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How to build a Besser block bench seat?

bow2021

Screenshot 2025-07-30 at 8.15.51 am.png

Hi There,

About to start building a bench seat like the one above in our courtyard. We currently have a slab laid and my question is, do we need to put down a dpc between the slab and the first course of blocks. The slab drains well with a nice slope to it and also have a channel drain that will sit in front of the bench.

Cheers.

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Comments

Jason

Hi @bow2021,

Sounds like a fantastic project. We'll be keen to see it progress.

Let me tag some members who have built similar structures to help kick off the discussion: @taylorcole, @Codey, @ProjectPete

Jason

EricL

Hi @bow2021

If you have very good drainage and the area dries quickly, I don't think it will be necessary to install DPC between the slab and the first course of blocks.

Let me call on @Codey, @AlanM52 and @tom_builds for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

AlanM52

Hello @bow2021,

Please post some site photos.

Cheers

bow2021

started putting besser block caps on the block seating I’m building but someone has said to me that they will probably come loose down the line even after render it all as the weight of people will loosen them. Is that the case? Should I remove the ones I’ve added and just fill all the blocks and render over that? I’ve only filled every other block so far and the back row with the back rest I will fill completely. is it fine to just continue using the caps? Kind of liked the little bit more height they added as well.
Thank you.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55509#Comment_55509

Hi @bow2021,

As long as there is a good bed of mortar beneath the capping blocks, then they shouldn't move. If they were overhanging the sides or on an uneven base, I would be more concerned about them shifting under weight, but they look solid to me.

Ultimately, getting rid of them would remove the possibility altogether, but it would reduce the height of the seat below what you originally planned for.

Personally, I don't think it is an issue. Unless you were particularly concerned, and you could deal with the reduction in height, I don't think there is anything to worry about.

Allow me to tag our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @AlanM52 for their thoughts.

Jacob

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55509#Comment_55509

Hi @bow2021,

It's not a bus stop... I would continue with the caps

Cheers

Nailbag

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55509#Comment_55509

Hi @bow2021

I agree with @JacobZ with no need to be concerned about the capping becoming loose. As he mentioned, even if they are hanging over 20mm or so for aesthetics, as long as the mortar mix is correct, there will be able strength in your current build process

Nailbag

bow2021

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/90014#Comment_90014

Much appreciated everyone for your response, good to hear I’m on the right track.

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/110848#Comment_110848

Afternoon @bow2021

Im also jumping on the waggon with leaving the caps in place 🙂 Mostly because i think it will look better and if some come loose "down the track" then its just a repair job really. I have got caps on my bessa blcok walls from before I moved in and they are still going strng even tho its the most shoddely built retaining wall I know of lol

Dave

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