Article Surfing Archive

No matter the size or style of your garden, there's always room for one or two outdoor benches. Not only do outdoor benches provide seating, but they can immediately transform a completely mundane spot into a beautiful focal point.

Consider an area under a shade tree for a cool and relaxing place to sip a glass of iced tea. Or, place an outdoor bench just the right distance away from your shrubs and flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. You can watch these gorgeous creatures for hours.

Outdoor benches come in a variety of styles and materials. A simple cedar bench is a great choice for a shady spot filled with hosta, ferns and astilbe. Or, opt for a more elaborate garden bench with a back, made from wooden slats framed in wrought iron. Or, for a true piece of garden art, consider an open ironwork bench in a verdigris finish blending beautifully with your plants and flowers.

It's critical to ensure that your outdoor benches are properly protected from the elements. Wood benches made from oak or pine will require regular protectant, staining or painting to keep it from rotting and splitting when left outdoors. Cedar will weather the elements a bit better, though it will still require some maintenance. Teak is a great choice for any outdoor benches you have that will be constantly exposed to the elements, because it is by far the most durable wood available. Your teak outdoor bench will last a lifetime untreated and will weather to a beautiful silvery gray finish. Wrought iron can also be treated to protect it from the elements, though it will eventually rust if left outdoors.

Outdoor benches are wonderful additions to any garden space. Whatever style and material you choose, you can be certain that your outdoor benches will add style and grace to your garden.