Blocks on the Rocks

I made a concrete block planter… Filled with gorgeous succulents… Just like everyone else…
But do you really think I would make a concrete planter just like everyone else? I don’t think so! We made an outdoor bar!
I was completely awestruck when I originally saw Annette’s DIY Cinder Block Planter on Apartment Therapy. Pure genius. Since that post these planters have been popping up everywhere. I knew I wanted in, I just couldn’t figure out the location.
Doing what I always do (& try to instill in all my loyal hunters) I found myself digging around trying to find things to update our deck. I knew I had some large old deck boards that I stained with my vinegar & steel wool mixture. They ended up not being used for the desk, so they went back under the deck… Calling to me. “If you Build Me. They will come!” After doing a bit of measuring I realized I needed an outdoor bar. I mean who doesn’t need an outdoor bar?!? I had the wood for the top & I needed a sturdy base. { Enter concrete blocks here } I literally threw myself, my mom & the little’s in the car & headed to Home Depot. The project had begun.
Easy enough right? You stack up some blocks, plant some flowers, put on a top… Done. Well it’s never that easy. This is how we built our Concrete Planter/Bar.
First up… Layout. Put on your strong arms, or borrow some if you can & figure out your optimum layout. Mine ended up symmetrical (shocker I know!) but if it had been wider I would have been all about organized chaos. Also remember that staggering your seams will make for a stronger structure.
Once you have your layout, take a picture, draw a diagram, make some sort of reference so you don’t forget. Disassemble your blocks & start gluing them together. Easy right… yeah, we talked about that earlier. It was like Goldilocks up in here. Our first tube of industrial strength concrete glue (thanks neighbor) was so old it had formed into a plasticy tube. No go. Our second attempt was using StrongStick Adhesive by DAP. Seemed like it worked until it came apart. Strike two. Ugh! I seriously almost scrapped the idea at this point. One more try… { Enter heavenly cherubs singing }
We used two tubes of this magic adhesive in our caulk gun. I am proud to say this thing isn’t going anywhere without a sledge hammer! Let’s get to gluing.
Since we were turning this into a table, it needed to be in the realm of level. We added wood shims to aide in this. Checking on every level. Once done… Let it cure. I know you will be tempted to check. DON”T just glue it & walk away.
After it is solid, as…well concrete, it is time to plant. We used large squares of 1/4″ Hardware Cloth & shoved it into the openings that would be planted. I tried Chicken Wire as other sites had suggested, but again, no go. I couldn’t get it to stay. The Hardware Cloth is more rigid & held much better for us.
Following the Hardware Cloth, cut a square of Landscape Cloth to keep in your potting soil.
And plant some GORGEOUS succulents.
At this point, if you just wanted a planter, you are done!
If you want to go all the way, like we did there are just a few more steps… We used weatherproof Liquid Nails to glue our two boards to each other ( Just like our desk & headboard). Followed by some metal plates for extra stability
Once the glue has dried, attach it to your planter… We attached L brackets to the underside of the wood top that lined up with the openings in the concrete blocks. This way it is a stable top, but it can still be removed to aide in planting.
And every console needs a piece of artwork above it… I love how our door project transformed a plain door into a piece of art.
Our outdoor space has become a fun & bright space that we will enjoy all summer! No really, the littles refuses to go inside now! I guess all I can do now is pour a glass of lemonade, sit back & scheme up my next project!
f e a t u r e d o n:
L I N K I N G U P T O:
Love, love, love it!!!
–Katie
@ Creatively Living
Thanks Katie!
It turned out great! What great ideas!
This is so cool! I've been thinking about doing something similar along the fence in our backyard! Looks amazing as a bar!
Such a pretty space and really cool project! I'm sure you have a summer full of memories out there waiting…
What an amazing project! I love everything about it. Enjoy!! Megan
That is awesome! If I wasn't worried that I would kill all the plants I might think about asking my hubby to build one in our backyard!
Fabulous!!! What an amazing project. Job well done! π
Love it! Such a fantastic idea! Totally stealing it π Found you through a link party π
Jen @ The Social Home
http://www.thesocialhome.blogspot.com
Hi Kristin: I'm Connie at http://hotflashncraftn.blogspot.com/, your new GF friend. I would love it if you stop by and be my friend, too.
