Hotel Zachary bench with under mount lights facing Wrigley Field
Situated directly across from historic Wrigley Field is the lavish Hotel Zachary. This luxurious destination of Wrigley Field needed an additional eye popping furnishing to capture the exterior elegance of the building. A Doty and Sons custom bench was the perfect solution.
Concept to Reality – Design Process
Working closely with the project’s architect, our sales and design team was able to make their concept a reality.
This particular bench features a mounted electrical bracket underneath the bench. The electrical connections are all below grade and had to be connected as the bench was installed. These details created challenges when creating the design of the bench. Our team was able to consult with the architect to make a quality product that was safe to install, without sacrificing the design or beauty of the bench.
Hotel Zachary Bench facing Galagher Way
Marquee view of Hotel Zachary bench
Side view of Hotel Zachary Bench
Custom Form – Design and Build
Our experience in the precast concrete business dates back to 1948. All of our form work is done on location in Sycamore, IL. We do not sub contract or outsource to third parties. This allows for complete control of the design process and results in a flawless design that meets customer specifications to the utmost degree.
After form work is complete, we cast the bench to strict specifications. Calling for a custom mix design, our sales and design team was able to design a mix containing silica sand with minimal aggregate exposure.
The ability to meet customer specifications through all phases of the design process is something that we pride ourselves on. Working together with the architect, installer/contractor and electrictian, our team was able to deliver a high quality custom bench, on time and to strict specifications. Let us do the same for your next project.
Click the links below to learn more about the other custom jobs that we have completed:
Prior to their official opening in the spring of 2022, the team at Noble Funk Brewery needed to ensure their outdoor space was ready to match the decadent indoor facility they were opening for their customers. Completed in the fall of 2021, Noble Funk Brewery added a wide variety of our site furnishings to the exterior of their brewery to ensure they met this goal.
Aerial view of Doty Site Furnishing at Noble Funk Brewery in Louisville, KY
Products and Highlights
This project highlights the diverse line of products we offer customers and projects. Included on this project are planters, benches, litter receptacles, table sets and a ping pong table.
The design of the project mix and matches our rectangular planter sizes in different groupings and uses them in different areas as either partitions or guides.
Mixing and matching the two different style benches, the layout has the rectangular benches grouped near the planters while the round benches are located near the lawn area.
Of course you cannot forget the beautiful ping pong table. This will get tons of play with a cold beverage in hand. Couple that with a putting green and you have a great interactive lawn area.
It’s a well designed, functional space that allows its patrons to enjoy their time outside.
Front view of Doty Site Furnishings at Noble Funk Brewery in Louisville, KY
Conclusion
Using a variety of Doty products allowed Noble Funk Brewery to have a sole supplier for it’s outdoor furnishings. Combining a unique blend of our products allows for a fun, beautiful and functional space. Immediate feedback after installation was positive as the outdoor elements provide a welcoming continuity with the beautiful indoor space.
“We could not be more pleased with the products we ordered from you. The planters now have plants and everything looks spectacular.”
Noble Funk Brewery Managing Partner upon installation completion in Fall of 2021
Custom made benches for the St Charles Public Library
Library entrance showing custom benches.
In 2021 Doty & Sons manufactured custom benches for St. Charles Public Library.
The library was completely renovated including the entrance and walkway areas. Doty and Sons was contracted to supply custom designed benches to enhance the beauty and provide functionality along these areas.
The benches feature a chamfered top edge and custom skateboard deterrent grooves cast in the top of each bench. Several benches included a 4 ft. IPE lumber seat with back attached to one end. The benches measure 96” x 24” x 17” with a small toe kick at the bottom.
Custom bench with IPE lumber seat. Stainless steel frame and armrests.Custom concrete bench shown at the front entrance area of St Charles Public Library.
Doty & Sons manufactures a complete line of concrete benches. In many cases, one of our standard benches will work well in your setting. If our standard benches do not fit your needs, we have the expertise and equipment to provide custom options. Call or e-mail for your custom design quote today.
