DIY Cinder Block Plant Bench

I’m sharing a new easy backyard DIY project today: how to make a cinder block plant bench! Our potted herb collection started to exceed what we could fit in our hanging potted herb garden, so we decided to build a cinder block plant stand to coordinate with our DIY cinder block bench, our cinder block raised garden bed (which are still going strong after 7 years), and our DIY BBQ Prep Table. Not only do I like the way the light gray of the cement blocks and the rustic touch of the wood 4x4s look with our recent French country-inspired budget patio makeover, but cinder blocks are also really cheap and easy to work with, making this DIY concrete block bench a very quick, easy, and budget-friendly DIY project. Here are the full instructions, including what you need to create your own bench made from cinder blocks and wood.

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What you need to make a cinder block plant stand

• 6 cinder blocks (I used these 8″x8″x16″ concrete blocks from Home Depot at about $2 each)
• 1 – 4″x4″x8′ piece of wood (I got this one from Home Depot)
• Thompson’s Waterseal
• Liquid Nails construction adhesive

How to make a cinder block plant bench

This cinder block plant stand is basically a mini DIY concrete block bench. In fact, it’s about half the size of our cinder block garden bench, so it doesn’t take up much space. It can also be made in a matter of hours (or minutes if you don’t count the drying time for the Thompson’s Waterseal). Here are the instructions for this quick and budget-friendly outdoor DIY project.

• Cut the 4″×4″ in half lengthwise so you have 2 4′ long pieces of wood. 
• Coat the wood with Thompson’s Waterseal to protect it from the elements. I used clear because I really liked the natural wood look, but you can also get some that are tinted for more of a stained wood look.
• Determine your placement of your bench so you can set down the concrete blocks where they will go. Place 3 blocks on each side, with 2 standing upright vertically, and 1 stacked on top of them horizontally on each side.
• The blocks are heavy, and didn’t seem like they were going anywhere, but for some added structural stability (and since we have our kids running around our yard all the time), we adhered the blocks together with Liquid Nails.
• Insert the 4×4’s into the top 2 holes.

More DIY outdoor décor and cinder block ideas:

• French country-inspired budget patio makeover
• Resurfacing a Concrete Patio for a Budget DIY Patio Makeover
• How to Design an Outdoor Living Space
• How to Make a Hanging Potted Herb Garden
• DIY Cinder Block Raised Garden Bed
• DIY Cinder Block Bench
• DIY Cinder Block Plant Bench
• DIY BBQ Prep Table (outdoor cinder block table)
• Fire Pit Guide (outdoor fire pit ideas, design tips, and buying guide)
• Throw a Fabulous French Country Style Outdoor Party
• Three Ways to Style Your Yard with a Hammock
• Front Yard Garden Makeover
• DIY Front Door Makeover
• Curb Appeal