When you hear the words “teak bench,” this is most likely what you will envision. The simple rectangular shaped slatted seat is match by a right angled back rest whose slats run perpendicular to those of the seat. The bench sits on four legs and comes with two simple elevated armrests.
Columbia:
The Columbia teak bench is very similar to the classic design in that it has the regular rectangular shape with armrests and slatted back and seat. The difference lies in the curved back shape of the seat, which provides some amount of lower back support. Also, Columbia benches tend to have slightly more slats overall, and they are spaced more closely together. The seat slats also run parallel to the back slats, unlike the classic model.
Charleston:
The Charleston teak bench can take on many forms, but they are most commonly seen as being backless. They tend to have less slats that fitted more closely together, and simple crossbeam running between the bottom legs. Because of these qualities, the Charleston is an especially sturdy seat and makes a great piano bench for one.
Victoria:
This is one of the more ornate of teak bench designs owing to its elegant curving lines. The slatted back is curved on top and elongated to support backs more fully, while the perpendicularly slatted seat is slightly curved for added comfort. Finally, the arm rests are curved on top to better conform to the shape of limbs.
Saranac:
The Saranac bench is a backless model whose seat is made from two wide planks supported on the bottom by a parallel crossbeam. The thing that makes this design distinct are its four rounded legs, which begin close together on either end of the seat bottom and extend toward the ground in an A-shape. Similar to how swing supports look, this makes the Saranac a very stable style of teak bench.
Tahawus:
By far the most recognizable style of teak bench, the Tahawus begins with the same basic rectangular shape, slatted seat and arm rests. What is different is the back, which is characterized by an elaborate crisscross pattern of tapered wood poles. In addition, the edges of the seat and arm rests are rounded.
Essex:
The Essex bench, like the Charleston can sometimes possess many varying forms. The typical shape, though is almost identical to the Classic teak bench, with the exception of curved arm rests.
Savoy:
The Savoy teak bench is among the more elegant model. Similar once again to the classic shape, the variation lies in the more detailed and angled backrest, which creates added lumbar support above and beyond the typical upright backrest.
Lakeside:
The Lakeside bench emulates the worn and naturally weathered look of driftwood. With rounded edges and arm rests like the Tahawus, the Lakeside also features rounded tapering slats on the backrest.
Courting Bench:
Perhaps the most beautiful of any teak bench is the courting bench. When viewed from above, these attractive benches form an S-shape. The seat actually consists of two separate seats facing opposite directions, and separated by a curved arm and back rest which flows throughout the entire form.
