to release it from the pipe.
Step 14
Cut the oak veneer plywood, and layer with glue and screws to form the top of the bench and smaller blocks.
QUIK-Tip: Sprinkling a little bit of table salt in the glue, between each layer, will help to prevent the pieces from sliding.
Step 15
Sand to smooth the sides and edges of the bench and each of the blocks.
Step 16
Screw hinges onto each block pair.
Step 17
Drill indentations into the blocks, and embed magnets and steel plates into the holes.
Step 18
Place lines of hot glue on the surface of each block, to act as bumpers, and let dry.
Step 19
Wax or stain the bench, if desired.
Step 20
Hot glue furniture pads to the bottom of each concrete weight.
Step 21
Fit bench to top of concrete weights.