Custom made concrete bench. Chamfered top edge. Custom skateboard deterrent grooves cast in the seat.
Creating safe learning environments is a challenge every school has been facing since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. What better way then to take the classroom outdoors? Doty and Sons has just the solution with our Concrete Desks for Outdoor Classrooms.
Outdoor Desks/Lectern Features
A combination of steel and custom concrete design make up these beautiful desks. Meticulously crafted to withstand harsh elements, these desks will last many years with little maintenance.
Our Four Piece Design Features The Below:
Stool: Two stool designs available. Venez or Square Style Seat. Minimum 5000+ PSI all concrete design. Two coats of sealer applied.
Desk/Lectern Top: All concrete design. Minimum 5000 PSI. Two coats of sealer applied.
Steel Post: Hand welded at Sycamore, IL facility. Post is plated and powder coated to protect against the elements.
Concrete Base: All concrete design with 5000 minimum PSI. Two coats of sealer applied.
Designing and creating forms is done in house at our facility in Sycamore. The only processes outsourced are the plating and powder coating for the steel posts.
Desk with Square Style Seat. Shown in SB4 finish
Desk with Venez Style Seat. Shown in SB4 finish
Lectern with optional plaque. Shown in SB4 finish.
Installation and Setting
Installing heavy products in large quantities can be a challenge for contractors. Making installation as safe and efficient as possible is our goal.
The four piece design allows for a very easy assembly. It comes down to four simples steps:
Set base in desired location.
Secure post to the base.
Secure Desktop/Lectern to the post.
Pin and Epoxy seat to the base
It’s that simple.
Concrete Desks for Outdoor Classrooms – Recent Completions
GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS
PRODUCTION
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on an uptick of requests for outdoor learning. In the summer of 2021 we took on the task of supplying Guilford County, NC with 15 outdoor classrooms. Consisting of a total of 390 desks and 15 lecterns, this project was our largest of the year.
Ramping up production, we were able to produce 50 desks per week. This took up almost half of our shop for a little over two months.
LOGISTICS
Working with Jaime and his team, we were able to plan eight truck load shipments over the course of two and a half months. This allowed time for his contractor to set and install these at various locations throughout the school district according to their timeline. Feedback from their team was all positive. They love the quality of the desks and service that was provided by our team.
Five classrooms installed for Guilford County NC.
Conclusion
Outdoor desks provide students the opportunity to enjoy learning outdoors in a safe environment. Our concrete desks provide a durable, long lasting option that fosters that experience.
Did you know Doty and Sons also offers Outdoor Concrete Games? What better way to add to your outdoor playground then with a cornhole set, ping pong table or permanent Connect 4 set? Use the link below to explore our complete line of products and request a quote today!
Doty & Sons recently manufactured and installed a total of 22 benches functioning as outdoor classrooms to Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville IL. Transforming a previously empty, unused space, into a beautiful outdoor learning experience was the challenge. We were able to deliver!
Campus benches (Product # B56962418) installed on previously unused patio space. Shown in graphite finish.
The Challenge
Creating a safe environment for students to learn in has become one of the many challenges brought on by the COVID 19 pandemic. A great way to do this is to create an area where students can enjoy their learning experience outdoors and at a safe distance.
At Doty & Sons we offer a variety of products for this type of project. Starting with the meticulous design of our products, through the casting and finishing process, our products provide beauty and functionality.
Four Outdoor Classroom Scalene Benches (Product #B483420) shown in graphite finish.
Vision and Design
The staff at Neuqua Valley High School consulted with Doty & Sons to produce and install benches for their campus in Naperville IL. The vision was to transform an unused patio and lawn space, into a safe learning environment. Our sales team was able to provide a wide range of options for them.
Since our inception in 1948, we have been able to adapt to the ever changing design styles throughout the years. Because of this we were able to provide them with some unique options that highlight the art of concrete design, with the functionality they desired.
Products Used
One of our most unique benches is our Scalene Triangle Bench. Originally designed as an architectural feature, this now can function as a bench for an outdoor classroom. The Neuqua Valley staff chose to install eight of these throughout their lawn area. This unique layout and design, provides an artistic, eloquent feel to their newly designed space. Their students are now able to enjoy the art of concrete design while also learning safely outdoors.
