You built a warm spot to hang out in the yard, but nobody wants to stand around all night. Good seating makes the entire space work. You do not need to spend thousands of dollars on fancy outdoor furniture from a big box store. In fact, you can create comfortable, sturdy seats using cheap materials and basic tools.
I learned this the hard way after dragging cheap plastic folding chairs across my grass for a season. They tipped over easily, melted near the heat, and looked messy. Building your own seats fixes that problem for good. If you are looking for outdoor projects, check out our favorite backyard DIY guides to get inspiration for simple upgrades.
Simple Cinder Block and Wood Beam Benches
Cinder block benches are one of the fastest seating projects you can build. You do not need glue or screws if you do not want to use them. The weight of the blocks keeps everything solid and secure on flat ground.
To make one bench, grab twelve standard cinder blocks and four pieces of thick lumber. Long four by four posts work best because they fit right through the holes in the blocks. Stack the blocks vertically on each end so the open holes face each other. Slide the wood posts through the top holes to form the seat.
Paint the blocks with dark masonry paint to give them a modern, clean look. Sand the wooden beams well so nobody gets splinters. Add outdoor cushions on top for extra comfort during long evenings outside.
Curved Bench Using Retaining Wall Blocks
A curved bench shapes your gathering area and keeps everyone at an equal distance from the flames. This setup feels cozy and looks like a contractor built it. Best of all, curved retaining wall blocks are cheap at any garden center.
Start by clearing a curved ring of dirt about six feet away from the flame zone. Level the dirt with a flat tamper. Lay down a base layer of crushed gravel so the stones do not sink during rainy weeks. Stack the retaining blocks two or three layers high, staggering the joints between rows.
Glue the top layer down with exterior stone adhesive. You can leave the stone bare or top it with smooth flagstone caps. If you need a fire ring to match, follow our steps on How to Build a DIY Smokeless Fire Pit on a Budget to complete the look. The stones match nicely and keep the whole yard looking neat.
Upcycled Tree Stump Stools
Tree stumps make fantastic, rustic stools that cost nothing if you know where to look. Tree trimmers often give them away for free when clearing local lots. Look for hard woods like oak, maple, or ash since they resist rot longer than pine.
Cut the stump ends flat with a chainsaw or handsaw so they sit level on the dirt. Strip the bark off using a pry bar or chisel. Leaving the bark on traps moisture underneath, which invites bugs and rots the wood faster.
Sand the top smooth with coarse sandpaper. Coat the entire stump with clear exterior wood sealer to protect it from rain and sun. You can screw small rope handles into the sides so guests can move them around the fire easily.
Wooden Pallet Loungers
Wood shipping pallets are easy to find behind hardware stores and warehouses. Always check the wood stamps before taking them home. Look for the letters HT, which means heat treated. Avoid pallets stamped with MB because they have chemical treatments on them.
Stack two pallets on top of each other to form a low, solid seat base. Screw them together with three inch deck screws. Take a third pallet apart and use the planks to create a tilted backrest. A forty five degree angle feels great on your back when relaxing outside.
Throw standard patio cushions over the wood base. Pallet furniture sits low to the ground, which keeps your face below any rising wood smoke. You get a laid back vibe without opening your wallet for expensive patio sets.
Tips to Make Your DIY Seating Last Longer
Outdoor furniture takes a beating from rain, sun, and frost. Taking a few simple steps during assembly saves you from rebuilding your project next spring.
- Keep wood off bare dirt by resting legs on small patio pavers.
- Use exterior deck screws so your fasteners do not rust and snap.
- Apply outdoor stain or water seal to all exposed wood surfaces.
- Store fabric cushions inside a deck box when not in use.
Set a free weekend aside and build the option that fits your yard style best. Start with one simple bench, test it out with friends, and add more pieces as you go.