• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work with Me
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • My Favorite Kitchen Tools
    • Menu Planner
  • Lifestyle
    • DIY Crafts
    • Bath & Beauty
    • Busy Moms Survival Guide
    • Family Finances
    • Home Decor
    • Parenting
    • Gardening & Outdoor Living
    • Kids
    • Printables
  • Travel
    • Family Travel
    • Travel Activities
    • Romantic Getaways
    • New England
  • Subscribe

Juggling Act Mama logo

Home » Lifestyle » Gardening & Outdoor Living » DIY Outdoor Storage – Cinder Block Shelves

August 28, 2019

DIY Outdoor Storage – Cinder Block Shelves

Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
862Shares

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

DIY Outdoor Storage can be expensive but these Cinder Block Shelves are simple and economical, too. Add color and functionality to your patio or backyard in no time! #ad #wagnerspraytech via @jugglingactmama

DIY Outdoor Storage can be expensive but these Cinder Block Shelves are simple and economical, too. Add color and functionality to your patio or backyard in no time!

A potted sunflower sits on a magenta and teal cinder block shelf

This post has been sponsored by Wagner SprayTech, however, all opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure policy for more information. #ad #Wagner

Table of contents

  1. Materials & Tools
    1. Paint Colors
      1. How to Make DIY Outdoor Storage Cinder Block Shelves
        1. Tips for using the Flexio 3000
          1. More DIY Projects
            1. DIY Outdoor Storage – Cinder Block Shelves

              I have been enjoying my Flexio 4000 so much! You may have seen the Outdoor Planter Bench and Outdoor Swing Restoration projects here in the last couple of months. I have one last fun outdoor living tutorial to share with you before the summer is over and this one might be my most favorite because of how simple and easy it is to build.

              I use the term build loosely because there are no nails or screws – it’s just the cinder blocks and wood! Seriously, that’s all there is to it.

              Since this is a smaller project, I am using the Wagner Flexio 3000 instead. It’s ideal for smaller projects like these DIY outdoor shelves.

              A little girl waters a potted sunflower next to a magenta and teal cinder block shelf
              This is my little helper, Olivia!

              This isn’t the first time we’ve built our own DIY outdoor storage solution! Our DIY Pallet Pool Storage (below) is actually one of our most popular posts ever! Find more outdoor storage solutions to keep tools and toys organized here and check out how we added gorgeous new patio lights here.

              a palled painted teal and made into a pool storage for towels, noodles and other items.
              This DIY Pool Pallet is perfect for storing all kinds of stuff next to the pool.

              Materials & Tools

              The cinder blocks and board cost less than $20 at our local Home Depot store. This is the most economical shelf you can build, in my opinion.

              • (4) 8x8x16 cinder blocks
              • (2) 8x8x8 “half” cinder blocks
              • 2x8x8 Douglas Fir or similar board
              • Wagner Flexio 3000
              • exterior latex paint
              • medium spray shelter
              • orbital sander
              • safety glasses
              • dust masks

              Find more products I use and love at the Juggling Act Mama Amazon Storefront!

              a close up of the Wagner flexio 3000

              DISCLOSURE: It is important to note that I am not a professional.  The ideas presented here are all my own, unless otherwise credited and I have shared tips based on my experience.  I always recommend consulting and/or hiring a professional if needed.  Be sure to check with local building codes to obtain all permits required for any DIY project. Please always use all proper safety precautions and be sure to read and follow all manufacturer instructions.  Finally, please note that I am not responsible for any outcome if you try this yourself; I am not liable for any injury or additional cost or expense incurred.

              Paint Colors

              For this project, I wanted vibrant fun colors to go with our already colorful back yard. I used Behr “Diva Glam” for the shelves and “Caicos Turquoise” for the cinder blocks. Both paints are semi-gloss.

              a DIY outdoor storage - cinder block shelf painted magenta and teal in a backyard next to a stained fence.

              How to Make DIY Outdoor Storage Cinder Block Shelves

              1. Sand the 2x8x8 so it is smooth.
              2. Cut the 2x8x8 in half so that you have (2) pieces 4’ in length.
              3. Sand the ends of the 4′ pieces as needed.
              4. Set up the spray shelter.
              5. Set up the Flexio 3000 according to the enclosed instructions. For exterior paint you will want to set it to MAX. Turn the nozzle so that it will spray horizontally.
              6. Place the boards across two sawhorses and spray in a horizontal pattern holding the sprayer 6-8 inches from the surface. Once the paint dries, turn the boards. Repeat until all the sides are painted. 
              7. Place two of the tall cinder blocks for the base, and then set one of the shelves on top, lining up the corners.
              8. Next, place the two other tall cinder blocks on top of that and add the second board.
              9. Finally, top with the two small cinder blocks to hold it in place.

              For the best results, I highly suggest thoroughly reading through the instructions on how to assemble and use the sprayer. Likewise, be sure to do a test spray and practice with the included spray poster.

              a close up of the wagner flexio 3000 painting a cinder block teal
              The Flexio 3000 made this project considerably quicker than if I had hand painted it.

              Tips for using the Flexio 3000

              The Fleixo 3000 is different from the 4000 that I’ve used previously, but it was just as simple to use.

