Make Benches from Chimney Blocks

These are benches for outdoor seating, made from recycled chimney blocks and pressure treated lumber. You could purchase new blocks at the home center if you don't have any used ones available. These break down for winter storage.

Steps

 * 1) [[Image:Cut List 1.jpg|thumb|right|184px]]Cut the boards as shown in this image.
 * 2) [[Image:Chimneyblock_968.jpg|thumb]]Obtain chimney blocks. You may be able to find them used, or you can look for them at home improvement stores.
 * 3) *[[Image:Chimneyblock_929.jpg|thumb]]Note the approximate measurements. Yours might be a little taller/shorter, thinner/fatter.
 * 4) [[Image:Chimneyblock_206.jpg|thumb]] Paint the blocks, inside and out, with exterior latex paint. Use a thick nap roller and touch up with a brush.
 * 5) [[Image:Boxframe02 2.jpg|thumb|right|184px]]Make a box frame by screwing (1) 20" board on each end of (2) 42 1/2" boards. Use the square to make sure all your corners are 90°.
 * 6) [[Image:Bracing01.jpg|thumb|right|184px]][[Image:Brace02.jpg|thumb|right|184px]]Attach inside bracing. Screw (1) 17" board 9" from each end of the frame. Screw the remaining 17" board in the center of the frame. Make sure the tops of the boards are flush (even) with the top of the frame.
 * 7) [[Image:Box frame 02.jpg|thumb|right|184px]][[Image:Top02.jpg|thumb|right|184px]]Attach the top boards. Cut the 1X4X8 boards to length and attach them to the top of the frame as shown in the pictures; overlapping the sides an equal distance all around. You may find the easiest way is to place all the boards and clamp them in place; then screw them down. Use 2 screws in each board, over each 2X6 (total of 10 per board).
 * 8) [[Image:Bench.jpg|thumb|right|184px]]Assemble the bench and stain. Stand the chimney blocks on end and place the seat over the blocks, so they fit into the 9" spaces underneath. After the wood has "dried" for about a month, it can be stained and sealed. Use it as is until then.

Things You'll Need

 * Materials
 * 2X6X8 Pressure Treated Boards (2 for each bench)
 * 1X4X8 Pressure Treated Boards (3 for each bench)
 * 2 1/2"Coated Deck Screws (3 in each area of the 2X6s, total of 30)
 * 1 5/8" Coated Deck Screws (2 in each area of the 1X4s, 10 for each board, total of 60)
 * Chimney Blocks (2 for each bench)
 * Exterior Latex Paint
 * Deck Stain and Sealer
 * Tools
 * Power Miter Saw or Table Saw
 * Power Drill
 * Small Square
 * Corner clamps or Band Clamp
 * Pipe Clamps
 * Paint Brush or Roller

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Build a Garage Work Bench
 * How to Build a Picnic Table
 * How to Build a Fishing Chair
 * How to Use a Power Miter Saw