Who among us could not use more outdoor seating? Like everyone else that loves entertaining, and in my case hosting pool parties, I never have enough places for everyone to sit.  I thought “why not create my own seating” because patio furniture is pricey.  You know what is inexpensive and works great as an outdoor patio bench – cinderblocks! 

Did I mention that making your own outdoor cinderblock bench is really easy?  I didn’t say it wasn’t heavy, but it is super easy to build and source the materials. Like a trip in a truck to the hardware store easy.

To get extra fancy I covered my DIY patio bench with outdoor mats.  I love the way it gives everything a bit of color.  PLUS it ties in to the backyard bohemian paradise theme I have going on the other side of the patio giving everything one cohesive poolside look.

Create More Outdoor Seating With a DIY Cinderblock Bench

DIY Outdoor Concrete Brick Bench Supply List

There is some wiggle room with this supply list depending on the size you want and if you want the bricks covered.  Since cinderblocks can get hot in the summer I strongly suggest saving tooshes from toasting and covering with something.

• Cinderblocks
• Hot Glue
• Hot Glue Gun
• Outdoor Mats
• Spray Adhesive
• Small Plants

Step 1 Make a Row of Cinderblocks

The first step in making your new DIY patio bench is laying out the shape.  How many bricks you need will depend on how big you want the bench. Most cinderblocks come in a standard size of 8″x8″x16″.  Determine the length and ask yourself questions like: will it have arm rests, will there be a back and will it have to curves and corners like mine?

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Step 2 Stack Bricks to Form Outdoor Bench

Your DIY patio bench probably needs to be at least two cinderblocks high for comfortable seating.  Mine are on their sides so the two blocks combined make my bench 16″s high. A single block high would be too low for most adults.  If you want to add industrial glue to attach the cinderblocks to each other you can but mine have stayed in place for over a year without crushing any toes.

Tip: If you don’t glue the cinderblocks together for your bench you can always move them or do something different with them later on.  Like make a pool umbrella weight and planter.

Step 3 Gather Materials for Covering Outdoor Bench

Gather up adhesives that will work outdoors like Gorilla Glue.  You will also need outdoor fabric or outdoor beach mats.  Remember in the heat and elements almost nothing besides the cinderblocks will last forever but they will look cute for an entire summer.

2026 Update: These outdoor mats have long since died since writing this post, but the cinderblock bench is still standing strong.  You will probably have to switch the covering each summer.

Step 4 Tuck The Outdoor Mat Under the Blocks

Just like you were folding a present start by sticking part of the mat underneath the top row of cinderblocks.  From here apply your adhesive (folding alone might work depending on the material you are using to cover) and stick  the mat to the cinderblocks.

Step 5 – Cover Your Cinderblock Bench 

Your new outdoor seating is starting to look pretty amazing.  Cover as much or as little as you like.  I wanted to leave a bit of my cinderblock bench exposed so I only covered the top level of bricks with the outdoor mats.  

Tip: You could also add outdoor throw pillows for a bit more cushion. My cat Brie approves of this message.

Step 6 Give Your Cinderblock Bench Arm Rests

A third brick on each end gives a more finished look to your patio bench.  The extra cinderblocks are somewhere people can rest their drinks or hot dogs.  

Step 7 – Styling Your Concrete Patio Bench

Have fun with the exposed holes in the cinderblocks.  You could always make the arm rests double as cinderblock planters.  Just stick a few trailing plants inside the holes.  Another option is to put small bins inside the holes that hold bug spray and sunblock. Book end with some container plants and you are ready to entertain.

PRESTO – More DIY Outdoor Seating!

The bench even looks great plain without a covering.  The extra outdoor seating came in very handy when I threw a summer pool party that the mom’s and kids loved.

This outdoor seating area was a great addition to my backyard! I loved how it created a second separate seating area for guests away from my main patio.  That way people could spread out into different conversation zones or kids could escape into their own areas.

This new cinderblock bench added at least 6 more spaces of outdoor seating to that end of my patio.  I love that there is no back so that people can sit and face the table or they can face the yard where the pool and trampoline are.  I’m thinking in the winter I will move the table back and instead put a fire pit for outdoor s’mores!

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Posted July 24, 2018 & filed under Crafts, Home Décor Crafts.