              • First, choose a good quality exterior paint. I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra.
              • Set the material flow, which controls the amount that will be sprayed. Exterior latex paint is quite thick so you want it on the highest setting.
              • Change the nozzle to match the direction you’re going to paint, either horizontal or vertical.
              • Add paint to the cup and tighten the nozzle assembly.
              • Set up the medium spray shelter and move the blocks into it.
              • Hold the sprayer about 6-8 inches from the surface and move the sprayer in smooth even passes across your surface.
              • Allow the paint to dry completely before adding another coat or touching up any spots.
              A close of up the dis-assembled Wagner flexio 3000 with teal paint.

              The best part of using the Flexio 3000 is that clean up is a cinch! It literally takes only 5 minutes to rinse it all out so switching from one paint color to the next was a snap. Plus, I love that it comes in its own case for storage.

              More DIY Projects

              DIY Cedar Planter Box

              This simple DIY Cedar Box Tutorial will teach you how to make a beautiful tall planter box that adds instant curb appeal to your home!

              Outdoor Chalkboard

              Your kids can play for hours outside with this easy Outdoor Chalkboard – and it’s so simple to make!

              DIY Succulent Wreath

              Create a gorgeous succulent wreath using faux succulents that really make a statement! This also makes an amazing gift.

              A teal and magenta DIY outdoor storage cinder block shelf next to a fence.
              I just love the way this project came out, but now it’s time to stain the deck and fence!!

              DIY Outdoor Storage – Cinder Block Shelves

              These shelves are so easy to make and inexpensive, too! Download and print the project from the card below.

              Yield: 1 Outdoor Cinder Block Shelf

              DIY Outdoor Storage

              DIY Outdoor Storage

              Add some storage to your backyard or patio with this easy Cinder Block Shelf. This simple DIY outdoor storage is perfect near the pool or the grill and especially great for when you're entertaining.

              Materials

              • (4) 8x8x16 cinder blocks
              • (2) 8x8x8 “half” cinder blocks
              • 2x8x8 Douglas Fir or similar board
              • exterior latex paint

              Tools

              • Wagner Flexio 3000
              • medium spray shelter
              • orbital sander
              • safety glasses
              • dust masks

              Instructions

              1. Sand the 2x8x8 so it is smooth.
              2. Cut the 2x8x8 in half so that you have (2) pieces 4’ in length.
              3. Sand the ends of the 4' pieces as needed.
              4. Set up the spray shelter.
              5. Set up the Flexio 3000 according to the enclosed instructions. For exterior paint you will want to set it to MAX. Turn the nozzle so that it will spray horizontally.
              6. Place the boards across two sawhorses and spray in a horizontal pattern holding the sprayer 6-8 inches from the surface.
              7. Once the paint dries, turn the boards. Repeat until all the sides are painted. 
              8. Place two of the tall cinder blocks for the base, and then set one of the shelves on top, lining up the corners.
              9. Next, place the two other tall cinder blocks on top of that and add the second board.
              10. Finally, top with the two small cinder blocks to hold it in place.

              Notes

              For the best results, I highly suggest thoroughly reading through the instructions on how to assemble and use the sprayer. Likewise, be sure to do a test spray and practice with the included spray poster.

              Paint Colors

              used Behr “Diva
              Glam” for the shelves and “Caicos Turquoise” for the cinder blocks. Bothdd some paints are semi-gloss.

              Tips for using the Flexio 3000

              The Fleixo 3000 is different from the 4000 that I’ve used previously, but it was just as simple to use.

              • First, choose a good quality exterior paint. I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra.
              • Set the material flow, which controls the amount that will be sprayed. Exterior latex paint is quite thick so you want it on the highest
                setting.
              • Change the nozzle to match the direction you’re going to paint, either horizontal or vertical.
              • Add paint to the cup and tighten the nozzle assembly.
              • Set up the medium spray shelter and move the blocks into it.
              • Hold the sprayer about 6-8 inches from the surface and move the sprayer in smooth even passes across your surface.
              • Allow the paint to dry completely before adding another coat or touching up any spots.

              © Ang Paris
              Project Type: Outdoor Living
              Pin
              Share
              Tweet
              Share
              862Shares

              Filed Under: DIY, Gardening & Outdoor Living

              Reader Interactions

              Comments

              1. Linda says

                September 24, 2019 at 8:22 am

                What a cute project idea!

                Reply

              Leave a Reply Cancel reply

              Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

              Recipe Rating




              Primary Sidebar

              Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which are why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle. Read More…

              Popular Posts

              Grilled Petite Sirloin Steak on a cutting board. Int he background, a blue towel and a small green ramekin with Cowboy Steak Rub with a wooden spoon.
              Authentic Italian Meatballs topping a bowl of spaghetti with sauce.
              Slices of oven roasted pork tenderloin on a cutting board with a sprig of fresh thyme. In the background are slices of compound butter and ramekins with salt and pepper

              Footer

              More Blog Posts

              Upcycle your old wine bottles (or San Pelligrino bottles, in my case) into fun and festive bottle vases! Learn how to make these burlap rosettes to add some color, too!
              Copyright Notice · Disclosure · Privacy Policy · Republication Policy · Terms and Conditions · Trademarks · Work with Me

              JUGGLING ACT MAMA IS A LIFESTYLE BLOG FOR BUSY MOMS THAT WANT TO DO IT ALL. ENJOY AMAZING RECIPES, FANTASTIC PROJECTS
              AND INCREDIBLE TRAVEL IDEAS FOR LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE.


              Copyright © 2021 Juggling Act Mama · Log in