Garden Bench w/ Wood & Concrete

[@akbychoice]

Drill to blocks with three holes in each to secure that J bolts the place them in the wet cement to hold them at the correct height and spacing.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Lynne, nice benches, your baby is no longer a baby, I have not seen him in any of your videos lately and I had forgotten how fast they grow. It looks like a nice size garden and the raised beds will let you grow lots of things.

[@philipallen8648]

Great video, may do something similar. If you are doing more of the same, maybe you could make two strips of thick wood with 3xJ bolt sized holes in them to hold the bolts evenly spaced while the concrete cures. This would ensure the wood beams are equally spaced and ensure the J bolts don't move and are perpendicular the wood beams.

[@CountryFamily]

I made a rustic bench by sawing a log in half lengthwise for our camping spot. I really like this design you made. I think I'll try something similar for my patio at home. Thanks for posting this.

[@mrfochs]

Great little project and really felt like some of your older videos but with improved editing, shots, and audio. Really miss these types of projects on your channel.

[@U812GREEN]

Love the bench, if you do a open sided mold and pour open side up then screed off level. Drill your three holes in top of the base block mold and use thread inserts held in place by bolts from the outside of the mold. Then you can cure pull the bolts and dump and repeat over and over. Light oil or wax should keep your mold clean and easy release. Just a thought. Love the channel

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Very nice bench, Really like the way the concrete and wood look together. Something that might make building them easier is let the top timbers run long and cut them to final length once you have them bolted in place. Chain saw you your sawz all would work.

[@railfan439]

Great idea! For your next bench(es), consider putting the J-bolts in deeper - like for a 2x4, then you can fill the holes with a contrasting wood plug. I would also cut the 4x4's a little longer and have an overhang on the ends. You can color the concrete with concrete pigments, also available at the home center. Thanks, Jon

[@erikacronje8985]

Great bench and an easy to make mould, showing one does not have to go buy expensive things to make a functional bench

[@millergram]

Definitely doing this. Thank you for the idea!

[@SamStGeorge]

Answering your question whether I liked it???? SURE I DID. It is wonderful, simple and most of all practical which is easy to make. Thanks so much and have a nice weekend

[@darbinorvar]

Have a nice weekend you too!

[@CanukWoodChuck]

Linn you bench turned out great. One tip you may consider, when trying to get the air out of the concrete take the blade out of you Sawzall and use that to vibrate the form.

[@oobaka1967]

I was gonna suggest the same.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Palm sander works also, run it along the outside of the form.

[@davehanson2701]

When the baby was crawling towards the curing concrete, I found myself cheering him on. Then at the last moment "Ah ah ah that's not for you" Too cute!

[@harrygirgin9093]

Very nice. It's amazing how you find time with your family, toddler and usual duties. I wish I could make time. Some insight will be appreciated...

[@darbinorvar]

Haha, I don't really know. Help from family? Plus this is my full time "job".

[@StamosTee]

Lovely! The bench came out fantastic! 👍👍👍

[@darbinorvar]

Thank you!

[@allent555]

Great Bench and love the video format with the text and graphics. Makes instructional and educational at the same time.

[@darbinorvar]

Nice to hear!

[@mike130557]

Hi Linn. If you are planning on making a few more, why not produce a jig for the Bolts? Then every one would be in exactly the right place, and to the correct height. No more need for ‘wiggle room’ cutting and grinding! A great project that we can all try. Endless designs could be used for the concrete bases. If you made them upside down, you could sink a plastic container into the wet stuff to make it lighter, and use less materials. Also, how about using some colourant to give the bases a different ‘look’?

[@robertevans6481]

Yes they are nice, like the raised beds as well....have a great weekend..

[@tyrehester5550]

Nice idea that I plan to use for benches around my fire pit.

[@darbinorvar]

Let me know how it turns out!

[@pattiwoodring100]

Very cool! Like the design! I’m amazed at your energy level. Always thinking and on the go,especially hard with a toddler.

[@darbinorvar]

Haha, some days I have more energy than others.

[@iamepimethus]

I think I’m gonna make two of these! Thanks! Btw you really bounced back from having a little one, lovely as ever.

[@BossmanEight]

Linn, another way to quickly vibrate small concrete forms is to use a palm sander. If you *really* want heavy duty vibration, use one of the old 1/2 sheet sanders. Otherwise, a quarter sheet sander will work just fine. Also, if you oil your forms (plain motor oil works fine) you could reuse your forms so you'd only have to build a single form. Save time & materials.

