DIY Ultra-Thin Curved Concrete Bench || How to Make

This time, I show how to make a DIY curved concrete bench (or coffee table). Since we were using GFRC concrete, we made the bench insanely thin - we definitely pushed limits on this project. Stay tuned to the end of the video to see if it holds the weight of two adults! This project was a collaboration with Chris Salomone from Four Eyes Furniture, and we also made a Lego Concrete River Table, in addition to this bench / coffee table.
We made the sides of the form for the bench from melamine, and the base from bendy ply and vinyl siding. The bendy ply was supported from below by cross brace pieces cut from scrap plywood and melamine. The form making techniques shown in the video could be adapted for many types of tables, benches, or other types of DIY concrete furniture.
The grey concrete color was achieved by using Fishstone's naturally white glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) concrete mix, and adding a powdered charcoal concrete pigment to the mix.
LEGO RIVER TABLE VIDEO: • Concrete Coffee Table ...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM - @modustrialmaker - goo.gl/F4UdEs
FOLLOW CHRIS ON INSTAGRAM - @foureyesfurniture
FOLLOW MRFIXIT ON INSTAGRAM - @mrfixitdiy
Mr. Fixit KZbin Channel: / mrfixit
PERFECT CAULK LINES (AND MORE GFRC DETAILS): • DIY White Concrete Tab...
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:
BUY Modustrial Maker MERCH (Shirts, etc.): bit.ly/2RGgVXB
CONCRETE (GFRC) PRODUCTS:
o GFRC Concrete Mix: goo.gl/keUX8H
o 1.5 Bag of AR Glass Fibers: goo.gl/t4qpTN
o Cake Fondant Tool for perfect edges: amzn.to/2w0JCVx
o Concrete mixer (HUGE help for GFRC): amzn.to/2kEnZFi
o Grey concrete pigment:
o concrete sealer: amzn.to/2xW7Gth
o Black 100% Silicone Caulk: amzn.to/2B64iRY
o Paste Finishing Wax: amzn.to/2kF565e
o GFRC Recipes (w/ product links): goo.gl/35RvFM
o Hopper Spray Gun (for spray-on face coat): amzn.to/2Cf9dxi
o Air compressor (for spray gun): amzn.to/2G333Fo
OTHER TOOLS:
Accuscribe Scribing Tool: amzn.to/2LXaaSg
Incra T-Rule Marking Tool: amzn.to/2v4YmDt
MY HEARING-PROTECTION HEADPHONES (Isotunes): goo.gl/gUFswE
#concrete
#concretebench
#diy
#howtomake
#diyconcrete
#gfrc
#howtomakeabench
#concretetable
#coffeetable

[@craftedworkshop]

So cool man! It's always funny how everyone who makes videos in Chris' shop have their videos end up looking like his. That natural light is so good! Those little cuts around the curves are called relief cuts, FYI.

[@modustrial]

Thanks Johnny! And yea, having the natural light is awesome. I kept worrying the video looked a lot like a four eyes video, but then I realized, that is a really good thing :) I had a hunch I was not getting the term right -- now I know!

[@Foureyes.Furniture]

My Two Favorite Things About This Video: 1. The Bench 2. You're one of the only people who can make me look tan by comparison :)

[@modustrial]

1. Thanks 2. You are welcome, bronze beast :)

[@thedistractedmaker]

You guys got a shot of the Whittier Parrots! Flashing back to 2010 here...

[@carolinelyda9008]

Nah I’m still whiter

[@Lunadragon321]

Meh im fackin paaaasty just like toothpaste

[@Lunadragon321]

Thx for tha luv XD

[@jmakes3745]

Here before this goes viral! Seriously though, the only word for this is wow! This collaboration has to be the best I've ever seen! Both of the videos were insanely good (in terms of shots, pacing, music etc) and the piece is phenomenal! Looks like something out of an iconic design book!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! I was really happy with this one. Crossing my fingers you are right :)

[@seeya4046]

8:11 Respirators are always most effective when worn this way.

[@modustrial]

You caught me in a not so smart moment ;) the LA heat was getting to me....

[@seeya4046]

Modustrial Maker Haha. Yeah... I feel you. PPE is a PITA sometimes. Great video. Thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to maybe trying a concrete project myself this summer.

