today, i wanted to show you a bench we made using quikrete concrete mix. click the link below, or visit our website at remodelaholic.com for full plans and instructions of how to build your own. cut out and assemble the forms. remember inside dimensions are critical and be sure to use smooth plywood and screws. only use the screws on the outside ofthe form. always pre-drill the holes for the screws . only pin nail on the inside of the form in small areas. lay the forms on a smooth flat surface.
mix the concrete, water, and dye with theshovel and a drill if possible. you want to get a nice even mix. apply wd-40 to the forms and the flat surface as well. this allows the forms to be easilyremoved without sticking. pour the concrete into the forms with the shovel. drop the mix in the middle and work toward the edges . tamp concrete into every crackand corner with wood or a magnesium float. a steel trowel will bring too much cream to the top. scrape off excess mud with straight board from edge-to-edge. retamp and smooth again.
after 20 minutes or so gently hit sidesof form with the hammer. vibrate the forms with an electric sander. smooth concrete occasionally with a finishing trowel. as the concrete sets it can be helpful to spray with it with a water bottle to keep it workable. remove the forms and smooth the edges. allow concrete to set overnight. cut boards to length by cutting off allfactory edges first. all three boards will be the same length. rip the boards to width with the table saw, to cut off the rounded factory edges.
this will require two passes through thesaw. do each board with one pass then cut them all to width with the second pass. gently sand the sharp edges just enough to remove splinters with a hundredand fifty grit sandpaper. sand all surfaces with the palm sander. remove dust with compressed air or adamp cloth. seal wood with protective coating. brush or spray it on. allow to dry, sand and repeat for threecoats. paint the brackets and screws with a flatgray paint to match the concrete.
after the hardwood is dry attach the brackets on each end of the boards. fit the boards to the concrete legs and mark the holes for the concrete screws. pre-drill the holes for the concrete screws. apply construction adhesive to all areas where wood will be in contact with the concrete. set each board in place and screw in the concrete screws. add a bracket across the middle to support all three bench slats. make sure the legs are square to the bench seat as the glue dries.
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