It takes time to create a beautiful sanctuary with the best garden furniture - now, why not take the time to sit back and admire it? Garden benches are a lovely practical and stylish way to add extra furniture to your outdoor space. Whether you place it by your flower patch and observe them blossom or under a tree to catch some shade in the summer. Benches are classic outdoor furniture that gets used much more than we expect.
There are many different types of benches to choose from. From traditional wood to rattan and steel, select a bench that would blend in best with your garden décor. Some benches come with built-in storage units and tables. So it would be a good idea to consider the purpose of the bench before purchasing.
Whether you want a front garden bench in your holiday cottage to admire the sea view, or a complementary bench that matches the rest of your garden furniture, there will be the perfect seating solution. And don't forget the plainest bench can be accessorised with specially designed garden bench cushions for a pop of colour.
Best garden benches shortlist:
• Best rattan garden bench: Apolima Bench
• Best garden bench with storage: Rowlinson Alderley Rattan Storage Bench
• Best aluminium garden bench: Aaliyah-Skye Aluminium Bench
• Best wooden bench: Java Teak Bench
• Best garden bench for style: Ahana Wooden Bench
When it comes to the design, perhaps you would like something traditional and sturdy - or maybe lightweight and bold? We have gathered a range of different benches covering all budgets, styles and shapes. And if you'd like to know more about maintaining your outdoor furniture, scroll to the FAQs at the end of the article.
Best garden benches
Best rattan garden bench
www.diy.com
Bend the rules Soften the hard lines of your patio in an instant with the rattan-effect curves of this Apolima Bench (W120cm). Complete with a cushion, you'll be cosy in no time. Also, there's a range of matching garden furniture available for a coordinated look.
Customer review: "Very sturdy and well made bench. It was delivered on the date and time expected, and only the legs needed to be attached. My husband put this together really quickly and all the pre drilled holes matched up no problem. Took less than 10 mins. The cushions are very comfortable and a colour that's easy to match with other cushions."
Pros
- Part of a matching range of outdoor furniture
- Stylish
- Cushion covers can be washed
Cons
- Can rust
| Dimensions: | D66 x H81cm |
| Material: | Synthetic rattan |
| Weight capacity: | 200kg |
Best garden bench with storage
www.wilko.com
Bottoms up! The Rowlinson Alderley Rattan Storage Bench (W120cm) cleverly combines outdoor seating with storage. It is the perfect bench for enjoying a morning coffee in the sun or an evening glass of wine under the stars. Practical yet stylish, the rattan weave is waterproof and the storage space has a 150 litre capacity.
Customer review: N/A
Pros
- Underseat storage
- Contemporary stylish
- Weatherproof
Cons
- No customer reviews
| Dimensions: | D60 x W120 x H 90cm |
| Material: | Hardwood timber, rattan effect weave |
| Weight capacity: | 150L |
Best aluminium garden bench
www.wayfair.co.uk
Whimsical wonder With its playful botanic design this Aaliyah-Skye Aluminium Bench adds a welcoming feature well-suited to a garden, balcony or patio. (W100cm). It's a pleasing antique style with a decorative rose pattern that will make halcyon nostalgia blossom in any tranquil garden.
Customer review: "Great small bench and ideal to fill a corner in the garden. The colour is perfect, fitting together is quite simple although the small spanner provided was not ideal. It looks good and at a very reasonable price with no delivery charges. Highly recommended."
Pros
- Made from long-lasting aluminium
- Beautifully decorative
- Great for a small garden
Cons
- None
| Dimensions: | D54 x W80 x H100cm |
| Material: | Aluminium |
| Weight capacity: | Not specified |
Best wooden bench
Chic teak For a classic look, this Java Teak Bench (W120cm) is a solid choice and has relaxation written all over it. Pair with a bright cushion to give it some pizazz. The wood has been oiled to give it some protection from the elements. Additionally, the teak comes from a sustainable source.
Customer review: "This is a great bench in many ways. The only issue we’ve had (since buying it a year ago) is that rainwater doesn’t drain off the seating slats. So, unless you cover it or wipe the rain off after a storm, the bench will weather more quickly."
Pros
- Sturdy
- Good quality
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not weatherproof
| Dimensions: | D55 x W120 x H92cm |
| Material: | Teak wood |
| Weight capacity: | Not specified |
Best garden bench for style
www.wayfair.co.uk
Provincial farmhouse This beautiful Ahana Wooden Bench (W117cm) would look lovely in any Barnhouse conversion or garden. The wide and gently curved armrests make it a pleasure to unwind on; feel yourself relax as those waves transport you to sunny days.