This is a fantastic idea. It looks great on the patio. Thanks for sharing!
This is a fantastic project! I would love it if you would consider sharing it at my Pinworthy Projects Link Party over at Just Us Four!
Absolutely Beautiful! XO, Aimee
Featuring you tonight! XO, Aimee
I love it! So glad you posted about it – now I just have to convince my husband he wants to make it for me!
Jess @
TupeloCreative.blogspot.com
Awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Looks great. How did you tint the glass in the old window?
Thanks for all of the comments! We are really loving how this project turned out. In response to How I tinted the glass panes, there is a link above within the post, but here is the direct link: http://thehuntedinterior.blogspot.com/2012/04/pane-in-glass.html
Kristin
You're my HERO! I love this!!
I must be behind on my pinterest hunt because I've never seen anything like this anywhere…it's awesome! I'm hoping to do some major yard work this summer and this project is now on my list of things to do. Thanks for the inspiration! If you're looking for another place to share your tutorial please stop by Etcetorize (http://etcetorize.blogspot.ca/2012/04/make-it-great-monday_22.html). Party is still on, hope to see you there~
This is so amazingly cool. Love the succulents! Came over from A2D.
Hi Kristen, Annette here from the original AT post. Your take on this is FANTASTIC! And what a great blog you have. Thanks so much for sharing this and giving me new inspiration. I love it!
WOW! What an AWESOME project! Your outdoor area is beautiful! I LOVE the colors! GREAT JOB!
Ok, I love this too! I'm a new follower. Loving all your projects so much:0)
well now, aren't those fabulous?! crazy good idea. i'll be pinning for future reference. great job!
I had my doubts when I saw the words cinder blocks, but I love how you made it look modern AND incorporated plants for texture contrast. Really creative, I'd like to feature you and this project on my blog.
Paula @Life In the Middle Lane
http://www.lifeinthemiddlelane-paulawillis.blogspot.com/
Absolutely Beautiful!!! The BEST use of cinder block I have EVER seen!! IMHO
Thank you so much for sharing!!! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a trip to Home Depot to get ready for. Chelle–kweenbee_612@yahoo.com
AMAZING!!! Just pinned for future reference and to show my hubby what he could make for me!!
This is just too cool and goes so well with your awesome stenciled rug! Congrats on making it onto DesignSponge π
Love this, what an amazing project! I'd love to attempt this for our backyard.
Hi Kristen. I just found your blog and love it. This is such a great use of an everyday product and I love your take on it best. Thanks for sharing it. I can't wait to see more of your ideas. I'm a new follower now.
Hugs⦠Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute
I made one of these planters last using hardware and landscape cloth to hold the plants. It worked well on some, but others slipped through the bottom. Now, I use the square (quart??) plastic pots that some plants come in. They fit great in the holes in the blocks, and stay put. Love your idea of the boards on top, too!
I'm so inspired and I may take this idea and build it into my raised deck foundation. Of course I'd love to have it on my screened porch too so maybe I have to choose just one place to do this. Drats, a decision. I found your blog via 6th street design school … imagine you'll have many new followers from that post … of course I'm following now. I might spend all day here reading your great ideas. Pinned the planter. Can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Robin
happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com
It looks as if the planters placement is in the shade of your bar and therefore I have my doubts in respect of the plants youΒ΄ve chosen – theyΒ΄re all succulents, hence sun-dependent. They might not last very long….
This area receives adequate sun & the succulents have thrived this summer. The side pockets were planted with shade friendly creepers. They too have been successful. I made sure that the bar top would not overhang too much avoiding a large shadow.
I'm late to the party but just wanted to say how much I adore this! We are purchasing a new house and this will definitely go on the honey-do list for the backyard.
I'm curious about how you attached the hardware cloth to the inside of the cinder blocks? More of that adhesive perhaps?
You cut the wire cloth larger than the hole (about an 1" longer on each side & push it down into the hole. It basically just grabs on. The hardware cloth is pretty tough.
This is a very pretty project. I posted it to pinterest/homedepot on the "Garden Party" pinboard. Thank you for the inspiration.