A garden bench is more than a piece of furniture. When used properly, it can be the centerpiece in your garden’s masterplan. A bench can provide somewhere to rest in between gardening tasks, or even somewhere to sit and admire your work.
Knowing the available options is a great place to start for people looking for benches. In this article, we take a look at eight very popular bench types you should know:
1. Traditional Park Bench
The traditional park bench is typically the go-to option for garden owners. This is because its simple design fits into the aesthetic of almost every garden. Whether you want to put it in the middle of the garden or against a wall, it will fit perfectly. They can typically take up to 4 people, but you can get a 3-seat version.
You can easily get an old park bench, refurbish it, and create the ideal resting place in your garden. If you want to make one from scratch, they’re inexpensive. You could even take it up as a DIY project.
2. Memorial Bench
If you have loved ones you’d love to immortalize, a memorial bench is one way to do so. These benches take different designs and sizes, but typically have inscriptions commemorating people. They can typically be found in parks, walkways, or gardens.
Having memorial benches in your garden can serve the dual purpose of providing a resting place for you and helping you remember your loved ones. It can also be used as a place for quiet reflection or reading.
3. Plant Bench
A plant bench is one that has more aesthetic value than utilitarian. They are used to display potted plants or even aquariums. Depending on what you’re growing, you might want a plant bench to highlight some of your favorite features.
Most people prefer to use old, weathered benches for their plant benches. It’s a great way to repurpose something that would have otherwise been thrown away.
4. Outdoor Shower Bench
Gardens involve a lot of work with dirt. Some people like to have a bathroom next to their gardens, so they can clean up once they are done gardening. This helps them prevent dirt from getting indoors. If you’re in that category, getting a shower bench should be top of your list.
A simple, low bench next to the bathroom will suffice for your needs. You can easily leave your clothes on the bench while you shower and clean up.
5. Rock-leg Bench
A rock-leg bench is a minimalist but efficient way to bring style to your garden. Although it’s a low-effort design, it will always stand out as ingenious and remarkable. All you need to make it happen is two rocks of about the same size (width and height) and a smooth wood plank. The rocks act as support for the plank. Space the rocks equally to ensure there’s a balance when the plank is placed on, and voila! You have a garden bench.
Related reading: Benefits Of Having A Wooden Greenhouse In Your Garden
6. Pebble Bench
Pebble benches can add a touch of modern class to your garden. They can be made from fiberglass, wood, fabric, or cast stone and are typically colorful. The design is inspired by real-life pebbles found on the beaches. They come in different shapes and sizes, and the options will depend on what vendor you’re ordering from. The bright-colored, unique designs will definitely brighten up your garden.
7. Arbor Bench
If your garden gets too sunny, you’ll need some shade. That’s where an arbor comes in. An arbor is a special kind of wooden bench with a roof. It can help you keep the sun at bay, and provide a resting place when you need to sit and meditate on hot afternoons.
You can design your arbor to give more aesthetic value to your garden. You can also plant climber plants around it to give it a tinge of green.
8. Grass Bench
Nothing says garden-lover like the grass bench. A grass bench fits perfectly for most gardens since it is, in essence, a garden itself. There are different ways to design a grass bench, including an armchair. Regardless of what design you go for, you can be sure that it will fit your garden’s aesthetic.
The only downside to grass benches is that you can’t sit on them for long. You also have to be fully clothed when sitting on a grass bench as the grass can feel itchy on your skin. Nonetheless, a grass bench will make a great place to have conversations and enjoy the sunset.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Bench
Before choosing what kind of bench to get, there are certain factors you must consider. The material used in creating the bench and its design will be dependent on the following factors:
- Location: If you live in a place with a lot of rainfall or harsh sunlight, it may make more sense to get a bench with a roof. That way, you can stay protected from harsh weather conditions.
- Where you’ll place the bench: The surface on which the bench will be placed goes a long way to determine the bench’ design. For instance, if you intend to place the bench on a lawn with uneven pavers, having metal benches will be difficult. They are likely to be unstable on such surfaces.
- The view from the bench: If there’s a view around your home that you’d love to frequently gaze at, you have to design your chair to suit it. For one, you have to make the chair comfortable enough to accommodate you for long periods. Some people also use their bench for peeking over their fences if the view they want requires that.
- Your style: The architectural style of your home has an impact on your design choices for your garden. If you have a modern design, you might want to go with pebble benches as a complementary design for your garden.