[@out_on_bail]

Silicosis ☠️

[@davidkerrcomedian]

@@out_on_bail Silicosis is also what I was thinking about during this video. The shot with the dust "tan lines"... that's inside their lungs. Yikes

[@JonnyBuilds]

I've never seen anything like this! It's crazy to think you can make this curved shape out of concrete, and for it to be so thin, Well done!

[@modustrial]

Thanks Jonny! always trying to push the limits :)

[@bugglemagnum6213]

Ok it being thin is surprising but you can make concrete into literally ANY shape

[@bandito3377]

Cool build! Your neighbors must love you - grinding that concrete down must've been music to their ears lol

[@modustrial]

Thanks! Chris's neighbors were very curious....he actually has the interaction with his neighbor in his video ...it's either the Lego concrete table or his white concrete and walnut table, one of those two.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

That looks awesome. I love the slender design. I might have to dip my toes in some concrete work!

[@modustrial]

Thanks much Tamar! You absolutely should, I think :) When you do, let me know if you want any tips or just want to bounce ideas off someone.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Modustrial Maker awesome. Will do! Thanks!

[@seabassmoor]

Hit up that line mannnn.

[@Anon-.-]

Don’t dip your toes in concrete, you’ll get stuck!

[@CrafterMaker]

The maker bromance is strong on this one!! That makes me happy!😆 😍The bench looks amazing I was waiting for this video! Good work! 👌 🤓

[@modustrial]

Thanks! And yea, it was as much fun as it looks :)

[@MakeSomething]

Beautiful! I learned a handful of things about concrete as well!

[@modustrial]

Thanks Dave! More concrete projects in your future?

[@MakeSomething]

YEP! A small one coming up real soon!

[@modustrial]

Awesome, looking forward to it!

[@zadokamar1651]

Love the design and it how it came out looking so sleek. I would put money down for a bench like that. Even a wood variant would be very appealing for me.

[@modustrial]

Thanks much! A bent lamination or stem bent version would be really cool I think.

[@fishstonestudio]

Excellent design and execution!!!!!!!! Mike and Chris you guys did a great job showing the advantages and versatility of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. Thanks for sharing your skills with the world!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! Great little mix you have cooked up!

[@SouthernStyleDIY]

So crazy that GFRC is so strong! Never would have thought the bench could hold 1 person, but it didn't even budge with both of you dancing around on it! Fantastic build!!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! and yea, GFRC never ceases to amaze me...such a cool material.

[@paulitalian4357]

The original project with the floating plant was too cool!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! Maybe it will be a future video :)

[@NirvanaWoodWorksbyJanie]

Gorgeous! I like that Mr. Fix It just showed up out of nowhere to give y'all a hand. Really cool... collab goals lol

[@modustrial]

Thanks! He showed up just in time for the messy part :)

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

This project came out great! Chris did an awesome job shooting footage you. Really enjoyed the feel of this video. And super impressed that you were able to make that out of concrete and it holds people.

[@modustrial]

Thanks Caleb! Chris and Aaron are awesome cinematographers. Really made me want to work in a more collaborative environment more often!

[@ChromaticVideos]

The bench came out awesome Mike! I've been waiting for the video for a while and it didn't disapoint. I also said wow out loud for the moment you guys sat on it. Really a testament to the strength you talk about with gfrc. Keep up the great work!!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! And yea, I'm not sure if the video fully captured it, but there was definitely a transition in emotion from nervousness/fear to relief/excitement as we realized it was totally strong enough. :)

[@CGPOPPOOP]

I could never relax on it lol I'd be tense ready for it to cave at any second.

[@funny-video-YouTube-channel]

*Nice project. Great art.* The ceramic one with patterns might be interesting to try next :-)

[@modustrial]

Thanks! And good idea!

[@WoodWorkLIFE]

I love the signature hiding in the bushes shot from Chris's shop, except its funny because it was hand held this time. So clearly Chris was actually hiding in the bushes.

[@modustrial]

peeping Chris got some great footage for me :)

[@edwardburgett9001]

Thanks for your passion and attention to details. It’s great to see friends working and having fun together.

[@modustrial]

Thanks Edward!

