How to Choose the Right Outdoor Bench

Just like any other piece of furniture, a bench can be selected according to the customer’s preference toward the form, style, quality of construction, function, or material from which the bench is made. These categories may have varying levels importance, depending on the customer’s needs. Some customer may call for a bench with quality and durable construction in cases where the bench may be being used in a commercial setting. Outdoor benches in a high traffic area where many different people may be using the bench or where the bench may be being used for prolonged periods of time, will require a level of construction that will support that need. On the other hand, garden benches that are predominately used for ornamental purposes may be selected based almost solely on their appearance. Outdoor decorators selecting a bench for ornamental purposes in a residential setting may rate form and style as key factors in selecting a bench. This is opposed the previous example given where material and construction would take precedence.

How do you determine what you should look for in an outdoor bench? Well, first you will need to determine what your needs are. To do this, you may want to select the location for the bench ahead of time, if possible. Take a look around. Note the conditions in the area if there is a lot of sun or shade, moisture, or if there is likely to be falling debris from trees. Next, consider the general climate of your area. Is it a dry sunny area like Arizona, or a moist and cloudy area like Washington State? The total determination of the qualities of the environment where the bench is to be placed determines what needs must be met by the material from which the bench is made. Dry and sunny climates can support just about any bench regardless of what the bench has been constructed from. This includes anything from cedar and teak benches to iron benches, poly resin benches (be mindful of colored items as these may fade in direct sunlight), or aluminum benches.

Damper climates call for non- corrosive materials that are also resistant to mold and mildew. Aluminum is an excellent material for an outdoor bench in this environment. Aluminum does not rust, nor will it rot. This is not to say that a wooden bench will not do in Seattle, but it will need extra love and care to withstand the wet environment. A bench constructed from Poly resin might also do very nicely in an outdoor area that tends to be rained upon often. Poly resin is a form of plastic that is durable for outdoor use and extremely weather resistant. It also tends to be made from recycled plastic, which is an added benefit for the environmentally conscious. For areas by salt water and sea air, it is important to remember that no matter what type of material a bench is constructed from, there will be many factors that will cause the bench damage. One is that salty air is corrosive in nature. Even aluminum suffers in this environment and will discolor much more quickly by the sea than anywhere else. Also, paint and powder coatings can be easily scratched and damaged by grains of sand carried by winds. This blowing sand can be comparable to taking a piece of sandpaper to the surface of the bench. In beach areas, it’s best to simply concede that nothing will last as long as it will in other environments.

The next criterion for consideration is the fun one, form and style. How do you want it to look? What kind of statement do you want your bench to make about you and your outdoor space? Do you want it to make a statement at all? Benches are available in all sorts of styles. The best way to start deciding what style will suit you is to look at the rest of your outdoor furniture. How would you classify the theme you’ve already got going? Is it English Garden? In this case, look for an outdoor bench that has a Victorian flare. Or is there a chic modern thing happening? Maybe a boxy woven resin wicker loveseat would be best for your modern or contemporary space. Is there a traditional American style? If so, go with a wood bench constructed in a classic format.

This process may seem a little fussy for just an outdoor bench purchase, but if you plan on making your outdoor living quarters a pleasant place to be, then the bench you choose might be an important decision. Nothing can throw off an outdoor living area more than a bench that just doesn’t work with the style of the other pieces placed in it. The bench will look like it was an afterthought and may even become an eyesore that is resented by the home owner. Once you’ve established the style that would best suit the outdoor space, it’s time to find the outdoor bench that will meet all of your needs. Remember that when your selecting a style for your outdoor bench, that the material will still play a role. Some materials are suited to certain styles more than others. Victorian benches are typically metal or natural or artificial rattan. Traditional benches are often made of wood like cedar, pine, or a wood like teak.

Cost might also factor into your choice of outdoor bench. Teak is a more expensive material, but will last for many years before it will need replacing. Pine is inexpensive, but is less durable for outdoor use. Benches that carry a smaller price tag typically have corresponding quality in construction. Where most outdoor furniture is concerned, a customer typically gets what he/she pays for. Remember also, to consider whether or not you want a cushion. Sometimes cushions will have to be custom made, so be sure to factor that into the cost of the bench. Happy bench hunting!

Outdoor bench
Outdoor benches.