How to Build Concrete Lawn Furniture

For long-lasting and low maintenance lawn furniture, concrete is the material of choice. Whether for benches, tables, seats or planters, concrete yields attractive functional furniture for a minimal investment of time and money. Learn the proper steps to construct the concrete furniture to suit any yard.

1. Find or make a plan. There are free plans on the Internet or you can make your own. If you find it difficult to think in 3D, modeling clay may help.


2. Evaluate your skills. Close your eyes and visualize the process from start to finish. Do you know what to do at each step and what result to expect? If not, do some research or enlist some help.


3. Check your tools. Gather the tools you will need. Consider tools to build frames and mix, pour, finish and cure the concrete.


4. List all the materials. This includes concrete, rebar, fasteners, colorings, and finishing material. A 60lb bag of pre-mix yields around 216 square inches of 4-inch slab, or about 12 inch by 18 inch.


5. Check the weather. Concrete needs a particular temperature range while it cures to prevent damage to the surface and degraded life expectancy. If the weatherman predicts extremes of heat or cold, put off the project.


6. Go shopping. Price all needed tools and materials. Check prices at home improvement stores and outlets and at discount stores and building suppliers. If you buy from a supplier, ask if there is a discount if you get everything there.


7. Build your forms. Cut the top and straight sides from plywood and curves from Masonite. Brace well to withstand the weight of the concrete.


8. Insert fasteners. This includes rebar for large projects as well as rods to screw things to and spacers to create holes.


9. Mix and pour the concrete. Use a shovel and a wheelbarrow or bucket. Remember to mix in colorings or other additions. Compact as you pour to fill the forms completely.
   Finish the concrete. You might float to the exposed surface for a glassy look. Adding pebbles and such or stamping a design into the surface also works well.


10. Help the concrete cure. Concrete should cure at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You must also keep water from evaporating from the surface faster than it moves from the inside. Hose the concrete down periodically or cover it with burlap and keep that wet. You may want to investigate sealers.


11. Assemble your furniture. Once the concrete has completely cured, remove it from the forms and put it together. Add any finishing touches like tile surface and enjoy your furniture.