[@thegrumpyoldwoodworker8157]

Love the simplicity of this, Might make some myself. Good work

[@phildodd9942]

What a fantastic production job that you have made with the video ! I like the shot of the mould pieces with their dimensions - so useful ! All the way through the video you have included so much valuable information about the construction ! You have framed the shots so well too, and used techniques showing two shots at once on the screen. This video is brilliant ! You have even told us the weight of the stands, which helps us to order enough material to make the bases. Regarding the shape of the bases, yes they are nice and sturdy, and will do the job well. Another approach is to make the bases a cross-section of a "figure of eight" with a flat top. Leave bolt holes down through the outer lips of the tops of the figures of eight, so that the bolts can be placed downwards with the heads countersunk into the wood, and the nuts ( with washers ) tightened up from under the holes in the concrete bases. When forming the base, leave an access hole to get to the end of the "middle bolt" to fit the nut. By constructing the bases that way, there is no damage to the wooden planks if the bolts have to be trimmed. Use round-headed bolts if using this method. Sorry that my suggestion is convoluted - you probably understand what I'm suggesting ! Hopefully you have used UV-stabilised polyurethane to coat the planks, i.e. for outdoor use, to prevent the sun's UV rays from making it decompose ? Yes another great project - well done !

[@darbinorvar]

Thanks so much Phil for this nice comment, really appreciate it! I'm trying to make sure I improve the video quality, and its' always fun to experiment with new concepts.

[@johnsimmons8448]

i agree. a great video with much detail information provided. i'm inspired. i have an idea on attaching the 4x4's to the concrete bases without having to really modify the bases as described with a figure 8 design. why not use three 90 degree brackets embeded in the concrete with one of legs pointing to the inside of the bases and flush with the top of the concrete. the posts would simply lay on the concrete and the exposed leg of the bracket. i've seen these brackets with holes pre-drilled. then you simply use a wood screw screwed upward though the bracket and into the bottom side of the beam where they would not be seen but would secure the beam to the post. from the top side there would be no holes for water to get into the beams. even using 'stove' bolts as described above would still eventually allow water in the wood and require a more complicated mold for the base. using 90 degree brackets really wouldn't require any changes to the mold of Darbin's which was well designed and quite easily assembled. just my idea.............

[@Grunt49]

Love the mold.You have great ideas.

[@richardhart7652]

If you use a piece of wood across the mold with holes in it to hold the bolts upright and true it could make assembly easier also I would have treated the timber before fixing to the concrete base. But a good project all in all

[@darbinorvar]

Good idea!

[@reforzar]

That’s a great looking bench. It will last a long time!

[@markanne54]

I thought you would add some temporary marked or notched cross pieces to the mould (have them ready to screw on after you've poured the concrete) so that it would be easier to place and keep the bolts straight.

[@debdottir]

I like it too. Concrete is so versatile.

[@danielbarker5101]

Great video! Always exciting to see what you are up to next.

[@mariemeyer2885]

Love it! Nice to see Darwin so happy.

[@darbinorvar]

Haha, Darwin is just happy if he gets to be a part of things :)

[@VintageTexas59]

Nice design and looks very sturdy.

[@taylorhamilton4305]

I really enjoyed this edit! Great simple bench design too!

[@censusgary]

It would be good to cut off the tops of the bolts before you attach the wood beams (instead of after) because that way you could make the tops of the bolts lower than the top surface of the wood, so they can’t jab you when you sit on the bench above them (or burn you- metal gets hot in the summer sun). Also, it might be a good idea to make the holes in the wood for the bolts oversized, so that when the wood moves (i.e. shrinks) as it ages, it won’t split or twist against the bolts. It’s the washers and nuts that make the connection tight, so the bench would still be very firm. To keep water from collecting in the recesses, perhaps you could put some kind of cap (maybe a wood plug?) above each bolt? These are things to think about if you do make more of these benches.

[@fiberartistsupplyco]

Setting the J bolts might be a good spot for some precision work. An extra few minutes setting height and gap would be worth it

[@Olvera1021]

Good

[@alvaroalexisvelasquezbelma7806]

One more time a nice work! Congratulations Darbin!!

