Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
This DIY Bench / Planter looks like concrete... but it's not! It's mortar!
Head to squarespace.com/modernbuilds to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MODERNBUILDS
After I made the Fire Pit coffee table last episode I immediately wanted to do another Fake Concrete project. The last one was a ton of fun and I wanted to improve my process and technique. I designed this modern outdoor bench and planter combo to utilize the wall against the bedroom and to add a pop of green... plus a little seating. This could be form poured with standard concrete but it would be sooo heavy and I want to be able to move this bench / planter whenever I want. It probable weight about 160 pounds which is pretty lightweight for a concrete looking finish. Thanks for watching, let me know if you've got any helpful tips/info down in the comments!
Firepit Coffee Table: youtu.be/9-yXp90zedk?si=tFiK4CZQR-yi8eOs
Low Profile Deck Build: youtu.be/YcmtKJi1DLw?si=Wc5pqkNcx3uJsfGK
Smart Pergola DIY: youtu.be/wspxcpew408?si=grdSlvM0nCVAQYEz
Materials and Supplies:
Thinset I Used: homedepot.sjv.io/0ZbxxE
1/2" Cement Board: homedepot.sjv.io/XmJNjX
Cement Board Screws: lasso.to/amazon/N8EUn8aBMD/NZbJ1zEfgz8
Mesh Tape: lasso.to/amazon/HEKWCcf7jN/NZbJ1zEfgz8
Clear Coat: homedepot.sjv.io/GKLER6
Jigsaw Blade for Cement Board: lasso.to/amazon/2jB4YnDWkd/NZbJ1zEfgz8
Thermally Modified Ash: https://shorturl.at/G0Z3V
Where I Get My Music (Free Trial): epidemicsound.com/referral/osroq1
Thanks for watching!!
modernbuilds.com
___________________________________________________________________
ADD ME ON:
Instagram: goo.gl/UgEpJs | @modernbuilds
Facebook: goo.gl/KiI1cX
TikTok: tiktok.com/@mikefrommodernbuilds
Subscribe: goo.gl/pgDSS8
Website: modernbuilds.com
Merch: modernbuilds.com/store
___________________________________________________________________
Thanks for watching!
-Mike Montgomery
MODERN BUILDS
Hi, My name is Mike Montgomery and I'm a MAKER; a designer, builder, and full-time content creator. Accessibility is my focus with Modern Builds, not simply accessibility of designs, but accessibility in materials, information, and projects themselves. I've focused on creating furniture and DIY projects that are simple enough that any beginner maker can accomplish, yet interesting enough that any expert might be inspired. Building and making is becoming less and less of an exclusive hobby and profession. My goal is to reduce that separation even further.
This DIY Bench / Planter looks like concrete... but it's not! It's mortar!
Head to squarespace.com/modernbuilds to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MODERNBUILDS
After I made the Fire Pit coffee table last episode I immediately wanted to do another Fake Concrete project. The last one was a ton of fun and I wanted to improve my process and technique. I designed this modern outdoor bench and planter combo to utilize the wall against the bedroom and to add a pop of green... plus a little seating. This could be form poured with standard concrete but it would be sooo heavy and I want to be able to move this bench / planter whenever I want. It probable weight about 160 pounds which is pretty lightweight for a concrete looking finish. Thanks for watching, let me know if you've got any helpful tips/info down in the comments!
Firepit Coffee Table: youtu.be/9-yXp90zedk?si=tFiK4CZQR-yi8eOs
Low Profile Deck Build: youtu.be/YcmtKJi1DLw?si=Wc5pqkNcx3uJsfGK
Smart Pergola DIY: youtu.be/wspxcpew408?si=grdSlvM0nCVAQYEz
Materials and Supplies:
Thinset I Used: homedepot.sjv.io/0ZbxxE
1/2" Cement Board: homedepot.sjv.io/XmJNjX
Cement Board Screws: lasso.to/amazon/N8EUn8aBMD/NZbJ1zEfgz8
Mesh Tape: lasso.to/amazon/HEKWCcf7jN/NZbJ1zEfgz8
Clear Coat: homedepot.sjv.io/GKLER6
Jigsaw Blade for Cement Board: lasso.to/amazon/2jB4YnDWkd/NZbJ1zEfgz8
Thermally Modified Ash: https://shorturl.at/G0Z3V
Where I Get My Music (Free Trial): epidemicsound.com/referral/osroq1
Thanks for watching!!
modernbuilds.com
___________________________________________________________________
ADD ME ON:
Instagram: goo.gl/UgEpJs | @modernbuilds
Facebook: goo.gl/KiI1cX
TikTok: tiktok.com/@mikefrommodernbuilds
Subscribe: goo.gl/pgDSS8
Website: modernbuilds.com
Merch: modernbuilds.com/store
___________________________________________________________________
Thanks for watching!
-Mike Montgomery
MODERN BUILDS
Hi, My name is Mike Montgomery and I'm a MAKER; a designer, builder, and full-time content creator. Accessibility is my focus with Modern Builds, not simply accessibility of designs, but accessibility in materials, information, and projects themselves. I've focused on creating furniture and DIY projects that are simple enough that any beginner maker can accomplish, yet interesting enough that any expert might be inspired. Building and making is becoming less and less of an exclusive hobby and profession. My goal is to reduce that separation even further.
