A concrete shooting bench has been high on my list of priorities for a while, and I’ve finally completed my first such installment. This has already made a huge difference in the quality of data and results I’ve observed when testing rifles and ammunition, so I feel like I’ve accomplished my “mission”. In this post I’ll summarize my experience building this bench, provide rough plans for my bench design, and talk about what I’ll do different next time.
Bench Plans
During my “research phase”, I took a look at quite a few articles and resources. My main questions were:
Here are a couple of the articles I read:
How to Build Your Own Concrete Shooting Bench (Accurate Shooter)
How to Build the Ultimate Shooting Range Bench (Rifle Shooter Mag)
One of my special considerations was the fact that I’d be building this bench at the top of a mountain ridge. And that meant I had to think strategically about what materials I would use, and how I would haul materials to the building site.
So I decided on the following:
Not including the tools I already had on hand, here is the breakdown of supplies and materials I used to build this bench:
I consider this concrete bench a prototype: a design I wanted to try, and the construction process felt like prototyping as well. Sorry for the lack of pictures here!
The slab is the foundation for the bench, and therefore is an important structural element. Here’s the rough breakdown of that process
I did not finish the slab top, partially due to the fact that a rain storm came in right at the end of the pour. Also- I wanted a natural appearance more so than a man-made appearance.
Three courses of concrete blocks were set in place (see plans above) followed by two courses of 1 3/4″ thick pavers. This brought the base up to the appropriate height for the shooting bench top. The big issue I had with this process was the “mortar repair” mix I used- it set up too fast and was difficult to mix to the appropriate consistency. This (setting concrete blocks) was a new experience for me, and I’d really like to have someone that knows what they are doing “show me how to do it”.
The top form was built as follows:
I used a concrete mixer to mix and pour the fiber-reinforced concrete for the bench top. I mixed the concrete “slightly wet” in the hopes that it would conform to the form better, and create a smooth bench top surface. This worked for the most part. After letting the concrete cure for 5 days, I was ready to set the bench top on the base.
I used a 4’x8′ utility trailer pulled behind my side-by-side to haul the bench top up to the building site. At about 450-500lb, lifting this bench top was out of scope for one person. So I used ramps and straps to “pull” the bench top onto the bench base (with some jockeying and shifting by hand). I can’t say I would try this again. I had propped up the bench top with 2×4 material, and had a “violent shift/set-down” which resulted in a large crack. This was fine, as I was able to support the top (level) and mortar it in place. Not elegant, but I got the job done.
The finished bench is GREAT! Here’s what I like about it:
For my next concrete bench (I need at least one more) I’ll consider doing the following:
I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on my bench! Have you built one? Please leave a comment to share your experiences/thoughts.
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Thanks,
Gavin
Benches from The Cement Barn are cast out of quality concrete materials and are reinforced with rebar for extra support. These concrete benches will not blow over, will not rot, and they will last for decades! They are manufactured to withstand the outdoor elements and will be fine outside year round. However; there are a few precautions to be aware of in the extreme cold temperatures. To learn more about taking care of your Concrete Bench year round take a look at our General Maintenance information page and also Winter Care for Your Statuary information page.
We manufacture several sizes & styles of concrete benches as you will see. The prices shown include two bench legs and a bench top for a complete set. Due to the weight and size of the complete bench set, these items will have to ship on a pallet via motor freight. Our Shipping Policy will explain in detail how the item will ship. If you need an individual replacement piece for a bench you already have you can purchase individual pieces also. Just Contact Us and let us know which piece it is that you need and we will be glad to assist you.
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ITEM # BCH 101 - Old Style Curved Bench - Natural: $155.00 - Painted: $195.00 - 44"L x 16.5"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 103 - Long Curved - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 40"L x 14"W x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 104 - Long Straight Angel - $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 40"L x 14"W x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 105 - Rustic Bench - Natural: $155.00 - Painted: $195.00 - 43"L x 15.5"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 106 - Hummingbird Bench - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00- 40"L x 14"W x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 107 - Cardinal Bench - Natural: $125.00 - Painted Color: $155.00 - 40"L x 15"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 108 - Waffle Bench - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 42"L x 15.5"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 109 - Bailey Bench - Natural: $225.00 - Painted: $295.00 - 5'L x 17.5"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 110 - Short Straight - Natural: $65.00 - Painted: $95.00 - 24"L x 14.5"W x 17"H
ITEM # BCH 111 - Short Curved - Natural: $65.00 - Painted: $95.00 - 24"L x 14.5"W x 17"H
ITEM # BCH 112 - Flower Bench - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 40"L x 14"W x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 113 - Old Style Straight - Natural: $155.00 - Painted: $195.00 - 40"L x 15"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 114 - Lighthouse Bench - Natural: $125.00 - Painted: $155.00 - 40"L x 15"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 115 - Wood Slab Bench - Natural: $155.00 - Painted: $195.00 - 40"L x 15"W x 17"H
ITEM # BCH 116 - Short Angel Bench - Natural: $65.00 - Painted: $95.00 - 24"L x 14.5"W x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 117 - Child Bench - Natural: $40.00 - Painted: $65.00 - 24"L x 7.5"W x 9"H
ITEM # BCH 118 - Log and Vine Bench - Natural: $155.00 - Painted: $195.00 - 45"L x 14"W x 17"H
ITEM # BCH 119 - Grandparents Bench - Natural: $155.00 - Painted: $195.00 -39"L x 15"W x 19"H
ITEM # BCH 120 - Four Seasons Bench - Natural: $155.00 - Painted: $195.00 - 39"L x 15"W x 19"H
ITEM # BCH 121 - Angel Wing Bench - Natural: $175.00 - Painted: $225.00 - 40"L x 18"W x 21"H
ITEM # BCH 123 - Tears Verse Memory Bench - Natural: $65.00 - Painted: $95.00 - 28"L x 14"W x 17"H
ITEM # BCH 125 - Grape Bench - Natural: $125.00 - Painted: $155.00 - 39"L x 14"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 126 - Birdhouse Bench - Natural: $325.00 - Painted: $395.00 - 42"L x 15"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 127 - Ivy Bench - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 27"L x 9"W x 7.5"H
ITEM # BCH 128 - Slate Bench - Natural: $225.00 - Painted: $275.00 - 42"L x 15"W x 18"H
ITEM # BCH 129 - Squirrel Bench - Natural: $225.00 - Painted: $275.00 - 43"L x 15"H x 16"H
ITEM # BCH 130 - Children are Like Flowers - Natural: $65.00 - Painted: $95.00 - 28"L x 14"W x 17"H
ITEM # BCH 131 - Straight Tears Bench - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 32"L x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 132 - Straight Basketweave Bench - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 32"L x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 133 - God Bless America Bench - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 32"L x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 134 - Memories Bench - Natural: $95.00 - Painted: $125.00 - 32"L x 17.5"H
ITEM # BCH 135 -Tile Mosaic Long Curved Bench - Natural: $225.00 - 34"L x 14"W x 17.5"H
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