[@kitt28]

its very quiet there, i use to live on a freeway, cars passing by all the time, i use to live in the country, but i moved back, i love the birds singing, Thank You for making these kinds of videos, i hope you dont mind but home much land do you have in acres? i Subscribed and i hit he bell :) looking forward to more videos

[@superdau]

*Mount the J-bolts to a piece of wood so that you can "hang" them into the concrete while it is curing.* That way they will be in the exact position you want them to be AND will be straight. Doesn't matter that much here since it's only one hole per bench lumber, but imagine having to mount a piece of wood that has multiple holes. If the bolts aren't parallel in that case there's no way the insert the bolts without a massive widening of the holes. The bolt "holder" also has the advantage that you can preadjust the height of the bolts so there's no need to cut them afterwards. Cutting leaves a surface that isn't galvanized and will rust. As for rattling out the bubbles in the concrete: I use a hammer drill (those that won't turn if you don't want to) and "hammer" into a bigger piece of wood attached to the cast. Bubblefree within minutes.

[@IngMontesc]

Excelente idea de hacer la banca del jardín, yo le agregaría una tapa al cajón para usarlo como guía, de esa manera tendrías el tamaño exacto de las roscas para no cortarlas y quedaran igualmente espaciadas, lo voy a implementar tu proyecto para la banca de mi jardín, Saludos.

[@fabioneri9155]

I love your videos, always simple, easy to do ...

[@Kkuts37]

Awesome Bench, Linn! Love the bonus of August and Darwin!! :)

[@darbinorvar]

Thank you! Yes, double extras in this video :)

[@a0flj0]

If you leave the spaces unfilled, water will have an easier time getting out of the wood. Water will always find a way for getting into the wood.

[@a.k.shanshal8975]

Very nice bench , I suggest that you make a template for the anchor bolts so that they end up equally separate horizontally and at equal depth into the concrete ( a simple piece of plywood with equally separate holes fix anchor bolts fastened to it ), I know you are creative and you can add an indentation to the base concrete frame around the edges the end shape of the base will look so nice . Thanks for the video

Simple but nice design! 🙂🙂

[@melissabarron1574]

What a great and project! I’ll have to try it out. Thank w

[@darbinorvar]

If you do, let me know how it turns out!

[@suearmstrong3404]

Awesome job, I love the simplicity of this and yet it looks expensive. As always you create pretty cool things!

[@darbinorvar]

Nice to hear!

[@r.hainez2131]

Thank you so much for providing the measurements in metric units. It helps a lot to figure out the dimensions during the video instead of having to pause it to convert :)

[@cynthiashesobless7155]

Thank you for sharing , you make everything look so easy

[@nivelousbendahou3292]

Yss

[@cynthiashesobless7155]

Will you be sharing a tour on your shed in the near future . Like a update

[@saulpenilla778]

Great bench. I would suggest applying the poly before mounting them to make it easier to it on all sides.

[@remoc52357]

Awwww your little is crawling already....that's sweet....want o be near mamma!I I think I would suggest adding a few washers under the beams before tightening....

[@dirtdevilrcmotorsports]

another great project Linn.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

The bench looks nice Linn! Thanks for sharing the video. 👌👍😎JP

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful concept, Linn! Well done!!! 😃

[@darbinorvar]

Thank you!

[@maxprophet2401]

I like!! Looks great, thanks Linn!

[@RobertGossCreator]

When you have the right tools anything is possible great job

[@vtbn53]

Any one can get the right tools, it's getting the right materials that is hard.

[@Flash1857]

Looks wonderful

[@mmalmberg1]

Timely and attractive bench, Thank you!

[@mikepleso3870]

I like the industrial look of your bench. It blends well with the raised garden beds and wall. Will you try different form shapes on the additional benches ?

[@MEprofWannaBe]

Cool bench. If you do use epoxy to fill the bolt holes, make sure you get exterior rated epoxy. The normal stuff will not stand up to ultraviolet light.

[@TheWoodHaven]

Linn, you look really happy in Virginia. That's the best part of the video.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome job Linn! 😍👍🏻👊🏻

[@darbinorvar]

Thanks Fred!

[@G7FQG]

Hiya...like your new style of video. Wouldn’t it have been easier to treat or stain your wood before fixing them to the concrete???

[@normbograham]

You could have put the J bolts into the 4x4's, and put then on the forms. Then you would not have any drama with a falling J bolt. When the concrete gets dry, or is closer to dry, you could then remove the 4x4's to remove the forms.

[@bobthomas4514]

You just want to show off your table saw... It is a really great saw and you deserve it. but I still have table saw envy. Keep up the great videos.

[@darbinorvar]

Haha, it is a beautiful saw!

[@ericfshook]

Trim bolts and seal all the wood before final assembly.

[@JacobKnightRiderShop]

I may make one of these for my backyard. Thanks for the video

[@darbinorvar]

If you do, send me a pic!

[@cassia_cries]

lovely!

[@nivelousbendahou3292]

Lovely te

[@greggsouthard1517]

Nice design!

[@paulcaskey]

Well done. That is a nice looking bench.

[@hunttingjessup222]

I like the format. Direct. To the point. Dialog is minimal and to the point. Kind of reminded me of the old Diresta videos.Nice Job.

[@johnford7847]

Very nice. Inspirational, even. Thanks.

[@254JROCK]

Very cool 😎 useful project garden / yard.

[@jomangeee9180]

i just love your projects

[@darbinorvar]

Thank you!

[@yohanu22]

Beautiful of you

[@batmanbat2170]

very beautiful thanks

[@tcl5853]

Nicely done!

[@AB-nu5we]

Hmmm....kind of a 'Scandinavian Modern' look to that bench. Wonder how that happened? Cool project in a great setting.

[@christopherdubour6662]

I like this design! I may just do something similar.

[@OldManTony]

What you should have done with the bolts is to bolt the through some ply and then place them on top of the moulds with some spacers. This would keep the square and stop them sinking.

[@fsufan777]

Very nice job. Love your videos!

[@hugobracamontesbaltazar]

Nice project and nice baby!

[@darbinorvar]

Thank you :)

[@kaycox19]

What a great idea!

[@makersinthemaking7283]

Looks great.

[@petert3853]

You can always add crushed stone to the cement mix to reduce costs

[@censusgary]

Your production values keep getting higher. I found myself asking a question like “Why is she beveling the edge for the concrete mold?” only to have it answered within seconds.

[@darbinorvar]

Haha, thank you, really appreciate it!

[@donaldshulman6771]

Linn - Very nice bench. For the future bench projects, I would like to see a different form design for each one. BTW, cute little baby!!!

[@seikox1]

It’s beautiful Linn!!

[@tonybanner7599]

One thing that may help someone is drill holes in a PVC pipe to hold the bolts vertical while the concrete is curing.

[@robertoperezjr.1119]

You could make a slurry with some concrete and use a foam trowel to seal up the concrete.

[@JamesJones-gk5jd]

Love it, sit and have a cup of coffee

[@censusgary]

That’s a heckuva blond little boy there! I was, too, at that age. 😸

[@deltafox9429]

fantastic job 😃

[@darbinorvar]

Thank you!

[@MaryWehmeier]

It’s not that loud, Linn! Wait til the locust start singing! Great bench.

[@darbinorvar]

I know, I remember August was crazy loud, especially at night!

[@MorseB]

If you didn't fill the holes with epoxy, a Dremel could be used to smooth out the bolt ends even more than the angle grinder could do.

[@carlreeve]

Great video! Any chance you could put the dimensions and type of wood for the bench top in the description as well please?

[@ooCHICOoo]

Hi 👋 Linn amazing great 👍 oooo and beautiful amazing baby 👶 jaja. hope in your future see him working on woodworking stuff with mother lol 😆

[@Orxenhorf]

One other thing I'd suggest doing is putting a piece of tar paper or ice dam rubber between the concrete and the wood to keep moisture from wicking up.

[@censusgary]

Orxenhorf : What’s ice dam rubber? (I’m from Texas, so I barely know what ice is.)

[@jimcooney9019]

great idea thanks for sharing the video

[@darronjknight]

Maybe If you fill the holes with hot glue, it would keep the water out, but still allow easier replacement of the wood seat.

[@censusgary]

I’m a little surprised you didn’t put any reinforcing in that concrete, such as rebar or even some wire mesh. Admittedly, this is not a high-stress application for the concrete, but it couldn’t hurt to strengthen it.

[@darbinorvar]

I have no worries whatsoever about the strength holding up.

[@ShinMufasa]

That is so cool