The 10 Best Outdoor Benches
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in May of 2020. An outdoor bench is a great way to enhance the look of gardens, decks, and patios, and provides a comfortable place to sit and enjoy warm summer days. Most importantly, they need to be able to withstand the elements, so when choosing the right one for your outdoor area, the materials it is made from and the quality of its weather-resistant finish should be of primary concern. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Plow & Hearth Lutyens
2. Giantex Loveseat
3. GloDea X60
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.
4. Furinno Tioman
5. Christopher Knight Home Carlisle
6. Grepatio Bench
7. Walker Edison Furniture Company 3 Person
8. 2x4basics Custom Bench Ends
9. Sunnydaze Outdoor Glider
10. Vingli Bronze Decor
Starting his career in the building industry, Chris built and managed a plumbing and heating company in northern England. After 13 years, seeking a more fulfilling lifestyle, he moved to southeast Asia, eventually settling in Vietnam, where he teaches writing and comprehension at a number of international universities. Drawing on his previous experience, and his passion for kitesurfing and windsurfing, Chris is knowledgeable in all things water related both recreationally and within the construction industry.