How to Build Concrete Yard Furniture

Concrete is a both a stylish and inexpensive option for your outdoor furniture selection. In addition to its style, concrete is also durable and very weather-resistant, making for a long-lasting piece of furniture. Concrete furniture is created with the basics including concrete molding and cement mix.

Items needed:

• Concrete mold


• Cement mix


• Sand


• Water


• Wheelbarrow


• Hoe


• Trowel


• Concrete stain


• Concrete adhesive
  
  

Instructions:

1. Chose a mold style for your outdoor furniture. You can make concrete forms for boards, plastic, metal tubs or any other item that can keep its shape. From benches to tables, there are countless furniture options to choose from. For the purpose of this article, consider making a simple bench. The bench can be constructed by taking 2 inch x 4 inch wood pieces and nailing them together to form a bench. Nail smaller sections together to make the bench legs.


2. Mix your concrete together in a wheelbarrow by following the package instructions. Have at least 3/4ths of the concrete premixed and ready for use. If you desire a more finely textured piece of outdoor furniture, consider using a less course mixture or add sand to your mixture. Keep in mind, smaller concrete has small stones in it that give a rougher looking finish. Ensure that your mixture is not too runny or it may seep out of the mold, aim for a pudding-like consistency.


3. Pour your concrete mixture into your mold. For your bench, add steel reinforcement known as rebar. Burry the rebar completely into the wet concrete mixture. Keep in mind, if the bottom of your mold is part of the furniture don't allow it to sink to the bottom completely.


4. Place the rebar at the top and smooth the concrete over each of the bars once the concrete has set for a while. If you'd like you can now add various mosaic pieces or other decorative items to give your furniture more style and flair.


5. Allow your concrete to harden and cure for at least 48 hours.


6. Remove the hardened concrete pieces from their molds once your piece of furniture is completely dry. Your 2 inch x 4 inch wood pieces can be separated by taking the mold apart. All of your other molds first need to be turned over before attempting to remove the mold from the concrete. Generally, if your concrete has dried properly, turning your mold upside down should make for easy removal.


7. Use a concrete adhesive to connect the pieces of your outdoor furniture into your desired shap to assemble your furniture.