Closeup view of one of the eight Scalene Triangle Benches installed.
Filling and organizing a large space was the challenge associated with the patio design and installation. Our large campus benches were just the item to complete this task. At 96 inches long and 18 inches high, these 1800 pound benches are big and beautiful! Shown surrounding our round campus bench, this set is durable and low maintenance.
Four Campus Benches (B56962418) surrounding one Round Campus Bench (Product # B5726)
In order to diversify the design, our team recommended the installation of three Socratic Benches setup on one end of the patio. Surrounding the round campus bench again, these curved benches highlight the diverse product line we create and offer at Doty & Sons.
Three Socratic Benches (Product # B5921) shown surrounding our Round Campus Bench (Product # B5726) on the left
The Result
Starting as the sun began to rise at 06:00 AM, our installation team was able to begin the transformation. Shown below prior to installation, the existing space was a bit bare and needed some updating.
Outdoor patio and lawn are shown prior to installation
By 12:00 PM our team had completed installation of 22 benches throughout the patio and lawn areas. Set to exact specifications from the Neuqua Valley team, these areas now house 5 outdoor learning spaces.
Patio area shown completely installed
Eight Scalene Benches shown on lawn area post installation
The diverse products we offered and installed, accentuate the unique options, durability and beauty that concrete can offer. Consultation upon completion with the Neuqua Valley team was a huge success. They loved the unique design and space transformation. We all agreed that these would be a fixture on their campus for many years to come.
You can explore all of our bench designs and outdoor classroom options on our main website and specific product details using the links below. We can’t wait for our next challenge!
DISC-CONNECT – Permanent Outdoor Concrete Connect 4 Discs Game
Disc-Connect game shown on precast concrete base.
PERMANENT OVERSIZED CONNECT 4GAME
Doty & Sons is excited to announce the newest addition to our Outdoor Concrete Games line of products, Disc-Connect!
Disc Connect is a permanent, outdoor concrete version of Connect 4. Constructed of concrete supports and an all stainless-steel playing grid. This new product is made to stay, made to play and, most importantly, made to have fun!
Disc Connect, Connect 4 game is fun for all ages.
DISC CONNECT PRODUCT FEATURES
This new product includes two concrete support structures, one concrete disc catcher, one preassembled stainless-steel playing grid and 42 playing discs. Disc decaling is also available with your company or organization’s logo.
The preassemble playing grid is laser cut and bead blasted for precision and weather resistance. Featured at the bottom of the grid, is a sliding release bar that easily slides to release discs when game is complete. The discs are released into a concrete “collection block” that captures most of the discs.
The easy slide “release bar” makes is easy to start a new game.Slide the release bar left or right to release the disc and start a new game.
The playing grid is secured together with tamper resistant security bolts. Tamper resistant screws are also included in the assembly hardware for installing the panel to the concrete supports (Tamper resistant tool included for assembly).
Stainless angles secure the game to concrete end supports. Security screws prevent unwanted disassembly.
Also available for purchase is a reinforced concrete base with cast in inserts for securing to the base.
GREAT FOR PARKS, RECREATION AREA AND PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACES
Cities, park districts, apartment complexes, and universities across the country know that well-utilized recreation space boosts social ties and reduces crime. Until now, the challenge was to find affordable, low-maintenance outdoor games that appeal to a wide range of ages and require minimal upkeep.
Doty & Sons is offering a solution by introducing the Disc Connect game to its line of permanent, outdoor recreation products. Disc Connect is played by inserting discs into a playing grid. Each player alternates turns inserting discs, with the goal of connecting four discs in a row (Vertically, horizontally or diagonally). The first player to connect four discs in a row wins the game.
What makes our Disc-Connect game unique is the concrete stand and all stainless-steel playing grid. Because concrete has a long service life, it conserves resources by reducing the need for reconstruction or maintenance due weathering, erosion, and natural disasters. The all stainless-steel playing grid is laser cut and bead blasted making it weather resistant and easy to maintain.
