- So many options, so little time...
You may not previously have given this type of seating much thought, but there are many ways a bench can enhance your outdoor space, and help you make the most of your garden. The best models create inviting, welcoming spaces which draw people outside. You can use pieces like this for al fresco dining, or just to take in the view – either way it will add gravitas to an open-air area. What’s more, benches are space-efficient in that they seat several people at once.
With many different styles, sizes and designs available, however, it can be hard to identify the right one for you and your garden, so that you have something you love and which meets your needs.
Here are a few things to consider:
How will you use it?
Options include dining, relaxation, chatting, creating the perfect outdoor reading spot or even use as part of an open-air workspace. So you may want, for example, to maximize comfort. Or you may need to ensure the bench fits snugly under the dining table and is at the right height for enjoying al fresco meals. Or you may want to add cushions or have a gently sloping back.
Location, location, location
Again, this is a vital factor. Even if space is limited, you’ll find many different smaller models, including those which look perfect on a balcony. However, if you’re lucky enough to have a bigger garden, you won’t want your bench to be swamped by its surroundings. So in a setting like this, you may want to choose more of a bold statement piece like a teak garden Lutyens bench, with its distinctive design. Elegant and characterized by scroll arms and a slatted, arched back, it’s a popular choice for patios, gardens and similar outdoor spaces.
Color considerations
This is something else to think about. Are you looking for a neutral, calm tone or a pop of color which picks out the hues of blooms in nearby flower beds? Go for teak and you’ll have a golden honey-colored bench which acquires an equally elegant silvery grey patina over time – it stays looking smart for years, if not decades, and some people even prefer this shade to the original color.
How much comfort are you looking for?
Are you likely to be sitting on your bench for extended periods, reading or chatting? If so, you’ll want a model with a comfy back providing good support. Or, as mentioned, go for a reclined back.
Material choices
Again, there are different options and pros and cons to each. Plastic is affordable, low-maintenance and lightweight, but can fade, is not always comfortable and may look less elegant than some of the other choices. Metal is also lightweight and can be versatile, but can also feel scalding in summer or freezing in winter.
Teak, meanwhile, ages gracefully as mentioned, and is highly durable yet low-maintenance. This wood is rich in natural oils and has a tight grain, so it easily shrugs off the elements and insects and won’t warp, crack or become brittle.
This timber is also sustainable and can be recycled or repurposed, not that you’ll need or want to do either very often. Finally, teak also self-regulates its temperature, so this hardwood remains cool in summer and warm in winter, and is always comfortable to sit on.
Size matters
This may seem blindingly obvious, but it’s surprisingly easily forgotten. As a general rule of thumb, a bench that’s 130cm wide sits two people comfortably.
So whatever type of bench you’re looking for this summer, teak could be the natural choice of material as you create the ideal outdoor spot.