The Difference Between Outdoor Benches and Indoor Benches

For an average shopper, a bench is a bench. Most people probably don’t put much thought into what type of bench should go where. After all, benches are occasional furniture and usually don’t cost much relative to most major furniture purchases. Isn’t a bench a bench; does the average person really need to acknowledge a distinction between indoor and outdoor benches? The answer to that question is ‘yes.’ The distinction between indoor and outdoor benches is not a distinction without a difference. One wouldn’t put an indoor sofa outside, would one? Of course not, the couch would be ruined in a few weeks at most. The same could be said for using an indoor bench outdoors. A good quality bench could cost around 300- 500 dollars. If the bench is not intended for outdoor use, one may as well leave stacks of money to disintegrate out in the elements.

Indoor benches are designed to exist in relatively dry moderate climates that range in temperature between 54 and 85 degrees with minimal exposure to direct sunlight or moisture. Moisture can have a very damaging effect on indoor benches, particularly those that are made of wood and/or are not treated for outdoor use. Excess moisture can penetrate the cells and molecules of the wood and cause expansion which leads to shakes and cracks. This weathering process could certainly change the way the bench looks.

Any beauty that the bench originally possessed may be lost, likely defeating part of the reason for which it was purchased. Moisture might also affect the joints of the furniture which could compromise the sturdiness of the bench. Once the structure of the bench is compromised, it can no longer be assumed that the bench will be able to support the amount of weight for which it was initially designed. This could lead to a serious injury. Given all of this information, it should be very plain why an indoor bench should not be used outdoors. The bench will lose its looks and potentially its functionality. What a waste of time and money.

Outdoor benches or garden benches are designed to withstand climate changes and the elements. Outdoor benches are made from materials that that have qualities that make them more durable in outdoor weather. Woods that are commonly used to make outdoor benches are cedar, teak, eucalyptus, acacia, shorea, and cypress. All of these woods have densely packed cells and are harder for moisture to penetrate. They also contain oils that protect from mold and mildew, wood burrowing insects, and moisture infiltration. Other materials used to make garden benches are metal, resins, and plastics. The most common and arguably the best metal for outdoor use is aluminum. Steel and Iron, regardless of their quality and finish, will eventually oxidize and rust.

While aluminum, given enough time outdoors, will oxidize, it will never rust. Rust compromises the structural integrity of the metal, thus causing deterioration of the bench. This is not always the case with oxidization which occurs with aluminum; aluminum does not possess the chemical properties necessary for rust to occur. Resins and plastics are also great for outdoors. They do not rust or deteriorate in the weather. They are easy to clean and don’t require painting or re-finishing. It’s important to know, however, that plastics and resins can fade in direct sunlight. Outdoor benches made from resins and plastics may need to be treated semi-annually or annually with a product like Ferongard to prevent fading.

Putting a little research into purchasing a bench can go a long way. It’s important to ask the retailer who is selling the bench whether the bench is intended for indoor or outdoor use. Benches meant for outdoor use can almost always be used indoors, but the opposite is almost never true. As mentioned, the results of using an indoor bench outdoors can be expensive or even unsafe. Remember to ask about the material used to construct the bench and to do a little searching on the internet. How does the material rate for outdoor use? Make a mental or written note of the benefits and drawbacks of leaving a bench made from that material out in the elements. Knowing what you’re buying and also its intended purpose can save time, money, headache, and injury in the future.