Securing a park bench on a brick paver surface is crucial for safety, stability, and preventing theft. The best method depends on your specific needs, whether it's a permanent installation or something requiring occasional mobility. Here are the most effective techniques.
For a truly permanent and robust solution, embedding the bench legs into concrete footings is the gold standard. This involves removing a section of pavers, digging holes below the frost line, setting the bench legs in, and pouring concrete. Once cured, the pavers are replaced around the new concrete piers. This method provides unparalleled stability, preventing the bench from tipping and resisting theft. It is the recommended approach for high-traffic public areas.
A popular and slightly less invasive alternative is using surface-mounted anchors. These heavy-duty metal anchors are bolted directly to a solid concrete sub-base beneath the pavers. You temporarily remove the pavers at the anchor points, secure the anchors to the concrete with concrete screws or wedge anchors, place the bench legs into the anchors, and then lock them in place with a bolt. Finally, you replace the pavers around the base. This offers excellent security without the need for deep digging.
If you need a semi-secure option that allows for some flexibility, consider using weighted bases. These are heavy, often concrete or steel, plates that the bench legs bolt onto. The entire unit then sits on the paver surface under its own significant weight. While not as theft-proof as anchored solutions, it prevents casual tipping and allows you to reposition the bench with some effort. This is ideal for private patios or areas where drilling into the base is not permitted.
For those who cannot modify the surface at all, non-invasive anchors are the answer. Systems like ground sleeves can be installed within the sand or gravel base beneath the pavers. A sleeve is set in the base, the pavers are placed around it, and a pin from the bench leg drops into the sleeve. This prevents lifting but doesn't require bolting to a concrete base.
No matter which method you choose, always check local regulations and use high-quality, corrosion-resistant hardware like galvanized or stainless steel to ensure your bench remains secure and stable for years to come.