STYLE OPTIONS
Shown above in our graphite finish, the concrete support structures for Disc-Connect – Outdoor Connect 4 game are available in a wide range of finishes.
Pictured below is a close up look at the different finishes available.
ABOUT DOTY & SONS
Doty & Sons Concrete Products has been manufacturing quality concrete products since 1948. We manufacture a variety of styles of precast concrete waste receptacles, planters, benches, outdoor games and other products.
We provide high quality standard and customized products for both large and small projects. We also work with architects and designers to make custom items to fit the individual needs of their projects. Our centralized location assures reasonable shipping costs to all U.S. locations.
We welcome the opportunity to work with you and provide the product(s) you need.
See our complete line of outdoor concrete games using the links below.
Doty & Sons Concrete products offers a large selection of concrete benches. Contemporary style concrete benches have been popular of late. Several years ago, Doty & Sons benches were specified on a plaza remodel project in Evanston, IL. The building owner wanted to update the plaza area of their building. The benches selected were square and rectangular style benches that are simple, but elegant in design.
Rectangular and Square concrete benches shown in plaza.Wide angle photograph of plaza.
We have referred to this style as “Campus” style since developing the line in the 1990’s. It’s a simple, but modern design will fit in many landscape plans today. Doty & Sons offers round, square and rectangular shapes in our Campus style designs. Campus style benches are offered in different widths and heights. See the web site links below for sizes.
Rectangular and square concrete benches.
On this project the architect selected both square and rectangle. As you can see from the photographs, both fit nicely in the plaza area. The architect grouped square benches together and placed rectangular benches at perimeter locations to accent the layout.
Square concrete benches in plaza.Square bench shown closeup.
The seat surface is polished smooth.
Custom colors and finishes. The architect selected several special colors for the benches on this project. The square benches B5636 benches were cast in C2 (off white) color and Kahlua (red brown) color. The rectangular benches were cast in C2 off white color. The benches were lightly sandblasted on the sides. The tops are polished to a smooth comfortable finish.
Rectangular concrete bench. Shown in C2 light sandblast sides with polished seat.
Doty & Sons offers a large selection of integral colored concrete options. See the link below for color options.
As part of the project the architect contacted Doty & Sons about a custom bike rack for the project. The architect wanted a concrete bike rack that blended with the benches. He could not find anything on the internet that fit this design. Doty & Sons manufactured a custom bike rack to blend in with the other furnishings on the project. The custom bike block is 72” X 24” X 24” and has slots for six bikes. On this project the blocks were placed end to end to accommodate 12 bikes.
Custom concrete bike rack.Concrete bike rack.
Doty & Sons would be happy to provide information for your project. Whether it’s something from our current selection of benches or custom we would like to help. Call 800-233-3907 one of our sales associates will be glad to assist.
Doty & Sons manufactures four styles of outdoor concrete table tennis/ping pong tables. One popular style is Item number T1086035 concrete and steel table tennis/ping pong table. Customers demand quality, durability and low maintenance. This table meets that demand.
This table features our standard tabletop with a heavy duty steel I-beam frame. The standard color for the steel frame is powder coated black. Last year we received a call from a municipality requesting a special color frame. They were looking to accent the frame in a blue color. They also requested having the stainless steel net powder coated white. Doty & Sons ships outdoor concrete and steel table tennis/ping pong tables to all points in the United States. Our Midwest location allows us to ship products at very reasonable rates. This customer was local, so we were able to delivery and install the table on site. Included are photographs we took during the assembly process and of the finished table.
I-Beam Frame shown assembled Assembling the tabletop number 1 to frame. Assembling the stainless steel net to the tabletop. Assembling the second tabletop.
As evident from the photograph the steel I-beam frame is heavy duty and is made to last a lifetime. See link below showing a video we made driving a Jeep over a table. The frame is double powder coated by a local company. They start by sandblasting the frame. The frame is powder coated with a special zinc primer. The frame is then finish coated black, or in this case in a special blue color.
