How to Build a Sitting Bench From Concrete

Molds

• 1

  Cut two lengths of 2-by-4-inch lumber to measuring 4-feet long. Cut two lengths of lumber to measure 2-feet long. Cut a piece of plywood measuring 2-by-4 feet.

• 2

  Place the two 4-foot boards parallel and on their sides on a working surface. Arrange them so they 2-feet apart. Place the sides for the seat mold over the ends of the top and bottom pieces to form a rectangle. Screw the rectangle together with wood screws. Place the plywood over the rectangle and screw in place. Flip the mold over so the plywood is on the bottom.

• 3

  Cut eight lengths of 2-by-4-inch lumber measuring 2-feet long. These are the sides of the leg molds. Cut two pieces of plywood measuring 2-by-2-feet. These are the bottoms of the leg molds.

• 4

  Arrange four of the leg boards on a flat surface on their sides to form a square. Screw the square together. Place one of the plywood bases on top of the square and screw in place. Flip the square to sit on the plywood bottom. This is one leg mold. Repeat to make an identical leg mold. The legs will be be 2-feet high, 2-feet wide and 4-inches thick.

Pouring Concrete

• 5

  Fill the joints inside the molds with silicone sealer to prevent the concrete from leaking. Allow the sealer to dry.

• 6

  Paint the insides of all three molds with an even layer of vegetable oil. This will allow the concrete to slip out more easily.

• 7

  Mix quick-drying concrete following package instructions. Fill the molds to the rim with concrete. Scrape the concrete along the top with a scrap piece of lumber to smooth out the surface of the concrete. Allow the concrete to dry for several days.

Installation

• 8

  Flip the molds over and carefully remove the molds from around the concrete pieces. Try not to damage the molds because you can reuse them.

• 9

  Select a level location to install the bench. Place the bench on a concrete or gravel pad to prevent it from sinking into the ground. Place the two legs upright in the selected location about 4 feet apart.

• 10

  Spread a thin layer of wet concrete on the tops of the legs using a trowel. This will hold the bench seat in place.

• 11

  Set the bench seat carefully on top of the legs. Sand down any rough spots on the bench for a smooth surface.