This last week I finally implemented an idea I have had for a while. It was that of a simple cinder block bench with succulents planted in the cinder block holes. Last summer I used cinder blocks to create the outdoor succulent planter you see below. And thought with a different arrangement and a few pieces of wood, it could make a very cute bench.
The Supplies:
- 12 double hole cinder blocks
- 4 single hole cinder blocks
- 2 pieces of 8″ wide and 8′ long pine boards
- Dark walnut stain
- Wood Sealant
- Succulents and Potting Mix
Begin by staining and sealing the pine boards on both sides. This will help them withstand the elements. Use an old rag or sock to wipe on the stain and let sit for a few minutes and them wipe off any extra stain. If you prefer a darker color, just go back with a second coat. Once you have the color your like, let your boards sit for a few hours to dry, then come back with your polyurethane or poly acrylic (in the finish of your choice) and use a paint brush to brush on the sealant and let dry. This will help keep any rain from ruining the wood boards.
Once your wood is stained and sealed, it is time to assemble your bench. I started with a base of four large cinder blocks to make a cube shape. Then I placed the wood boards on top of the cube shaped cinder blocks to create the bench base. I added two more large cinderblocks on top of the wood boards to secure them, then added the other two large cinder blocks and 4 small cinder blocks in front of the cube to expand the bench base a bit. Once all the pieces were in place, I filled the holes with potting mix and succulents and my bench was done!
The four grass like plants on the top of the bench are actually fake grass plants I got at ikea, since I didn’t want dirt in the top cinder blocks resting on the wood planks. Figuring that dirt in those would slowly erode or rot the wood.
I love the way the bench turned out! Now I am just trying to decide if I want to paint the triangles on the cinder blocks like I did on my planter I made last year. What do you think?
July 9th, 2016 at 7:16 pm
I am so happy I came across this. I had this idea in my mind but couldn't figure out how to execute. Easy breezy! I'm going to make it today.
April 3rd, 2018 at 12:26 am
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April 23rd, 2018 at 1:52 pm
Love this idea! I was thinking possibly making the blocks on top of the bench more like tables. Glass or wood (safer) on top and then have a place to put their drinks or food.
April 24th, 2018 at 10:22 pm
Simply beautiful and seemingly easy to create in my own yard. Thanks for sharing.
April 28th, 2018 at 11:40 am
I loved this idea for an easy to do bench along with planters!! I also like the idea of adding color by painting the blocks of you want. Thanks for a great idea!!
May 18th, 2018 at 3:16 pm
[…] 2. DIY Succlent Bench […]
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June 9th, 2019 at 9:11 am
I love your idea of a simple bench surrounded with succulents. I like the planters left painted with no designs. It looks beautiful as it is.
June 13th, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Love the look of what you did. I would leave it natural. Great job. I going to use it . Thanks
November 19th, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Beautiful and creative! I like the geometric paint!
November 20th, 2019 at 9:07 am
Thank you!!
May 21st, 2020 at 8:40 pm
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