The 10 Best Metal Benches
Special Honors
Iron Accents Although many of their designs are on the expensive side, this retailer has a great selection of indoor and outdoor benches. In addition to the metal options you're in the market for, they also carry a decent assortment of wooden and upholstered models. To sweeten the deal, delivery costs are already included if you're located within the continental United States. ironaccents.com
A Rustic Garden This website has a decent assortment of affordable wrought iron garden furniture that all has a distressed antique look. From curved courting settees inspired by the love rituals of days gone by, to circular benches crafted to skirt tree trunks, there's a lot to see that you won't find elsewhere. Seating solutions aside, be sure to check out their other beautiful offerings like garden gates and fences. arusticgarden.com
Editor's Notes
September 30, 2020:
While many metal benches are sturdy enough to stand up to the outdoors and circumstances that other pieces of furniture wouldn’t weather as well, they aren’t magical. Since even the most thoroughly coated models are still prone to rust, it’s best to check them over regularly and use rust removers as necessary to combat erosion. With that in mind, if you don’t remember when you had your last tetanus shot, you might consider looking into it and getting up to date.
Similarly, don’t forget that metal conducts electricity, so please do everything you can to keep your purchase away from live wires and other sources that could shock occupants. For instance, you might not want to decorate your bench with fairy lights if you live in a damp area or among animals that will chew through wires. Although we would not discourage you from buying a metal bench, we would definitely encourage you to be thoughtful about it.
Where specific designs are concerned, please note that models like the Outsunny Glider and Best Choice Products Double have large gaps and moving parts that can harm playful children. Obviously a bench is not a toy, but kids will be kids, so consider giving children the heads up.
Elsewhere, please be mindful of benches with low maximum weight capacities like the Lazzo Farmhouse. While its seat is long enough for two, its manufacturer says it can only hold up to 220 pounds. Although this might seem like a low capacity, it turns out a lot of people are using metal benches in place of traditional plant stands to prop up flower pots and other outdoor decor.
Finally, if you’re looking for something with cushions, don’t be afraid to purchase those separately. The seats of the Plow & Hearth Garden Love and Btexpert Industrial Full are particularly well suited for them.