[@Alex-ck4in]

I bet that thing scratches the shit outta hardwood floors lol

[@modustrial]

Ha, if you dont use furniture pads, you definitely will do damage

[@roboactive]

That's a lot of damage.

[@bloodaid]

FLEX TAPE

[@jumanjicostco3248]

Imagine moving it around in ceramic tiles. Jesus.

[@vipraz3974]

Destruction 100

[@groundup001]

If I may offer some advice as a concrete finisher, apply whatever concrete you can and let the vertical surface sag if it has to. Babysit it and every 15 minutes or so work the concrete by hand. As it sets up, it will begin to hold its shape or stay where you put it. Make sure to use a straightedge to screed or scrape the concrete once it’s set up and that way you eliminate all that grinding mess

[@modustrial]

Thanks Rob! We sorta did that, but I guess could have been more patient. The first side (in the sun) set up in about 15 minutes, and we gave the shaded side about 30 minutes before clamping the brace on. Also, question for you, I was thinking that if we had made a couple small batches to do the verticals in two passes, that might have helped with slumping. Thoughts?

[@groundup001]

Modustrial Maker oh sure! Especially since you sprayed the face of the form. I just think it’s usually easier to mix once. Maybe you don’t add all the mix to the form at one time which basically would be execution the way you proposed. Also, I didn’t happen to notice the other youtuber’s shirt -concrete is my addiction. So I probably should have realized he would have better suggestions than I😅

[@modustrial]

That shirt was actually a gift....fishstone sent a few with my concrete order. But, Aaron has done some concrete work....he's got concrete sink video with something like 2 million views.

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Wow Mike. Such a cool video and I just learned a TON about concrete. What a cool material and process.

[@modustrial]

Thanks Chris! You know, Detroit and Chicago aren't that far apart... ;)

[@JohnPorsbjerg]

youtube has been putting this video on my feed for months and i'm glad i finally watched it!

[@modustrial]

Ha, thanks! Glad you didn't hate it :)

[@modustrial]

Before you comment that you think it needs rebar or other reinforcement - READ THIS. GFRC DOES NOT NEED REINFORCEMENT. The glass fiber is all you need. This mix has extremely high flexural strength, about 3x that of normal concrete. It can actually flex before cracking, so cracking isn't much of a concern. If you are interested in learning more, this is a good place to start: www.concretenetwork.com/glass-fiber-reinforced-concrete/benefits.html

[@eisma002]

Modustrial Maker That is pretty much the same principle as adding asbestos fibres to concrete. Brilliant from a structural standpoint. Not so brilliant for the health of the people that worked with it.

[@modustrial]

Didn't realize that had been done, but yea, doesn't sound great for health

[@Walltumbler]

Im a civil engineer. I was wincing through this project because of the lack of rebar, but I don't have quantitative data for concrete members on this scale. If you say the fiberglass is enough I believe you. However, you guys looked like you sat down on the bench very gently. A bench really needs to be able to withstand a larger person plopping gracelessly down on it. Would this bench stand up to that? I greatly enjoyed this thought provoking Project.. Keep it up!

[@modustrial]

Walltumbler we were nervous, but as we realized it held you can see our concern turn to relief, so we picked up our feet to put our full weight on it. Someone ran calculations on it in one comment and came up with 550kg as its load....that seems high to me. But I'm guessing at least 600 lbs dead center is a safe bet.

[@andrewdacosta3960]

Mechanical engineering student, concrete shouldn't do this, it's like watching pigs fly. Concrete is great for compression, not moments or tension! It's cool where innovation takes us!

[@X3WorkshopDesigns]

Damn mike!! That was awesome man! It really is inspiring and It helps me to have the courage to tackle some of these projects on my own. Thanks again!

[@modustrial]

Thanks man! Definitely share some pics with me if you make one of my designs -- would love to see it!

[@shaunboydmadethis]

Can't believe I just got around to watching this. I'm a big fan of stuff that looks like it shouldn't work, but it does! This one fits the bill, great job man!

[@modustrial]

Thanks Shaun! Just trying to keep pace with all your crazy curved designs....think concrete curves + bent lam ;)

[@OSODIY]

Awesome build Mike, been waiting for this one! Love that sleek modern design and I agree with keeping it simple.

