Park Avenue Bench and Planter

TWO: FORM CUBE PLANTER

The completed planter forms can be reused for many castings. Simply take care of the molds between castings by cleaning and waxing them.

What You’ll Need

Step 1 – Cube End

  • The Cube End of the bench is formed in the same way as the long planter.
  • 3/4″ melamine walls are used as the casting surface, and they are reinforced with 3/4″ plywood to keep the form from distorting after it’s filled with concrete.
  • Blue insulating foam is used to create the void in the concrete.

Step 2 – Install the Knockout

  • After the form has been assembled and sealed with silicone, the knockout can be installed.
  • Secure the knockout to the form with spray adhesive.
  • A short length of PVC pipe can be used to hold the knockout down in the form.
  • Build a small frame and drill through the PVC to secure everything in place.
  • The PVC pipe keeps the knockout from floating up, but it also creates a drain hole in the bottom of the piece.
Previous: Forming Long PlanterPark Ave Concrete Bench and Planter - Forming Long Planter | Concrete Exchange

The narrow planter box mold is constructed from 3/4″ melamine with 3/4″ MDO as structure to prevent “bowing” of the walls.

Next: Forming Bench TopPark Ave Concrete Bench and Planter - Forming Bench Top| Concrete Exchange

The bench top is just 2″ thick and spans more than 30″ between the two planters. Heavy reinforcing with rebar and mesh is what keeps the bench intact.