Choosing a Garden Bench

Garden benches can add a welcome spot to relax, admire the flowers, water feature or even view a scenic hill or vista. At the same time, the bench or seat can be a focal point and provide an opportunity for visitors to gather and chat. Contemporary designers and product-makers are pushing the boundaries of the functional – or even utilitarian – bench, curving or manipulating the basic concept into a more sculptural installation.

The style of your garden can be a guide to the type of bench you choose. A reclaimed-wood bench can blend in with the rustic look of a natural setting, or an ornate metal garden bench might suit a more formal or urban space. Wood is the most common bench material, allowing you to find a style that fits your personal taste and the overall garden design.

Metal garden benches can be durable and weather-resistant, making them a good choice for areas that experience frequent rain or snowfall. These seats typically require very little maintenance, beyond the occasional cleaning with a mild detergent to remove dirt and grime. Another benefit of this type of seat is that it usually requires no assembly and can be placed directly into the ground. Some bench designs include feet that you can fasten to prevent tipping in high winds.

If you’d prefer a wooden garden bench, consider choosing one made from reclaimed or salvaged materials to ensure that the piece is truly eco-friendly. The wood may also have an interesting character, such as knots or cracks that give it a more rustic appearance. If you want to make a bench out of new wood, choose lumber with consistent grain that has been treated with an oil-based stain or sealant. This will help the bench resist moisture and rot, and keep it looking like new for years to come.

In addition to wood, a variety of other materials can be used to create a unique bench. Some seats are made from concrete, for example, which offers a sturdy and long-lasting option that is often sculpted into a specific form. Others are constructed from polypropylene resin, which is a plastic material that is lightweight and durable. This type of bench may not offer the same level of comfort as a traditional wooden garden bench, but it is an attractive and practical choice for most gardeners.

A garden bench can provide a great spot to take in the scenery, or to reflect on your hard work in the garden. To make sure the area around the bench stays comfortable, consider laying a stone or gravel standing surface underneath it. This will stop the bench wearing down the lawn and also makes it much easier for you to mow the grass, without having to move the bench first.

If you’re an adventurous DIYer, try building your own wooden garden bench. The design is simple enough to be completed in just a few hours, using two 2-by-4 boards and six 1-by-3-by-6 boards. The first step is to cut the required lengths for the seat and back slats. Make sure you use a miter saw for precise, clean cuts. Then sand the bench parts to smooth out any notches that could catch on clothing or skin, and to reduce the risk of splinters.