Cinder Block Garden Bench

I have been meaning to make a few cinder block benches for the garden. Although I started out with making one under the cherry tree, I realized that I would have to dig to make the ground level. Since I did not want to dig today, I resorted to making another one under the two maple trees.

The shade under this tree is so dense that nothing grows there -- a perfect spot for a garden retreat.

For the bench:


8 cinder blocks (8x8x16)
Some scrap lumber
4 capstones OR 2 16x16 concrete paver stones.

I started by stacking four cinder blocks into two columns as shown here. Build the pillars far enough apart to accomodate the scarp wood.

Unfortunately my scrap wood did not match in length!

So I placed them on the cinder blocks like this and hoped that there wouldn't be any stability issues

Then I placed 2 capstones on the two cinder block "pillars". Unfortunately, the three boards were not of the same thickness so the capstones did not sit securely on top of them. So every thing had to come down.

This time I laid one of the smaller boards on the ground and butted up the cinder blocks to these so that I will have the two pillars aligned nice and parallel to each other.

The cinder blocks are actually flush with the board, but parallax error makes it look otherwise

 Obviously the longer board stuck out, so I put it in the center.

Then all I had to do was put the four capstones in place. Note the staggered "seams" of the cinder block "pillars". The pillar is more stable this way.

A lovely place to sit and read a book with a glass of chilled beverage that can be conveniently placed on the board that is sticking out.

Now all I have to do is throw a backyard party!

The view above

And the little tree-man watching on the side.

Oh-oh! Was there someone else watching this whole process?

Aha! Baby Bambi!

Where is the rest of the family my scaredy calf?

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