[@modustrial]

Thanks much :) I'm slowly learning some restraint....

[@irlrp]

Am i the only one wanting to skate that thing ? :p

[@modustrial]

We thought it looked like a vert ramp for mice

[@realhusky]

Throw some trucks on that bad boy and join up with Braille house

[@warphonesS22]

The all new break your back 3000

[@modustrial]

? You lost me...

[@roguesly5706]

If you lay on it XD

[@robinsonmj98]

I thought he was referring to the overall weight of the bench.

[@warphonesS22]

@@robinsonmj98 correct

[@concreteandcopperco4666]

This was awesome! I can't believe how perfect it turned out, thanks for sharing!

[@738polarbear]

This vid has spurred me to dabble in concrete projects now . the bench is very chic and modern looking.

[@modustrial]

Awesome! Tag me on instagram if you share pics.

[@SebastianCastillohernandez]

good call on the fiberglass mix! Got my concerns about the physical cohesion between those materials, but hope it lasts :)! On minimal concrete surfaces, some mates down in MX use the smallest electrosoldered mesh, (sometimes the ones that you use for fences in farming and such) with a stable emulsion of concrete. Much like Felix Candela used in many buildings here in Mexico City. Hope this tip can be useful when you make another concrete furniture. Cheers!!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! It actually isn't regular fiberglass....GFRC uses a special type of alkali resistant (AR) glass fiber that doesn't break down due to alkalinity of concrete (as normal fiberglass would). Concrete artisans have been using GFRC since the early 90s and it tests out at about 3x the strength of standard concrete mix (and about 5x the flexural strength), so no worries on its durability :) The mesh you refer to sounds interesting. Some people actually use a glass mesh (made of the same AR material as the fibers), but that sounds different. Do you know what it is made out of?

[@jmakes3745]

'The Bench That Shouldn't Work'

[@modustrial]

Love it!

[@xvaldez3284]

I'm guessing the fiber glass improved its tensile strength and made it less brittle but I'm not sure. I mean it is technically a composite at this point but the matrix is made of concrete so I don't know if it actually did affect the structural integrity of the bench or not

[@modustrial]

+xavier valdez -- that is pretty much correct. GFRC has very high flexural strength, and can actually bend a bit before it cracks (unlike standard concrete)

[@themasqueradingcow91]

@@modustrial Just stumbled upon this video. great work. I wonder whether making it larger or even thicker would make it more likely to crack or otherwise deform under its own weight. Could you use an armature to create a more extreme curved surface but keep the general form factor the same?

[@modustrial]

Thanks! I don't think it would make it more likely to crack, but in my honest opinion, wouldn't look nearly as good thicker. An armature to go more dramatic with curves should work. We were basically limited by the curvature limits of bendy ply

[@ZacJones]

Dang the form work on this is insane, I would never have thought of something like that haha. Awesome video man!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! Yea, we were definitely nervous, and it took a lot of hangouts between Chris and me to figure it out.... we were definitely relieved when it all came together.

[@oojagapivy]

Very cool collab. Quite amazed that you could get the concrete formed so thin yet so strong. Oh, the possibilities. Damo

[@modustrial]

Thanks! And yea, thin + vertical opens up lots of cool possibilities 😎

[@4esna497]

я был уверен ,что без металлической армирующей сетки не обойдётся

[@eviliobuletti4929]

Так они ж мешок фибры зафигачили. Тут крепче железобетона)

[@user-qd6hg8my1n]

@@eviliobuletti4929 шо за фибра? И почему крепче?

[@Shtyder]

@@user-qd6hg8my1n фиброволокно для бетона, как раз для похожих работ подходит

[@solarscorcher1566]

@@Shtyder Фибра - это не замена армированию, она даёт пластичность готовому бетону, но почти не влияет на способность противостоять постоянным нагрузкам. Если помимо фибры добавить армирующую сетку, то на этой лавке точно можно будет не бояться прыгать.

[@user-oq5oe5mc7f]

Кто знает чем в конце сказали?

[@StephenNu9]

The thinness of the cement should also work with counter tops.

[@modustrial]

Yes, it works well. I have one concrete countertop video, and will be releasing another soon.

