You can find garden benches just about anywhere in the spring and summer. Your more expensive benches are usually found in garden specialty shops. If your pocketbook can only afford a less expensive garden bench, check out the discount stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart or Bimart. No doubt you can find a bench you like for less than $30.
Garden benches are available in all sorts of sizes and materials. Wood, metal, vinyl, and concrete are the most popular materials used. If you decide upon a bench made of wood or metal, be aware of the future maintenance involved. Primarily, scraping and painting every year or so. White vinyl benches are a good choice providing you store them out of the weather during the wintertime. While colored vinyl benches tend to fade when placed in a sunny spot of your garden.
The most carefree garden bench is made of unpainted concrete. Yet, as with everything else that spends the majority of it's life in the out of doors, even concrete requires some maintenance. In this case, a quick, annual pressure washing may be in order. Another thing to consider with a garden bench made of concrete is its weight. Depending upon the size you choose, it may not be easy to move. With that thought in mind, consider carefully where you place it in your yard as it's likely to become permanent.
Regardless of the materials you choose, the placement of your garden bench(es) is of some importance. The bench should not only issue an invitation to your guest to rest awhile, but also offer something to focus one's attention upon.
A bench placed near a garden fountain for instance, is ideal. Or place a few along a path that winds among flowerbeds that bloom all season. Consider purchasing a gazing globe and/or a birdbath. Bird feeders are another idea as most folks much enjoy watching our feathered friends play nearby. Last but not least, hang a melodic wind chime in a nearby tree or on a Shepard's hook for an overall restful effect.
What better way to spend a lazy summer day than sitting on a beautiful garden bench. The humble garden bench can hold a special place in our hearts and our memories. Do you remember sitting with a grandparent, parent or other family member just relaxing and enjoying the view? On the other hand, does your garden bench have a more romantic memory shared with your significant other?
Location, location, location! The location of your bench should be placed some distance from your home, if possible, and within view from your home. The bench will then call out to you to take a walk, sit down, relax, and enjoy the view. A good tip to remember is it is not where the bench looks good, but what looks good when sitting on your bench!
Garden benches come in a variety of colors and materials. The type of bench you choose is a matter of taste, although when selecting your bench, consider practicality as well as being an ornamental garden feature.
Wood benches made from hardwood such as teak, redwood, mahogany, or cedar can stay outside year-round. While these benches are pricey, they are not rot-resistant and will turn a silver gray color when left unattended. These benches need to be washed once a year with mild soap and a bit of bleach. Benches made from pressure-treated wood (as seen on decks) are another option. Painted benches made from wood should remain inside or under cover.
Metal benches options are cast or tubular aluminum, wrought iron. Although wrought iron is nice to behold, it will rust and therefore should be saved for indoor use. Cast aluminum benches are poured into molds and therefore can simulate wood or wrought iron. Aluminum benches can come in all different colors and antique finishes. The paint is baked on for durability and these benches can easily be cleaned with soap and water.
Benches made from carved stone, stone slabs, and cast stone require no maintenance other than an occasional dusting off debris.
Wicker and rattan settees say "garden," but save them for covered porches or inside. There are All-weather wicker benches, usually made from woven synthetics on an aluminum frame, which can go outside.
Also, do not rule out low-priced plastic or resin benches. They are lightweight and wash up with soap and water, though prolonged exposure to the elements can make them brittle.
Both Liz Norman & David Chandler are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Liz Norman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Travel and Leisure and Gardening. Liz Norman is an avid gardener and a freelance writer. You can find more .. Liz Norman's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
David Chandler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Massage, Diet Pills and Acid Reflux. For more information about garden benches, visit and. David Chandler's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.