10. Concrete Top Modern Wooden Bench
For a durable, high-end look that withstands all weather conditions, combine warm natural wood with smooth, modern poured concrete. Start by building a sturdy rectangular frame out of dimensional cedar or redwood lumber for the bench legs and lower support stretcher. Next, construct a simple melamine form for the concrete seat top, reinforcing the interior with wire mesh for structural strength. Mix and pour high-strength concrete into the form, vibrating the sides to release trapped air bubbles, and let it cure slowly over several days before demolding. Carefully lift the cured, smooth concrete slab and secure it onto the top of your wooden base using heavy-duty construction adhesive and hidden brackets. Sand and seal the wooden base, and apply a specialized concrete sealer to protect the stone surface from stains. This substantial, architectural bench brings modern sophistication and timeless durability to any porch setting.
Embarking on a DIY seating project allows you to infuse your home’s exterior with your personal taste while enjoying the satisfaction of building something with your own hands. Whether you choose the rustic simplicity of a wooden pallet lounge sofa, the clever functionality of a fold-down Murphy bench, or the modern elegance of a concrete-topped seat, your handmade creations will instantly make your porch feel more welcoming. Remember to properly prep, sand, and seal all exterior materials to ensure your cozy outdoor space remains beautiful and durable for many seasons to come. Gather your tools, select your favorite design from this list, and transform your porch into the favorite room of your house.
Image Prompts
Repurposed Wooden Pallet Lounge Sofa — A cozy front porch featuring a handmade outdoor sofa constructed from sanded wooden pallets, layered with thick gray cushions, patterned throw pillows, surrounded by potted ferns and warm string lights during golden hour.
Hanging Cinder Block Bench — A modern minimalist patio with a DIY bench made of stacked white cinder blocks and thick natural cedar wood beams, decorated with minimalist black and white outdoor cushions against a clean siding wall.
Simple Hanging Porch Swing — A charming traditional front porch with a suspended white wooden porch swing hanging from sturdy ropes, adorned with pastel plaid blankets and floral pillows, overlooking a lush green front lawn in daylight.
Milk Crate Storage Bench — A compact urban porch featuring a clever DIY storage bench made from plastic milk crates topped with a vibrant turquoise upholstered cushion, flanked by potted herbs and gardening accessories.
Fold-Down Murphy Bench — A narrow city apartment balcony featuring a sleek wooden Murphy bench folded down from the exterior brick wall, styled with a single modern lantern and a small ceramic coffee cup.
Upcycled Headboard Outdoor Settee — A shabby-chic cottage porch featuring a vintage wooden headboard transformed into a pastel mint-green garden settee, styled with floral cushions and vintage watering cans nearby.
Modern Plywood Ledge Seat — A contemporary architectural patio featuring a sleek floating birch plywood ledge seat mounted against dark wood paneling, accessorized with a single charcoal gray linen cushion.
Rustic Log Slice Stools — A wooded cabin porch featuring natural tree trunk slice stools finished with clear varnish, paired with vintage metal hairpin legs, surrounded by fallen autumn leaves and evergreen potted plants.
Stacked Crate Reading Nook Bench — A cozy bohemian porch featuring a bench built from stacked wooden apple crates filled with books and woven baskets, topped with a plush cream-colored mattress pad and macrame pillows.
Concrete Top Modern Wooden Bench — A stylish mid-century modern deck featuring a bespoke bench with a smooth poured gray concrete seat and warm cedar wood legs, styled with a simple geometric throw blanket.