[@camgreer]

Thumbs up for thinking ahead with the extra slurry mix. It paid off, very nice build, great finish on that concrete.

[@modustrial]

Thanks much!

[@thepalleteer9301]

Dude that bench is amazing Love the curves and really didn’t know you could do that with concrete. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@modustrial]

Thanks much! Neither did I until we tried it....just happy it worked out :) (We definitely took the beauty shots before we tried sitting on it....)

[@CaptCorgi]

Wow that is some strong stuff, and I know you have stated that it does not need rebar, But as an engineering student I propose that putting in Rebar for sure would have made it stupidly strong. Not saying that it needs it, But I am saying that if I were to make one to sell to people or something, I'd put in rebar to make sure that no one ever gets hurt Edit: I forgot to mention that for youtube content, It for sure is more impressive to not use rebar as knowing that it does not have rebar in it makes it all the more impressive

[@avnishparkash7792]

joey grieco what are the pros vs cons for using rebar rather than fibres

[@bongdelonge8668]

Nice project. I'm not sure if you gain inspiration from TrinicLLC's videos posted a few years back, but if you didn't they are worth your time checking out their "warped concrete" method. They lay the form flat and then bend the sides up, I know that sounds crazy, but its legit. Could save a lot of time wet grinding the underside, but possibly lots of trial and error.

[@modustrial]

Oh yea, I've definitely followed Trinic. Those guys are great! We looked at that method, but wanted to keep it somewhat more DIY-accessible.... Also, making a double fold jig and the silicone mold would have taken a bit long (although much less messy, and less elbow grease). I actually just ordered some silicone mix to play with....it is expensive though....I calculated it to about $400 of silicone if you were to make a mold for something this size!

[@bongdelonge8668]

Modustrial Maker Wow! that is expensive. It has been a few years since I watched the video myself so I've forgotten the intricacies of the procedure. Your method is much simpler and I'm already thinking of a few ways that could help make it less labour intensive. Great work again and good luck with the silicone mix in the future.

[@modustrial]

Yea, it is, but silicone forms are really cool. What ways would you improve the process? I'm always looking to learn! :)

[@bongdelonge8668]

Modustrial Maker It's not really an improvement on the process and possibly things already thought of by yourself and Chris. I was thinking that after filling the base of the form (the table/bench top) and part of the radius of the bend, smooth this of with a trowel and then staple flexi-ply to the top of the mold and fill the legs in from the top and tamp the concrete down. I'm not sure of the curing time but the ply could later be removed before it's set and smoothed to a trowel finish. I've seen trowels with curves, but ideally you want one that spans the whole width of the form. A long thin trowel along with spray water and some slurry could go a long way to improve the finish of the underside.

[@modustrial]

Good thought, I absolutely think that could work. Definitely something I'll keep in mind next time I'm planning a vertical project.

[@Acheiropoietos]

That router table move on the template was awesome. 2:24

[@elizabethdiehl6473]

oh yeah, this is definitely something chris would build.

[@garveziukas]

The question is... But can you jump on it?

[@modustrial]

I *think* so, but we haven't tried it :) I'll have to ask Chris to give it a test. At the time we sat on it, it was 3 days out of the mold and only at 60-70% of its final strength (which isn't achieved until 28 days).

[@garveziukas]

That would be awesome if you made a video about it after it's fully cured!

[@modustrial]

Wait for an upcoming strength test video

[@manudemeulemeester6175]

@@modustrial, any news on that strength test video yet? :)

[@modustrial]

Still on the to-do list!

[@egominer5624]

how heavy is it ?

[@modustrial]

about 90 lbs

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

The Mike+Chris combo is amazing!!!!

[@modustrial]

🙏🙏

[@Slovenianwoodworker]

Nice and elegant design buddy. I hope that hight of seats is comfortable. That elegant and thin construction sure gives it beautiful and unique look. Good job !

[@modustrial]

Thanks! The lower part is a bit low for an adult... It is sorta a father and son. Bench :)

[@CupcakKeKreations]

8:31 omg CHOKE me

[@MB-square]

Sure. Just come closer 😄

[@JohnSmith-bw6pv]

You are cancer.

