Okay so I really had to convince myself that these benches were what I was going to post for my monthly DIY and after 29 days I finally caved. I have some fall decor DIYs whipped up and apparently I’m getting some Autumn fever so I just about featured one of those instead but decided next month would be more timely for a craft like that. The good news is when September hits I can post the DIY early in the month since it’s ready and I won’t do my regular Procrastinator-Alicia style…like I’m doing now!
August’ DIY project is so super simple I could probably just post pics with no words and y’all could put it together. But for the sake of “writing” a blog I won’t.
These DIY benches will make for a great way to sit outdoors and enjoy the cool crisp Fall mornings (right around the corner) while sipping a steamy cup of coffee, gather friends and family during an evening of BBQ and entertainment, or even to stretch out on for an afternoon catnap…I’ve actually done that last one a time or two.
Here’s what you’ll need for this sweet little patio transformation…and I apologize ahead of time for the horrible pictures, the sun has been shining bright which I’m thankful for but the lighting is pretty harsh in the photos:
Two 3×12 wood planks (at your preferred length, ours measure 4 foot on one and 6 foot on the other)
8 to 12 cinder blocks (8 for the benches, 4 more if you decide to do the planter)
Sander/ 60 grit sand paper
One rag for wiping dust
Two cotton rags for staining and sealing (cotton t-shirt works well)
Wood stain (your choice of color)
Polyurethane (I prefer this over polyacrylic which tends to yellow over time)
First off sand the planks so they’re smooth, the last thing you want is risking splinters when you put these benches to use later!
Wipe the dust off from using the sander and prop your planks up against something that won’t matter if it gets stain on it (scrap wood works well).
Wearing gloves wipe the stain onto the wood plank using gentle, even strokes and applying it in the direction of the wood grain.
**Side note #1: If you do end up with stain or polyurethane on you, you can use a rag and mineral spirits to remove the stickiness.
You’ll want to apply one layer of stain and allow about an hour of dry time afterwards, then add another coat and finally a third coat after an hour of dry time in between.
Wait at least 24 hours before applying the polyurethane.
Just the same process as the stain you’ll want to wipe the polyurethane (aka sealer) across the plank, again in the same direction as the wood grain. This is an important step to do as it helps aid in protecting your wood pieces from inevitable weathering.
Three coats is a good rule of thumb with at least an hour dry time in between; my husband would actually tell you to lightly sand and wipe down in between the three coats of sealer once they’re dry but I’m not going to get that finicky since this is an outdoor project. I will mention that sealing is something you’ll probably want to repeat once a year (a bit of sanding first, followed by a few coats of sealer).
Lastly you’ll want to stack up the blocks (two high) and position them the correct distance apart (the length of the plank apart) use a tape measure if needed. You could line them up evenly with the edge of the board meeting the edge of the cinder block (like we did, see next photo below) or you could do overhang.
**Side-note #2: Kittens aren’t a necessary requirement for this project…more on her and her brother in a future post…
I mentioned the extra 4 blocks in the items needed list and that’s if you want to do a planter. I’ll just include pictures to show you how that looks — pretty self explanatory (visually). The soil in those planters does not go all the way down to the patio concrete because we have the bottom cinder blocks turned the opposite way which you can see in the photos below.
***On the planter the bottom two cinder blocks have the holes facing outward but the top layer of two blocks are facing upward which gives the option to create the planter.
And here’s the final finished project!!
What I love about this “patio furniture” is the fact that it’s super cost effective, durable, and low maintenance. Literally this “patio furniture” cost me around $20 to make after paying for the stain and sealer. Nate picked up the planks from his job as they were no longer needed and the cinder blocks came from his folks’ place.
Perhaps one day, if I’m feeling extra ambitious, I’ll sew a rectangle cushion to set on top of each bench, but for now I’m just going to rely on the God given one I alre…….nevermind I’ll hold that thought…
…Speaking of Him I’ll leave you with an encouraging verse and well blessings!!
2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
That word, faith, is where the true Christian meets authenticity in their relationship with Jesus. That word changes my life in a beautiful way everyday!
Take care y’all! And as usual let me know if you end up creating this DIY!
Great job and the cushions are a great idea too! God Bless
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Thanks, the cushions would be fun for a splash of color!!
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Great job! They look really nice on your patio. I like polyurethane; it makes wood look really beautiful.
