Instructions to Build an Outdoor Bench With Patio Pavers

Build a bench with outdoor patio pavers.

A permanent outdoor bench is a great addition to any garden or backyard area. Benches can serve as an easy seating area or bench for potted plants. While outdoor benches can be purchased, a permanent bench brings a whimsical feeling to a backyard garden. Building a bench with patio pavers is a great way to create a bench with easy-care items that will withstand the elements for many years.

Things You'll Need

• Patio pavers
• Level
• Trowel
• Mortar
• Bench seat

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the patio pavers you are going to use. Larger sizes are easier because they can be stacked on one another, whereas smaller pavers need to be stacked together and on top of the preceding rows.

2. Decide on an appropriate place to build the outdoor bench. The foundation of the area will need to be level and sturdy. The two foundations of the bench will also need to be level with one another so you do not have one side of the bench that is higher than the other. Building the bench on compacted and leveled dirt may work if you do not have cement. You will just need to set the initial patio paver so it is level with the surrounding dirt. However, a cement slab is typically a better place to build the bench.

3. Drop a trowel full of mixed mortar onto the foundation of each side of the bench. Place a patio paver on top of the mortar and gently press into place. Repeat this with the other side of the bench. Place another trowel full of mortar on top of the paver and set a new paver on top of that mortar. Continue placing the pavers on top of one another until both sides of the bench are even and tall enough for the bench.

4. Place mortar on top of each of the uppermost pavers in the bench legs. This mortar will hold the bench seat in place. Use a partner to help you slowly lower the bench seat into the mortar. The bench seat can be made from a larger block of cement, stone or properly treated and sealed wood. Allow the mortar to dry for several days before use.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How to Build a Stone Garden Bench