How to Build a Brick Patio Bench and Table
Outdoor seating in your patio can increase the practicality and enjoyment of the available space. Building and installing this seating is not as complex as you might think. A few simple steps will have you enjoying your new table and benches in no time.
Building patio furniture using brick is a sturdy and long lasting raw material to use. Most people think of bricks in terms of the traditional red bricks – but there is a wide variety of bricks available for whatever the specifics of your job are. Select the brick type including size, color and style that you would like to use, and then get started.
- Determine where your table will be located. Mark that spot with a chalk outline measuring 4 feet by 8 feet.
- Outline the base of your table. Chalk a 2-foot spot for that base inside of the 4-foot by 8-foot chalk outline. There will be two bases for the table that should be centered and equally spaced within the chalk outline.
- Begin construction of your table’s base. Position your chosen bricks around the inside of the base outlines. Allow for grout by using a ½-inch-wide space between each brick. You can purchase tile or brick spacers at a home improvement store to help. Complete the outlines for both bases.
- Apply grout using a trowel to the brick laid down to outline the table base pieces. A 1/2-inch or so layer of grout should be applied over top of the bricks laid down.
- Construct a second layer of bricks once the grout has been applied. Be certain to alternate the bricks to maximize strength and increase aesthetics by placing the second layer of brick over the gap between two bricks on the first layer of brick. Press the brick firmly into the grout as you work. Complete the process for both bases.
- Continue adding layers of brick until the base is about 32 to 36 inches high. This should take 15 to 17 layers. Make sure the same number of layers is completed for both bases so that your table is level.
- Position a 2-by-4 piece of lumber on top of each base, and then on both bases. Use a leveling tool in order to determine that the bases are even heights and level. In order to achieve this, the bricks may need to be pushed further into the still setting mortar on one or both base pieces.
- Begin construction on the table top. Using a 4-by-8 piece of plywood with 3/4-inch thickness, place a 1/2-inch layer of grout on the plywood surface. Position the bricks on the plywood in a pattern of your choosing. Remember to allow spacing in between the bricks for the mortar.
- Using a level, ensure that the bricks are level. Place the level at various points on the tabletop and push the bricks down further into the mortar as necessary. Once the table is level, apply grout to the top of the bricks and to the edges of the table using a 1/2-inch layer of mortar.
- Use a damp sponge to clean away any excess mortar on the brick surfaces. Allow the mortar to dry and then place the tabletop onto the bases. Your table is complete!
- Begin constructing your benches using the same steps for constructing the base for your table. You will need two bases for each bench. Allow about a 4-foot space from the table as you construct your bench bases.
- Cut your plywood with the measurements of 30 by 60.5 inches. Spread a 1/2-inch layer of mortar on the plywood surface. Place the bricks on top of the plywood in a pattern of your choosing. Ensure that you allow a 1/2-inch gap in between the bricks for the mortar. Press the bricks down firmly as you go.
- Apply mortar to the top of the bricks in order to fill in the gaps and around the edges. Make sure any rough edges or seams are smoothed. Use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess mortar and allow the mortar to dry.
- Position the bench seat over top of the two constructed bases, and repeat the process to construct your second bench seat.
- Enjoy your table and bench!