Customer review: "We just love this style of bench its very unusual shape at the back. The black gloss effect is very modern and suits our new recently renovated back garden. Its also very comfy to sit on too."
Pros
- Quality wood
- Attractive
Cons
- Needs assembling
| Dimensions: | D53.09 x W117.09 x H97.03cm |
| Material: | Acacia wood |
| Weight capacity: | 272.15kg |
Best metal bench
www.argos.co.uk
Steel the show Stylish and super-stable with its strong, steel frame, this Habitat Indu Metal Slatted Bench (W125cm) can seat up to three. With minimalist modernism written all over it, your garden can have designer flair on a budget. Additionally, the lightweight frame makes it easy to move... so you can reposition as you follow the sun around your garden.
Customer review: "Perfect medium sized bench to brighten up the patio. Characteristic high quality from Habitat. Nice colour options. Recommended."
Pros
- Durable metal
- Modern style
- Available in black, white, yellow and green
Cons
- Some customers have commented that the paint surface can get scratched
| Dimensions: | D61.5 x W124 x H86cm |
| Material: | Metal |
| Weight capacity: | 220kg |
Best wooden arbour
www.wayfair.co.uk
Enchanted corner Add a welcoming nook to a garden, backyard, conservatory and more with this Aarondeep Wooden Arbour (W133cm). The frame gives you a little protection from the elements so you can enjoy sitting out in your garden in all seasons.
Customer review: "Takes a while to fit together but all good in the end. If you’re going to paint it, recommend doing so prior to assembly."
Pros
- Sturdy
- Traditional and shade-giving
- Weather-resistant wood
Cons
- Some customers encountered issues assembling the arbour
| Dimensions: | D80 x W133 x H207.5cm |
| Material: | Wood |
| Weight capacity: | 200kg |
Best wrought iron arbour
www.wilko.com
Fairytale fantasy This lovely Charles Bentley wrought iron garden arch with a bench (W103cm) will add character to your garden. Perfect for cottagecore vibes, you could train clematis up the frame to create a picture-perfect secluded spot.
Customer review: "This is well made, easily assembled by one person and has created a beautiful sitting area in our garden. Very pleased indeed would highly recommend."
Pros
- Can train flowers over it
- Antique feel
- Rustproof paint
Cons
- Factor in how tall it is before you buy and position
| Dimensions: | D48 x W103 x H211cm |
| Material: | Metal |
| Weight capacity: | Not specified |
Best contemporary bench
www.archiproducts.com
Net it be Made from low-maintenance fibreglass polypropylene resins, this Nardi Net Bench (W116cm) just needs a wash with mild soap and rinse with water to keep it looking good. Architypal contemporary garden furniture never looked so good. It's a brilliant price for a piece that looks a lot more expensive with designer credentials.
Customer review: N/A
Pros
- Stunning contemporary moulded design
- Stackable
- Range of colours
Cons
- No customer reviews
| Dimensions: | D70 x W116 x H86cm |
| Material: | 100 per cent recyclable fiberglass resin |
| Weight capacity: | Not specified |
FAQs
How can I maintain my garden furniture?
The best way to make your furniture set last is to observe the changing weather and seasons carefully. All garden furniture sets will benefit from being covered up overnight in winter and even spring and summer when humidity is high and rain is common in the UK. Depending on the brand, you can buy garden furniture covers for your furniture when you first decide to buy or longer down the line. Furniture covers are sold in sizes and brands, so make sure you have the dimensions handy.
When it comes to cleaning your garden furniture, keeping things simple is the best way to keep it looking great year after year. If you have wooden or plastic furniture, the easiest, most effective, and cheapest way to clean your furniture is by using soapy water using a mild detergent or washing up liquid, and then using a brush or sponge to scrub it down. Simply rinse with a garden hose if you have one and leave it to dry in direct sunlight.
If you have stubborn stains, using a pressure washer will do the job if soapy water isn't doing the trick.
How do I secure garden furniture covers?
It is important to secure the furniture covers to ensure they are fastened in place, so they don’t get blown away by the wind. Most covers will come with a strap or cord to make sure they stay in place.
Start by measuring the height and size of your furniture to ensure you get a suitable cover.
To secure your cover, you will want to get it as low as possible without it dragging on the floor. Next, wrap the strap around the leg of the furniture to ensure it stays in position. Do this again for all the corners of the item.
As most covers are made in standard sizes and made to fit around different objects, it is best to get a cover that is slightly larger than what you need to ensure everything is neatly tucked in.
What to read next
Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice with a Modern Gardens Membership. Find out more about the benefits of being a Member now.