[@fakename287]

@@JohnSmith-bw6pv wow I didn't know a KZbin comment was actually an uncontrolled division of cells caused by a mutation in it's genetic code 🤔

[@rhi9105]

@@fakename287 ur mum gey

[@lovefaith1321]

Rhi Noel that’s offensive

[@Shady_kzn]

Название скамейки: Как заработать себе геморрой?

[@BruceAUlrich]

Mike, the design is just stunning! I've never messed with that bendy plywood before...looks like a paint to deal with.

[@modustrial]

Thanks Bruce. The bendy ply wasn't too bad, we were just pushing it's limits and it was 1am so we were not using it properly....live and learn :)

[@DarinBeard]

I never doubted you, Mike.

[@modustrial]

Ha, thanks for the vote of confidence Darin!

[@scubareece]

It sketches me out that theres no rebar or tension mechanism

[@modustrial]

None needed with GFRC, it is some crazy strong stuff...3x flexural strength of normal concrete

[@TheFreshSpam]

Modustrial Maker If you can keep testing it to see how long it lasts. I really do think after a few more sittings and one little shock itll start crumbling down a spiral of death becuase the middle is so under supported and the two curves are major weakpoints

[@modustrial]

Given the amount of questions I have received, I'm going to do a GFRC strength test video to demonstrate its strength. Stay tuned

[@TheFreshSpam]

Modustrial Maker Yeaay top stuff. It's great work and do more. Just interesting to know it all becuase i want to do it myself now!!

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@UrukMorthai]

"it didn´t break" 9:56

[@CarolineAkwi]

Yay!! I can't believe that bench is that strong! Well done

[@jasondashney]

I like the minimalism of it. Gorgeous. For the curves of the mold, I suggest next time clamping a round shape down and following that with the jigsaw. I'll be bang-on in 1/10 the time. You could even do that with the router table to do the whole shebang in one go. Love the tip about not directly putting pressure on the rounded part of the bendy ply.

[@modustrial]

Thanks! And good tip!

[@fred_derf]

Electric Grinders and Sprayed Water -- what could go wrong?

[@glennlawrie-smith8570]

Gee, the 2 guys used to test the bench probably weighed 280 pounds max. You should have used two men who are 300 to 400 pounds each, and have them jump on it.

[@modustrial]

Lol, I'm 190, and pretty sure Chris is more than 90 lbs :)

[@Smithy250]

Glenn Lawrie-Smith You're a terrible judge of weight lol. They're 360lbs at least. If you weigh more than 250lbs and aren't a strongman or some form of athlete then you shouldn't be sitting on anything you should be walking at least 😂

[@modustrial]

+thestuntdude12 my thoughts exactly :)

[@jaxw2628]

TheStuntdude12 or if you are 8 feet tall

[@slightlycrookedworkshop]

2 morbidly obese people?

[@keithbeasley5862]

Can't believe I just found your site,,,,WOW, how inspirational....thank you for being a maker, creator and innovator! Great job on this and I look forward to watching the rest of your journey,...time to catch up!

[@modustrial]

Glad to have you!

[@classyassmothafucka8890]

Glass fibers... well done. I was going to suggest just that. :)

[@kanuki0]

9:52 there you go

[@nicktohzyu]

that's called cement, not concrete. concrete has rocks and sand in it.

[@modustrial]

Research before you comment. This is incorrect in a number of ways. First, this has sand in it. Second, concrete is cement plus aggregate. Rocks are one type of aggregate. Sand and glass fibers are also aggregate. This is concrete. Research and learn, my friend.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

I've been following this build on IG and it's awesome to see the whole project process! Such a great design, build and video! I'm learning so many concrete tricks from your videos - thank you!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! And glad you find the videos helpful -- are you planning (or have you already made) any projects of your own?

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

I had never worked with concrete at all until a few weeks ago, but always wanted to after seeing all of Ben's and your projects (and now Chris' too), so I took the plunge. I've only been messing around with small projects so far that don't require anything fancy like this, but I hope to some day move up to projects on this scale!

[@modustrial]

I started small, just a couple slabs. Once you are comfortable, I definitely recommend getting a few bags of gfrc....you'll actually find it easier to work with, and easier to achieve really nice (pinhole free) tops. Sort of like the difference between working with construction lumber and working with a nice hardwood.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Thanks, Mike! Really appreciate all the tips and suggestions. I am definitely going to give it a shot soon! You guys used gfrc on the Modern Builds fire pit collaboration too, right?

