Build a weather-resistant concrete bench

Assemble the bench
Sand all of your cedar parts with 150-grit paper, then bring the legs and rails together with polyurethane or an outdoor-rated Type II PVA glue. Do the glue-up in two stages: start by assembling the long rails with a leg at each end. Clamp these up and set them aside. Once the glue has set, bring the two long-rail assemblies together by connecting them with the short rails.

Easy finish
Protect the cedar from the elements by applying an exterior-rated finish. I used two coats of Sikkens Cetol 1 translucent alkyd-oil finish. There are less expensive products on the shelf, but I have found the Sikkens to be the best for durability-a big factor in lengthening the time between recoats. Protect the concrete benchtop from water and stains by applying several coats of concrete sealer. Attach the concrete slab to the legs with a few blobs of silicone sealant. The silicone is strong enough to prevent the slab from shifting if bumped, but flexible enough not to restrict any seasonal movement in the cedar.

The natural appearance of the bench is suited to almost any outdoor setting that could use a spot to sit and relax-amidst the flowers and foliage of a garden, along a cottage pathway or in a shady spot with a view of the lake.