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I think so too…And I have to be honest, I actually haven’t done the polyurethane yet at all but I definitely intend to within the next day or two!!
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I think I normally see polyurethane used indoors. Do they have an outdoor type?
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Ya that’s what I use…I just always stay away from the polyacrylic because I’ve never had luck with it (yellows too much)
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And that urethane can shows indoor/outdoor use
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Thanks, Alicia!
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You are so creative. Maybe one day I will sit on one of your benches while you, your husband and I drink so iced tea 🙂
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That would be awesome!! Page would probably add 30 packets of sugar to hers, just saying
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She would fit in well in the south. They love sweet tea
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Ya when I canceled our Texas vacation this summer (for obvious reasons) that’s what she was bummed about…no sweet tea!!😂❤️
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😂😂
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Do you have Raising Canes near you? They have sweet tea
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They have one in Kearney! Might have to try it!!😋
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Do you go to Kearney in a horse drawn carriage?
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No because I’m too cheap for horses, remember?!!
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Lol
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Nice! And it’s always good to have a cat or two helping you out. Mine love to help me make the bed.
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Oh yes I bet so, they’re pretty curious…or the better description is probably nosy!!!!!
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I love this project! Can’t wait to see if you do the cushions and I love the planters! Very creative!
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Hmmm ya they’d be fun to spruce up some color outback….maybe in the spring — and if so I’ll do a post!!
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A great idea Alecia! Love it! Especially if it came with the kitty 😂
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Oh yes!! one those kittens are adults they might make for a nice little pillow to snuggle up with out there, they’re getting awfully plump…so cute!
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I sure wish you were close by. You could help me with our deck! 😊
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Ahhh that’d be so fun!! I’d love it!! I wonder if electronically we could figure something out for your deck..
I should go retake pics right now while the sun is just coming up, maybe they’d turn out better!!😉
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Awe! How sweet! We need to take off old decking and replace it with new. It’s straight forward but I would need guidance And muscle. 💗😊
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Oh boy, well I wish we closer to be able to help!!!!!
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I love the rustic look. The shade of the varnish is great.
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Thanks! I actually had a lighter shade and then went over with my third coat using a little darker shade.
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That is a super cool idea. Knowing me I woud knock one of those boards off sitting down and end up on my black looking at the sky, but they look like sturdy boards, so maybe not. That planter idea is so cool! I love it! Not just saying that. Sometimes I don’t look at DIY posts because I figure I’ll never do it but this idea is cool. I follow another blog that has some cool DIY projects and I keep saying I want to do one of them. Maybe I’ll get around to trying a couple of each of your suggestions! 🙂
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P.S. Doing those projects will keep me from worrying and watching too much news! 😉
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Haha true!! I’m really out of the loop with the news!! It’s almost embarrassing..almost.
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Sadly, I don’t even care if I’m out of the loop!
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This DIY is pretty plain and simple, that’s what I like…The few little fall DIY items I have for this month and possibly next month are a little more detailed and I’m already wondering how I’m going to explain the steps well😂😬
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You can do it!
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I love these benches! Thanks so much for sharing with us. And I love the verse at the end too! ❤
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Don’t tell anyone but I still need to get out there and put the sealer on them LOL
And yes so thankful for faith!!!! ❤️
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It will be our secret! 🙂
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😉❤️
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Great benches. They look sturdy also. You are very talented.
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Thank you for checking them out!!
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Very stylish, Ali! Love them. The planter… wow I love that too. The kitten is the icing on the cake. You got a kitten! Aweeeeeeeee. So sweet. ❤ Love your post and you "Mini Me," 😀 You can blame Andrew for that nickname. He started that one. 😀
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I love that he says that, it cracks me up!! ❤️
And oh those kittens, there’s a story behind them I’ll share sometime!;)
The benches outback are great but the kittens like to mess with any quiet time that I aim for out there!😂
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Awe. ☺ Can’t wait to hear about the kittens.
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Your handiness reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman. How cool is this! Today, I wish I live somewhere very close to you. Thank you for sharing this awesome idea.
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Ahhh I love the mannerism and heart of the Proverbs 31 woman…I probably have the busy part down but I’m not sure I keep grace, wisdom, and patience in thought while I’m tackling my tasks!😦
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We can only get better as the eyes of our understanding is enlightened and we become more conscious of God’s presence 😉❤
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Yes! Daily effort!!❤️
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Lovely!
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