[@genisis53]

Love the soundtrack! And the bench looks great too!

[@modustrial]

thank you!

[@bzzsimon2601]

Another great project. I love it. This something I want to work on in the near future. I love strength of the concrete even if it's curved.

[@modustrial]

Thanks much! If you share pics of your project, tag me on Instagram, I'd love to see them.

[@sarahdeason493]

Turned out fabulous !!! Love the way this looks !!!

[@modustrial]

Thanks Sarah!

[@coffeepot3123]

The sealer really brought out the beauty of concrete.

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@heyimamaker]

Very cool! I would love to play with cement one of these days.

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@McMurph120]

Wow! Incredible build and love the design! Great work!

[@modustrial]

Thanks Marty!

[@tommcallister5835]

Super cool Bench. I’m getting very excited to do some mixed media builds. Thanks for sharing info regarding your process with GFRC.

[@modustrial]

No problem, glad you found it helpful!

[@nicksgarage8295]

Nice job. Am really impressed that it could hold weight without needing rebar or metal sheets; and that the concrete can be molded vertically without dripping sagging down. Add a wood butcher block base and lol.

[@modustrial]

Thanks! Yup gfrc is some crazy stuff!

[@BrainBomb]

Gotta admit the piece turned out gorgeous, love how smooth it looks, but with that said the fact that it's so thin is scary haha! I couldn't imagine putting all my weight on it without fearing it snapping in half. Amazing as always man! Loving the upload frequency too, just as you promised haha.

[@modustrial]

Thanks man! But don't get too used to the frequency, lol ;) I've still got a backlog of two projects complete project videos, but then it's back to the shop for the next round :)

[@BrainBomb]

Modustrial Maker of course! And I'll be just as excited to see those as well! By the way Ima shoot you that email possibly within the next week, I ended up designing the sound wave gift I mentioned with someone on Etsy and they are getting it done for me since I don't have the tools at my disposal, should be coming in the mail by then. Excited to finally see it in person and give it to her. Thanks again for that idea.

[@modustrial]

Oh, that is awesome - definitely send me the pics! She is going to love it!

[@andreylirey7991]

супер)) Очень круто. Невероятно легко и красиво))))

[@patricksprenkels5301]

It looks fantastic! Everytime you amaze me with your projects. I honestly want to try it myself...maybe...some day ;).

[@modustrial]

Thanks! You definitely should! I'm always available to answer any questions, or just be a sounding board for ideas, if needed :)

[@MinkxSaab]

so gorgeous I would love this in my tiny home

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@stephiewepphie9226]

I spent my entire say watching your videos and I havd no regrets

[@Liyingbemo]

you know you can start business making creative concrete bench, chairs and stuff, people would be happy to buy it, it looks really nice and clean

[@modustrial]

Thank you!

[@JolienBrebels]

This was a great video and a great piece of art! With beautiful shots! Loved the colab!😊

[@modustrial]

Thank you Jolien! The collaboration was a ton of fun, and I learned a lot. Chris definitely inspired me to push myself to come up with a statement piece. Hopefully I succeeded :)

[@JolienBrebels]

You definitely succeeded!

[@JohnMadeit]

Looks great. I will be interested to see if it survives over time. This is a great demonstration of the strength this reinforce concrete has.

[@modustrial]

It should hold up well. We sat on it 2 days after taking it out of the form, so it was probably only at 60-70% of its final strength, since concrete continues to harden for about a month. I've seen videos where a 6 ft span of 3/4" takes 350 lbs before breaking, so I figured by making this 1" thick we were pretty safe. That said, we definitely took the beauty shots before we tried sitting on it :)

[@JohnMadeit]

Modustrial Maker hahaha don't blame you for taking the beauty shoot first. It's really cool it can take that much weight

[@zanehopefz6hundred761]

Wow. I need one.

[@ssmith2019]

Great vidy Mike and a super cool bench. You and Chris are the bomb !

[@modustrial]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@furthernorthfab]

Came together great, Mike.

[@modustrial]

Thanks Chris!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Great design!

[@modustrial]

Thank you!

