For all the pleasures of gardens and gardening, there are those golden times when one rests on a garden bench to take in the beauty of nature. A garden bench not only serves as a practical element to this moment, but also adds value to the garden by serving as a focal point, destination, or casual enjoyment. Although today you can find a wide range of outdoor seating options, there are many things that make outdoor benches the ideal choice.
A Beautiful Addition to Your Outdoor Space
Benches not only serve their use, but they also look beautiful and provide a visually appealing contrast to vibrant surroundings. Nowadays, you can find benches made of various materials such as stone, concrete and wood. Whether you want a modern-looking bench to match your contemporary décor or something rustic to match your more traditional home façade, you’ll be able to find a bench that is just right for you. Pair your bench with cushions, pillows, or even potted plants to make it an eye-catching focal point in your garden.
Durable and Stable
It’s hard to deny the quality of garden benches, especially the ones made from stone. When you choose stone benches for gardens and care for them properly, they may become a piece of furniture that can be passed down to the next generation of the family. Considering their weight, stone garden benches are also extremely resistant to wind or wildlife toppling.
A Spot for Relaxation
Spending time outside can inspire creativity, but you must have a comfortable spot to sit. A garden bench makes the ideal place to spend some alone time, reading, writing or simply appreciating nature.
Casual and Ready-to-Use
Outdoor sofas with plush cushions are comfortable and look great, but when the weather turns bad, those cushions must be packed away to keep them in good condition for another day. Outdoor benches, on the other hand, are pleasant seating options that can be used at any time you want. For improved comfort, a seat pad is quite inexpensive and a lot easier to store than a pile of cushions.
To keep moisture and germs away, manufacturers generally apply a protective coating to the outside of their benches. Some even apply a UV-protectant coating, which, as the name implies, protects against fading caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun. Even if your bench does not already have a protective coating, you can easily add one with a regular paintbrush.
Space Savers
It may sound strange that a garden bench might save space. Here is the thing: a garden bench with a seat long enough for three people to sit and talk will take up less physical space than three lawn or deck chairs, for example. Plus, a single piece of furniture will be less visually obtrusive than three distinct pieces.
How Do You Choose the Best Garden Bench?
With so many choices of materials and finishes, choosing the right bench for your garden can be quite challenging. Here are some important points to keep in mind while you’re shopping around.
Material
The bench style is probably the first thing that will catch your attention. However, it’s also important to check the materials used to make the piece. Here, I suggest you avoid getting a bench that is too cheap and made of low-quality materials. These furnishings will deteriorate quickly over time, requiring replacement, which will result in additional costs. Opting for quality ensures improved functionality and efficiency, helping you save money in the long run.
- Stone: While stone benches for gardens tend to be more expensive than the other options, there is a lot to be said about stone as a material for this type of furniture. Stone garden benches are visually appealing and can be used as a focus point in a garden design. Plus, they require little maintenance. Stone benches can, however, be heavy and difficult to relocate in your landscape.
- Wood: Wood has several selling features as a material, but its natural look and feel are the most prominent ones. A well-maintained wooden bench will last you a lifetime. The majority of the wood used to build benches is lightweight, making them easy to move around your yard.
- Aluminium/Metal: Featuring a more modern appearance, these benches can look great in the right setting. Most of the aluminium/metal benches available on the market are powder-coated or have a comparable finish to avoid rusting. This makes them easier to maintain than wood.
Style
Garden Bench
This bench style is generally designed with a comfortable backrest, making it ideal for relaxing with a cup of tea and taking in the scenery. It can normally seat 2 to 4 pals depending on the width.
Backless Bench
As the name suggests, it’s a bench without a backrest. This design is quite versatile because you may sit in any direction you want and quickly tuck it beneath a dinner table. The main disadvantage is that they do not provide back support and hence are not as comfortable as other models.
Curved Bench
A curved bench can be the ideal solution for maximising a corner. These space-saving pieces can be combined with a table in the centre to provide a cosy breakfast nook or conversation area.
Storage Bench
A space-saving option that can help you keep your backyard nice and clean. This extra storage space can be used to store accessories during bad weather or to hide the kids’ outdoor toys.
Location
Where the bench will be placed in your garden can also affect your decision. Take sunlight, shade, wind, and closeness to other garden features into consideration. This can help you decide whether you need a durable, weather-resistant, low-maintenance bench or if something lightweight that can be moved in poor weather is a better option.
Size
Remember to choose a size that will look good in the place you’re putting it in. You’ll find benches available in 1.20m, 1.80m, 2.40m, 3m and even 4.5 m. Look for a smaller, more compact bench if you have a small garden. Thin curved lines can provide the impression of more space. You can acquire a larger bench or perhaps many benches if you have a larger garden. It all comes down to achieving the appropriate scale and proportions.
