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DIY Cinder Block Patio Furniture

For a backyard that features a lot of concrete, finding matching furniture can be expensive and difficult — but not if you make your own furniture using concrete cinder blocks. Cinder blocks are cheap, readily available at building supply stores, and can be stacked and placed into many different configurations. Don't worry about the furniture being too hard; you can use pillows, blankets and cushions to make them a little more comfortable. If you are planning on making the furniture permanent, the use of a little mortar can help secure the furniture together for good.

Things You'll Need

  • Cinder blocks
  • Cushions, blankets and pillows
  • Concrete mortar (optional)
  • Trowel (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the dimensions you would like to build the chair or sofa. Take into account the size of standard cinder blocks and have your dimensions factor this in, as well, to avoid having to cut the blocks. A standard cinder block measures 8 inches wide, 8 inches tall and 16 inches long.

    • 2

      Lay a bed of blocks four blocks wide, end to end with the flat sides placed against the ground and the hole sides facing outward, four blocks deep. This will require 16 blocks. You should have a rectangular shape placed where you would like the piece — in this case a sofa — as the blocks will not be able to be moved in unison later.

    • 3

      Lay another bed of blocks on top of the first in the same orientation as the first. This will also require 16 standard cinder blocks.

    • 4

      Make two armrests at either of the rectangle. Place two blocks at either end of the rectangle end to end, with the holes of the blocks facing upward. This will allow for the holes to be used for storage in the armrests themselves.

    • 5

      Place three blocks between the armrests at the back of the sofa with the holes facing upward.

    • 6

      Place four blocks on top of the three and the armrests with the holes facing upward to finish the back of the sofa.

    • 7

      Mix some concrete mortar according to the manufacturers directions and apply some between each level of blocks using a trowel to make the installation permanent. As the blocks weigh around 40 pounds each, this step is not entirely necessary, but will prevent any movement between the layers of the furniture piece.

    • 8

      Place some cushions, blankets or pillows on the seat of the sofa and along the backrest to make them warmer and more comfortable to sit on.