Yes, you can definitely anchor a park bench to concrete pavers! It's a common and effective way to prevent theft and ensure stability. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide on how to do it right.
First, assess your bench and pavers. Check the bench's leg design for pre-drilled mounting holes. Examine the pavers to ensure they are thick, solid, and properly set on a stable, compacted base—loose pavers won't hold an anchor securely.
The most reliable method is using concrete anchor sleeves or wedge anchors. You'll need a hammer drill with a masonry bit sized for your specific anchors. Carefully mark the drilling points on the paver through the bench's mounting holes. Drill straight down through the paver. It's crucial to blow or vacuum out all dust from the hole for maximum holding power.
Insert the anchor sleeve into the hole, place the bench leg over it, and then drive the provided bolt or wedge through the bench's bracket into the anchor. Tighten it firmly with a wrench. The anchor expands inside the paver, creating a very strong, permanent hold.
For a less permanent but quicker solution, you can use heavy-duty masonry screws or concrete screws. These require a pre-drilled hole and can be driven directly in, but their holding power is generally less than that of expansion anchors.
A critical pro tip: Always consider what's beneath the paver. If there's a sand base, avoid drilling too deep to prevent destabilizing the paver's foundation. For the strongest possible installation, you might even consider removing a paver, pouring a small concrete footer where the bench legs will sit, and then anchoring into that fresh concrete.
Properly anchored, your park bench will be safe from tipping or theft, providing secure seating for years to come. Always wear safety glasses and follow the specific instructions for your chosen anchoring hardware.