How to Make a Concrete Garden Bench

Draw the garden bench design on paper or on a computer. Determine the width, height and length of the bench to create an accurate sketch. Use a simple design of two sides for support and a top. Make the width on each piece the same to create three sides of a rectangle.

Measure and mark a pair of sides, 28-by-12 inches, on particle board. Measure and mark a pair of longer pieces, 28-by-36 inches, on another sheet of particle board. Cut the pieces out with a table saw.

Lay the short pieces parallel to each other with the narrow sides horizontal. Lay the long pieces perpendicular to the ends of the short pieces. Nail the ends together to form a box. This becomes the frame for the concrete mold.

Set the mold on the ground. Mark the outside diameter in the ground by making an outline of the frame in the dirt. Move the frame aside.

Dig out a 4-inch deep hole, 3 inches wider than each side. Remove any roots, rocks and debris with a rake. Use a level to even out the sides. Use a tamper to compact the soil for the base. Continue this process until all sides are level.

Put the frame into the hole. Level out the frame. Remove the frame from the dirt.

Cut the 2-by-4-inch lumber into four even pieces to support each side of the frame. Hammer nails through the particle board into the lumber to attach the lumber to the frame. This will create the supports for the sides as the concrete dries.

Set the frame and attached supports back into the hole. Make the lumber snug against the ground by backfilling along the outer edge as needed. Use a rubber mallet to hammer the frame completely into the hole.

Pour cement mix into a concrete mixer. Mix the cement with the proper amount of water as indicated in the directions on the bags.

Pour the mixed concrete into the mold slowly. Even the concrete as it fills the frame, using spare lumber from the 2-by-4-inch board. Fill the frame completely. Smooth the top over with a trowel and float by moving in even strokes left to right across the concrete.

Allow the concrete to cure over the next 48 to 72 hours. The time frame depends on the climate; more humid climates require more time for the concrete to dry.

Dig down around the sides of the frame and underneath the edges of the concrete. Lift up the frame from the concrete.

Remove the concrete piece.Hose down the surface to clean it. Paint the pieces with your chosen colors. Allow everything to dry for 24 hours.

Repeat the entire process from the beginning to make each of the three sections.