One of my first DIY projects when I started blogging 3 years ago was a cinderblock succulent bench that I made for our outdoor courtyard. It has actually held up pretty well for the last few years. However, I recently painted our fence white, and have added a black and white table, outdoor rug, and umbrellas and wanted to redo the bench to match the new look of our outdoor space. So I bought some paint and got to work turning the bench into a fun yellow and white version that goes perfectly with the black and white I have going on outside. So if you are looking for a cheap and easy DIY modern outdoor bench, you’re in the right place!

Isn’t it cute?! And much more my current style than the old version.

How I remade my DIY Modern Outdoor Bench

 First I used masonry paint in white to paint all the cinderblocks. I used my trusty short handled angle brush to give each block two coats of paint letting the first one dry for a few hours before adding the second coat. Then I used two sample pots of yellow latex paint in sunny side up to paint the wood slats. For a final touch to seal the wood and keep the paint looking good, I brushed on two coats of matte polyacrylic. Again letting the first coat dry fully before adding the second coat.

I am so in love with the new look. And it goes so much better in this space. Eventually the creeping fig will grow to fill the rock wall of our house and I will have my own little secret garden like space out here to relax in. Next up it trying to paint the composite cabinet of our hot tub. Currently it is brown, but I would love to get it white or maybe even striped.

After seeing the makeover of this DIY modern outdoor bench, which version do you prefer? Painted or neutral?