[@KM____________]

that's awesome!

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@killchillTM]

love it!

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@thedistractedmaker]

Great project Mike, you even got a shot of the Whittier Parrots- way to go!

[@modustrial]

Thanks! Yea, parrots in Whittier....who knew?

[@gainstage4497]

Great video, that bench has style!

[@modustrial]

Thanks Dan!

[@LW1Tok]

I love this collaborations.

[@kostanabanjac4896]

Seriously impressive and amazing 👏👏👏👏

[@modustrial]

Thank you!

[@mathias5618]

Looks amazing!

[@modustrial]

Thank you!

[@NJPDesigns]

Such a great design! I also fight the urge to over-design. I think the alternative model you showed looked great, but the final one really does make a stronger statement. Great video! 👍

[@modustrial]

Thanks! and yea, I sometimes lose that fight :) I knew I had to really focus though since I had the opportunity to work with Chris. I figured there is nothing simpler than a single material, and a single contiguous shape, and just letting that speak for itself.

[@NJPDesigns]

I think you nailed it. And I can’t imagine the pressure of trying to collab with Chris. He definitely has some impressive skills. Though he strikes me as a person that would be encouraging, helpful and humble enough to put a lot of the stress at ease.

[@modustrial]

You got it right. Chris has a personality that just puts everyone at ease.

[@sugarbooty]

The bench is stronger without the hole in it

[@TheMakerMonster]

Dude! The video looks so good! I'm jealous of those slow-mo shots!

[@modustrial]

Thanks Jake! Chris and Aaron get the credit for those shots... I think we all need to move to the same area so we can be near each other and up the video quality of all our videos. sound like a plan?

[@TheMakerMonster]

Yes. Sounds like a perfect plan! I’m in.

[@Pryorfab]

This really curved my enthusiasm for a concrete project! Looks like you guys really hit the daily grind on these videos! Bonus feature, you can flip the bench over for the world's biggest concrete Tech Deck skate park! Awesome video & design, keep up the great work!

[@modustrial]

you are killin' it today with the puns :) We were joking that the form looked like we had built a skate park for the Garies... If we had somehow been able to preserve the form we would have made a squirrel sized skateboard and lugged it out to Joshua Tree.,,,

[@M4ngstergangster]

Absolutely awesome

[@modustrial]

Thanks much!

[@pureslowmotion2918]

Awesome

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@WDWysong]

Beautiful!! Great job!!

[@modustrial]

Thanks much!

[@deano43]

Once again , great work. Love your videos

[@modustrial]

Thanks Dean!

[@matthewdwight4328]

I love how you continue to push the boundaries of concrete to create unique, beautiful, and functional pieces! Mike, you continue to impress more and more with each new video. I'm looking around the North Dallas area for GFRC concrete ($41 for shipping is a little much), I've been wanting to try some thin form projects. If you ever find yourself in the Dallas area, let me know!

[@modustrial]

Definitely! I went to college in Houston and lived there for a bit after college, so I still have a bunch of friends throughout Texas. If you think you will want to do multiple GFRC projects, then you can buy white portland cement and sand locally (i.e., the heavy stuff), and order the glass fibers, polymer, plasticizer, defoamer, and pozzolan to make your own mix. Initial investment is probably around $500, but you can make like 800 lbs of mix with it. (This is how I got started, and made a desk, bar countertop, bench, side table, and two coffee tables...and still had some leftover. Not a bad deal....)

[@matthewdwight4328]

Nice! Houston's got some cool spots, I love their historical district. I've spent most of my time in the Austin/San Marcos area until moving to Dallas. I'll keep that in mind, that's definitely not a bad deal at all! Thanks!

[@modustrial]

no problem!

[@WoodwardBuilds]

Super cool build Mike!

[@modustrial]

Thanks Tim!

[@GenghisKhanner]

Fantastic video. I initially felt like skipping to see the result but decided to at least see how the video felt, then all of a sudden I was seeing the end. Great stuff, definitely subscribing. P.S. You've probably heard this before but you resemble The L.A. Beast quite a lot!

[@modustrial]

Thanks much! Glad you enjoyed it. I had not actually heard of the LA Beast, but looked him up. I can see it a bit...although my eating skills are much more pedastrian. :)