A quality outdoor bench can be the crowning jewel to any garden. With so many choices of materials and finishes, how will you know which one is best suited to your style and budgetary needs?
A quality outdoor bench can be the crowning jewel to any garden. With so many choices of materials and finishes, how will you know which one is best suited to your style and budgetary needs?
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A bench can complete your outdoor living space by adding just the right touch of comfort and beauty. It can make an undiscovered corner of your garden inviting and new. It will allow you to explore those corners of nature that you hadn't noticed before.
If you are sprucing up your outdoor living space and need to purchase a new outdoor bench, here are some great tips to consider while you're shopping around.
When you're shopping for benches, it's essential to consider the bench's material. Each medium has its pros and cons. To choose the best fit for your garden, determine the climate and the usage of your bench.
Wood
This material is always an excellent choice for outdoor spaces. You can't go wrong with wooden outdoor benches, which is why wood is often used for park benches and other public outdoor seating areas.
Look for wood that is center-cut hardwood. Check the grain, as well, as it should be consistent. The material of the screws holding the bench together is also essential; stainless steel or zinc-plated screws work very well in outdoor climes, and if your seat gets loose with age, you can tighten the screws to make it sturdy again.
Some of the best types of wood to build an outdoor bench are cedar, pine, or teak.
Pine and cedar age into a silvery finish unless they're treated, and benches constructed of pine or cedar lasts for generations. Cedar is more expensive than pine.
Teak is a tropical tree used to make boats. It is excellent in withstanding the wear and tear of the outdoors and can last up to 50 years if properly taken care of, which is why it tends to be on the pricey side. To maintain its lovely reddish hue, apply oil once or twice a year.
Metal
This material is another excellent choice in terms of durability and price. Metal benches do not need as much care but also aren't quite as comfortable as wooden or wicker benches.
There are a few types of metal that work better in the outdoors than others. Cast aluminum, extruded aluminum, and ornate iron are three superb choices for outdoor metal benches.
Cast aluminum is heavy and durable, more so than extruded aluminum, and can convey intricate design patterns.
Extruded aluminum is not as durable as cast aluminum, but it is lighter, so it's easier to move around if you haven't decided on a spot yet.
Ornate iron was all the rage in the Victorian Age, and its curlicues and elaborate designs are reminiscent of this style period.
Metal outdoor benches are a great choice because they will last 50 years or more and won't wear visibly as wooden benches will.
Other materials
There are also outdoor benches made of wicker, resin, or plastic. Wicker benches, whether all-natural or treated to make them weather-resistant, are made of rattan vines, bamboo, or cane. These should only be used in a covered area outdoors as they can degrade quickly.
Plastic or resin benches are a great affordable choice as they are lightweight, easy to care for, and the newer models offer some fantastic style choices.
Brown Wicker Storage Outdoor Bench
Black Classic Wicker Garden Bench
Grey Modern Rattan Garden Bench
Brown Woven Picnic Bench
Green Classic Resin Garden Bench
Blue Synthetic Plastic Outdoor Bench
Some materials lend themselves naturally to certain styles. Japanese benches are usually simple, with a wide seat, and without a back. These benches work best when they're made of wood or reclaimed wood.
Baroque benches are incredibly romantic and would fit perfectly underneath a weeping willow next to a meandering stream. The whorls and viney designs on these benches are best displayed in metal, although wood or wood-like plastic could make a credible substitute.
A contemporary bench would work in almost any material as this style can refer to the clean lines and simplicity of modern design or the slightly more ornate mid-century modern.
Gray Modern Teak Outdoor Bench
Brown Simple Wooden Picnic Bench
Brown Baroque Wooden Park Bench
Black Brown Wood Metal Outdoor Bench
Brown Modern Wooden Tree Bench
Brown Modern Plastic Convertible Bench
Log Benches
Deck Benches
Concrete Garden Benches
Fire Pit Benches
Outdoor Waterproof Storage Bench
Prayer Benches
Tree Benches
Curved Benches Outdoor
Antique Garden Benches
Rustic Bench With Back
Curved Garden Benches
Stone Benches
Wrought Iron Patio Benches
Concrete Park Benches
Painted Benches
Folding Benches
Greenhouse Benches
Front Porch Benches
Modern Garden Benches
Dock Benches
Kids Wooden Bench
Stone Patio Benches
Rustic Outdoor Bench
Rattan Benches
Concrete Patio Benches
Outdoor Furniture Cushion Storage
Metal Outdoor Benches
Concrete Memorial Benches
Reclaimed Wood Benches
Garage Work Benches
Memorial Garden Benches
Carved Wooden Bench
Outdoor Wooden Benches
Metal Park Benches For Sale
Metal Garden Benches For Sale
Plastic Patio Benches
Metal Bed Bench
Cheap Outdoor Benches
Engraved Benches
Hand Painted Bench
Resin Benches
Western Benches
Commercial Outdoor Benches
Steel Gliders
Potting Benches
Rattan Storage Benches
Kids Table And Bench Set
Modern Patio Bench