How to Build a Brick Patio Bench & Table

Brick is a sturdy building material that has been used for centuries. Because of its durability and strength it is used for a variety of projects, from homes to driveways and landscaping. Manufacturers offer a variety of bricks, from the traditional burnt-red 4-by-8-inch bricks to more decorative styles. Because of the variety of bricks available today there are a number of projects that can be created, including a table and bench patio set.

Things You'll Need

• Level
• Masking tape
• Tape measure
• Bricks
• Grout
• Trowel
• 4-by-8-foot, 3/4-inch plywood
• Sponge
• Gloves

Instructions

Building a base

1. Mark a 4-by-8-foot rectangle with masking tape where you want the table placed.

2. Mark a 2-foot square for the base with masking tape, 2 feet away from three sides of the tape placed in step 2. Repeat with the opposite end of the table. There should be two 2-foot squares inside a 4-by-8-foot rectangle.

3. Place bricks around the inside of the taped 2-foot square. The tape should be covered with the bricks. Leave a space approximately 1/2-inch wide between each brick. Repeat the same with the other 2-foot square.

4. Fill the space between each brick with grout. Apply a 1/2-inch layer of grout over the top of each brick on both squares.

5. Place a second row of bricks in the grout, alternate the pattern below by placing the center of a brick over the gap between two bricks in the first row. Gently push the bricks into the mortar. Repeat with the other side.

6. Repeat steps five and six until you have reached a height of 32 inches. This is approximately 15 layers. Each side should have the same number of layers.

7. Place a 2-by-4 board over the top of both bases. Place a leveling tool on the 2-by-4. This will determine if the two bases are at an even height. Push the bricks further into the grout as needed.

Building the table top

1. Place a 4-by-8 foot, 3/4-inch piece of plywood on a flat surface. Cover the plywood with bricks in a desired pattern. This will be the table top once finished. Space each brick 1/2 inch apart.

2. Fill the spaces with grout. Apply a 1/2-inch thick layer of grout around the edges of the table.

3. Smooth all seams, and edges with your hands.

4. Wipe away any grout covering the bricks with a damp sponge. Wait for grout to dry.

5. Center the table top over the top of the two bases.

Building The benches

1. Build two more bases for each bench. Space each base for the bench, 4 feet away from the sides of the table base.

2. Cut a piece of plywood to measure 30 inches-by-6-and-1/2 feet. Cover the plywood with bricks in a desired pattern.

3. Fill the spaces with grout. Apply a 1/2-inch thick layer of grout around the edges of the bench seat. Smooth all seams, and edges with your hands. Wipe away any grout covering the bricks. Wait for grout to dry.

4. Place the bench seat centered over the top of the two bases.

5. Repeat steps one through four for each bench.

References

• How To Lay Brick: Methods
• Ask The Builder: Brick
• Bob Villa: Cold Weather Brick Laying

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish