Seating is a great addition to nearly any garden setting. While movable patio furniture is usually quite common, a simple garden bench can go a long way, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Garden benches can also create an excellent focal point, enhancing the garden’s overall appearance. There are several types of garden benches to choose from, making it easy to find one that suits nearly any budget or garden style.
There are a few things to consider before buying a garden bench, such as the type of material it is made from. Wood and stone are the most common. Garden benches can be made from many different types of wood, with pine, cedar, or teak benches more popular. One thing to consider when choosing a wooden bench is the climate. Cold or rainy climates require something that is more durable, like red cedar.
Stone is probably one of the most durable types of garden bench. These benches can be quite natural looking and well suited to any garden style. Stone garden benches can range from flat rocks to masonry products, such as concrete or brick. However, garden benches made from cast stone material is much more durable and weather resistant than those made from concrete.
Choosing the material is merely a small part of selecting a good garden bench. Style is also important. There are curved garden benches and straight benches; plain garden benches and decorative benches. The type of garden bench chosen typically depends on the style of garden or surrounding landscape. For instance, a fancy iron garden bench would be better suited to a more upscale, formal garden setting. Wooden benches, on the other hand, might look more at home in an informal, country setting.
Other considerations include comfort and purpose. Benches that are used more often should provide comfortable padding and back support. The best way to test the comfort of an outdoor garden bench is to sit on it. How the bench will be used in the garden is important as well. While some are used for sitting and relaxation, others may strictly serve as aesthetic appearances only.
While some types of garden benches can be quite expensive, this doesn’t have to be the case. For example, wrought iron, marble, and stone benches can be expensive. The more decorative a garden bench is, the more it will cost too. Plastic garden benches are cheap, durable, and easy to maintain. Plastic garden benches are usually made from recycled plastics. They are quite comfortable and come in various designs, shapes, and colors.
For those that are more frugal, there are a variety of materials that can be used for constructing a garden bench. For instance, a simple garden bench can be easily constructed with nothing more than an old plank or squared log and two concrete blocks. Every good garden needs a place for people to sit or a pleasing focal point. A garden bench need not be fancy. It only needs to fulfill its purpose.