The 10 Best Outdoor Benches

Editor's Notes

June 23, 2020:

From small paved yards to grand sweeping lawns, as a place for your morning coffee or for an evening spent stargazing, there's a bench to suit all outdoor spaces. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best one for you, and with so many designs to choose from, they can easily be matched with your existing outdoor furniture, chairs or tables. The material it's made from is an important decision as this can affect its durability, and although wooden benches have that rustic charm we often associate with gardens, they will need more care and attention than their metal or resin counterparts. Styling is another matter and obviously this comes down to personal taste, however, bear in mind that outdoor benches usually don't have any cushioning and can become uncomfortable after a while, so choosing one with a curved seat, a sloped backrest and wide armrests can vastly improve comfort levels.

As stated, wooden benches, whether oiled, varnished, or painted will need to be refinished annually, especially if you plan to leave them outdoors all year round. The Plow & Hearth Lutyens is made from eucalyptus, which is a sustainable wood. The Giantex Loveseat and the Walker Edison Furniture Company 3 Person are both made from acacia, which is a good choice as it's naturally weather-resistant. The Christopher Knight Home Carlisle, also made from acacia wood, is a backless bench, which, while being less comfortable, does allow for sitting on either side and gives a 360-degree view. Similarly, the GloDea X60 is another backless option that is available in a range of colors and has been protected against water and UV damage.

Metal benches are generally more hardwearing as long they have been treated with a suitable outdoor paint. The Grepatio Bench is a two to three-person option that has a foldable table set into the seat, whereas, the Sunnydaze Outdoor Glider has a built-in swinging mechanism, both are made from steel with a black powder-coated finish that gives good weather protection. The Vingli Bronze Decor is an ornate bench made from cast aluminum, making it strong, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight.