Gardening Bench Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Your Guide to buying the best Garden benches

Overview

This buying guide will provide you with all of the necessary information needed to make an informed decision when purchasing a garden bench for your outdoor space. We will cover everything from types of garden benches, materials, styles and sizes to how to choose the perfect one for your garden. In addition, we will provide helpful tips and advice on maintenance and care, so you can enjoy your garden bench for years to come.

Key features

  1. Material: Garden benches come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and concrete. Consider the type of material that will best suit your needs and the outdoor environment where you intend to place the bench.
  2. Style: Garden benches come in a variety of styles, including traditional, modern, contemporary, and mid-century. Consider the style of the bench that will best match your garden and outdoor decor.
  3. Size: Garden benches come in a range of sizes, with varying seating space. Consider the size of the bench that will best accommodate your needs in terms of seating space, as well as the size of the outdoor area available for the bench.
  4. Durability/Weather-Resistance: Choose a bench that is made of a material that can withstand the weather conditions of the area in which it will be placed. Consider if you want your bench to be weather-resistant or have a waterproof coating.
  5. Maintenance: Consider the amount of maintenance that you are willing to commit to the bench. Wood benches require occasional staining and sealing to prevent damage from moisture, while metal and concrete benches require little maintenance.
  6. Price: Garden benches come in a variety of price points, from very affordable to very expensive. Consider your budget when selecting a garden bench.

See the most popular Garden benches on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Garden benches are typically made from long-lasting materials such as metal, wood, stone, or plastic and can last for years with proper care.
  • Weather-resistant: Many garden benches are designed to withstand the elements and can be left outside without worry of damage.
  • Comfort: Garden benches are often designed with ergonomic curves and materials that make them comfortable to sit in.
  • Functionality: Garden benches can provide extra seating for entertaining, or serve as a coffee table or extra storage space if necessary.
  • Visual Appeal: Garden benches come in many styles and colors that can add a decorative touch to your outdoor space.

Cons

  • Weather Exposure: Garden benches can be exposed to harsh weather conditions including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, which can cause the material to fade or deteriorate over time.
  • Maintenance Requirements: Garden benches may require regular maintenance such as sanding, painting, and staining to keep them in good condition.
  • Size Limitations: Garden benches have a limited size range, so they may not be suitable for larger spaces or larger groups of people.
  • Weight Capacity: Garden benches may have a limited weight capacity, so they may not be suitable for heavier users or multiple people.

Best alternatives

  1. Patio swings - Swing benches constructed from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and wicker, perfect for relaxing or socializing outdoors.
  2. Outdoor chairs - Chairs come in a variety of styles and materials, perfect for any outdoor space.
  3. Picnic tables - Long, rectangular tables with attached benches, ideal for outdoor dining.
  4. Adirondack chairs - Classic outdoor chairs with wide armrests and a slanted back, traditionally made of wood.
  5. Outdoor benches - Benches come in a variety of materials and sizes, perfect for seating in gardens, parks, and other outdoor areas.
  6. Garden benches - Benches with designs that are tailored for use in a garden, often made of metal or stone.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Garden bench cushion - Soft cushion used to provide extra comfort on a garden bench.
  • Garden bench cover - Cover used to protect a garden bench from wind, rain, and other weather conditions.
  • Outdoor furniture cleaner - A cleaner specifically designed for outdoor furniture such as garden benches.
  • Plastic caps - Plastic caps used to protect the ends of a garden bench.
  • Screws/bolts - Hardware used to assemble a garden bench.
  • Spray paint - Paint used to customize the color of a garden bench.

Common questions

  1. What size Garden bench do I need?

    The size of Garden bench you need will depend on the size of your outdoor space, how many people you plan to seat, and the style of bench. If you plan to seat multiple people, you may want to opt for a larger bench. You should also measure your outdoor space to ensure the bench will comfortably fit.

  2. What materials are Garden benches made of?

    Garden benches can be made of a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and resin. Each material offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons before purchasing.

  3. What features should I look for in a Garden bench?

    When looking for a Garden bench, you should consider how it will be used. If you plan to use it frequently, you may want to look for features such as ergonomic supports, armrests, and cushions. Additionally, you may want to look for a bench that is easy to assemble and maintain.

  4. How much should I expect to pay for a Garden bench?

    Garden benches can range in price from around $100 to over $1000, depending on the size, material, and features. Generally, metal and plastic benches are the least expensive, while wood and resin benches may cost more.

Trivia

An interesting story about garden benches is that they were the inspiration for the very first picnic table. In 1933, the, then-governor of California, Frank Merriam, was on a tour of a state park and noticed that visitors were having difficulty balancing their food on their laps while they sat on the garden benches. He immediately asked the park superintendent to come up with a better solution and the picnic table was born. The picnic table is now a staple of parks and gardens around the world and provides a convenient and comfortable way to enjoy a meal outdoors. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.