Cinderblock bench and column

[willhopper]

My wife asked for a bench to hold and display her trees. We have a really cool cinderblock planter so I decided to build something that matches it. She loved it. She also asked for a column so I built one of those, too. We put a small Bonsai on it just to give you an idea, but it’s actually meant for a much larger tree that we are working on.

 

[CWTurner]

Very nice. That column is altar-like.
Are you staining your block or can you purchase it that way?
CW

 

[willhopper]

Very nice. That column is altar-like.
Are you staining your block or can you purchase it that way?
CW

Thanks! The bench blocks are painted with Behr paint, the one with primer mixed in it. The altar-like column is textured paint, which wasn’t easy to apply because it required a special roller and needed two coats.

 

[sorce]

altar

Grave!

Nice bench!

Sorce

 

[willhopper]

Thanks, Sorce!

 

[willhopper]

By the way, we likely will have more columns in that area, so while it looks like it could be a grave or altar, eventually we will likely remove the white stone and have flanking columns.

 

[GrimLore]

The bench blocks are painted with Behr paint, the one with primer mixed in it.

Looking good! If you are referring to the Behr outdoor finish with primer at roughly 50.00USD a gallon you will be pleased. It is very sun resistant, non-fading, and washes easily when needed.

Grimmy

 

[willhopper]

Looking good! If you are referring to the Behr outdoor finish with primer at roughly 50.00USD a gallon you will be pleased. It is very sun resistant, non-fading, and washes easily when needed.

Grimmy

Thanks! Yep, I’ve used it before on our succulent planter with much success. It’s expensive but worth it.

 

[BrianBay9]

What is the cap on your column?

 

[Fonz]

Nice! I'm looking to build something similar in my backyard. Was planning on making one completely out of tropical hardwood but that turned out to be a little more expensive than I first thought

 

[willhopper]

Thanks. Yeah, we originally wanted to cover the cinderblocks of the column with that faux rock that Big Box stores sell and it was ridiculously expensive.

 

[coachspinks]

Looks great! I am stealing the column idea!

 

[willhopper]

I made a presentation table today. Went to the same place where I got the top piece of the column and in the garbage bin found a slab and long backsplash piece that matched. I got out the masonry blade for my circular saw, cut the pieces and siliconed them together.

 

[GrimLore]

I got out the masonry blade for my circular saw, cut the pieces and siliconed them together.

If you have a moment what saw and blade did you use? I acquired 3 pieces of granite for use as shelves this Spring and would like to clean up the edges a bit. Thanks in advance

Grimmy

 

[willhopper]

I used a regular circular power saw (Skil) and a masonry blade. You might consider keep the granite wet while you cut to extend the life of the blade.