The stainless steel net that is standard on all styles is 1/4” Thick and 10” high. As shown in this photograph the net is attached to tabletop with stainless steel bolts.
The second tabletop is installed “sandwiching” the net between the tops. We feel that this is the strongest method to secure the net. This is the strongest net made by any manufacturer of outdoor table tennis/ping pong tables. Stainless steel gussets are added for additional strength and durability.
Stainless steel net with Aluminum net sign adds color and allows for detailed logos. Stainless steel support Gussets add support to the ping pong table net.
The concrete tops of all Doty & Sons outdoor concrete ping pong tables are reinforced with both steel and fiber reinforcing. The tabletops polished and then sealed to a beautiful satin finish. We use commercial grade concrete sealers. The first coat is a non-gloss sealer. The second coat is commercial grade anti-graffiti sealer. See video link below.
Table tennis/ping pong table T1086035 shown assembled.Playing table tennis or ping pong is fun! Play outdoors!Table tennis whether it’s in a public space or at corporate setting helps people unwind and enjoy themselves.
Doty & Sons has tested the tabletop for bounce. Our tests indicate that the table meets the ITTF standards for bounce.
Call or email if you would like more information about this product or any of the other outdoor game product manufactured by Doty & Sons. Visit our outdoor games website: www.outdoorconcretegames.com
Other outdoor games: Concrete cornhole boards, Ladder Toss (ladder golf), concrete foosball tables, concrete chess, checkers, backgammon and dominoes tables.
Doty & Sons manufactures a standard line of concrete products, but also manufactures custom products for clients. Our custom division manufactures custom products that ship nationwide. Past projects have included custom benches, bike racks, security bollards and planters. This year Doty & Son’s quoted a project for a school in Chicago. This project included an outdoor classroom teaching circle. This bench would allow outdoor learning and teachers the opportunity to enhance the learning experience outside the classroom.
Outdoor classroom teaching circle.
The bench is 21 foot outside diameter and 12.33 foot inside diameter. The bench is designed with an additional bench on top. The top bench is 18 foot outside diameter and 15.5 foot inside diameter.
Teaching circle at school in Chicago
Doty & Sons submitted drawings and samples for owner and
architect review and approval.
The bench was cast in 13 bottom sections and 13 top bench sections. Challenges included manufacturing the bottom sections with slope in two directions. This included a flat center area (not sloped) for the top bench section to rest. The bench was designed for ADA access. This created additional challenges since the design would have extremely sharp angles on the end sections.
Close up view of bench. Bench is 21 foot outside diameter and 12.33 foot inside diameter.
Polystyrene foam was used to help reduce weight in bottom sections. The seat surface was polished and sides lightly sandblasted. The seams were caulked on site after installation.
Concrete Foosball Table with stainless steel rods. Colored playing field.
Foosball table shown in Kahlua color.
Doty & Sons Concrete Products, Inc. has been manufacturing quality precast concrete products since 1948. One of many product lines are outdoor games for permanent outdoor use. This product line includes: Ping pong/table tennis, Cornhole (B.Y.O.Bags), Ladder Toss and Game tables. This year, we are introducing a concrete Foosball Table to our line of outdoor products. We have studied similar products on the market today and have added features what we feel are important for a better product. Owners, Sam and Tom Doty were also avid foosball players (before children) and know how the game is played. You will like this table!
Features include:
Reinforced concrete table and legs with light sandblast finish. Available in standard gray color. Special colors also available.
UHPC ultra high performance concrete field. Pigmented color green or charcoal
Stainless steel rods, 316 stainless
Table and field sealed with graffiti resistant sealer.
Stenciled playing field lines (goal box, penalty box and center line)
Heavy duty I-Beam support construction. I-beam is powder coated twice for added protection.
Center hole ball drop
Optional stainless steel scorekeepers
Easy access ball drop areas at ends
Stainless steel table levelers
Foosball men secured with stainless steel security screws
Stainless steel anchor kits for permanently securing table
Sloped corner goal area for 1 man goal table. Optional flat field goalie area for 3 man goal table.
