There are many options when it comes to choosing the right bench, with many aspects to consider.
Wood has been the main choice for garden benches for several years throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. But today, there are more choices of materials than ever before, each with its own merits and style.
• Wood: As a material, wood has many selling points, nothing more than the natural look and feel of wood in general. If cared for properly, a good wooden bench can last for years. Most of the wood used to make benches is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around your garden.
• Plastic: If you’re looking for something that doesn’t require maintenance, and you want your budget to be as tight as possible, it’s worth considering plastic stools. It is waterproof and lightweight. Plastic is a very versatile material that makes for some visually appealing designed seats.
• Stone: Although they tend to be more expensive, much can be said about stone as a material for benches. Requiring little maintenance, stone benches certainly attract attention and can become a focal point of garden design. These tend to be heavy, so they are not easy to put back in your garden.
• Aluminum/Metal: Offering a more contemporary look, a metal or aluminum bench in the right location can look fantastic. Most include a powder coating or similar to prevent rust, making them easier to maintain than wood.
Which Wood is Best for a Garden Bench?
The decision on which wood to use boils down to two types of wood, hardwood and softwood.
Thanks to its natural weatherability and resistance to decay, hardwood makes a fantastic material for benches. Being a solid and highly durable material, hardwood requires minimal repair over time.
Softwoods on the other hand require more regular maintenance than hardwoods to keep them looking their best. Natural softwood has an extraordinary natural beauty, so it is no wonder that it is popular for garden furniture.
Choosing the Right Style and Size
Before rushing out and buying a new bench, make sure you have an idea of where you want to place the bench in your garden. Some styles, such as aluminum, look great when placed on a patio, while a wooden bench will look like a house surrounded by plants and trees.
Make sure you shop with space in your garden in mind. Use a tape measure to find out how big your garden bench is to fill the space. You should avoid buying a stool that is too large which will look out of place. Other considerations include the amount of sunlight that a nearby section of the garden or shade receives.
Sit comfortably
If you use a new bench frequently, we recommend looking at outdoor cushions for added comfort, as well as adding to the look of your bench.
Look for weather-resistant cushions or seat cushions to make sure they’re strong enough for the outdoor conditions.
