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Garden benches make a wonderful addition to your outdoor space. Available in a variety of designs, from traditional to more modern styles, the best models will enhance your surroundings and provide an area to relax.
How We Compared Garden Benches
To find the right garden benches, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Material
- Size and Capacity
- Design
- Weatherproofing
- Ease of Cleaning
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Garden Bench Reviews
Kingfisher 3 Seater (Editor’s Choice)
Our top pick and Editor’s Choice is this beautiful solid wood model. With its sturdy design and generous seating area, this product will look great in any garden and is perfect for relaxing in the great outdoors.
The Kingfisher Garden Bench is a three-seater, so there’s plenty of space for you and your loved ones to enjoy the fresh air together. It is made from resilient timber hardwood treated with oil to enhance its longevity. This material protects against fading to ensure the natural-looking brown colour remains true for many years. It also creates a smooth surface for comfort.
Measuring 95 x 149 x 68cm, this model is a good size that will make a beautiful feature in your outside space. It is weatherproof, but the manufacturer recommends treating the wood further if it will be in the elements all year round. The product comes flat-packed; however, it can be easily assembled as all the hardware and tools are included in the box.
Pros:
- Beautiful traditional design
- Made from solid wood
- Space for 3-4 people
- Pre-treated with oil
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- The wood may be prone to cracks
- It might arrive with some hardware missing
Lifetime Convertible (Luxury Choice)
If you want a versatile option that combines comfort and practicality, then our luxury pick could be just what you’re looking for. This model boasts a clever design that can be easily converted from a bench to a picnic table in just a few seconds.
The Lifetime Convertible is crafted from a combination of strong stainless steel and weatherproof polystyrene for durability. The materials are resistant to damage from UV rays and will not crack, peel or chip over time. Therefore, this 2-seater bench is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy it in all seasons.
Thanks to its quick and easy set-up, this item is simple to use even if you are assembling it alone. Once put together, the backrest can be folded down to create a handy tabletop to enjoy some lunch in the sun with loved ones. Moreover, if you have a large family or like to entertain, you can purchase two and use them in combination as a full-sized picnic bench.
Pros:
- Convertible design
- Made from durable materials
- 2-seater capacity
- Simple to assemble
- Two items can be combined
Cons:
- It could be prone to rust
- The seat boards might warp in cold weather
KD & JAY Vintage Look (Best Value)
If you want a simple and attractive option, then our Best Value pick is worth checking out. This model features a gorgeous antique look with an ornate appearance that could double as a piece of art in your garden.
The KD & JAY bench is crafted from metal with a deep grey hue. The ornamented arm and backrests boast a detailed design that looks beautiful alone but can also be combined with cushions to enhance comfort and style.
This item measures 46 x 149 x 93cm, so it is a decent size that should be able to accommodate two people easily. The tough metal construction is naturally durable and resilient for year-round use. It requires a basic assembly level upon delivery, but most users found this to be straightforward.
Pros:
- Traditional vintage design
- Ornate decorative features
- Deep grey colour
- Durable metal construction
- Large enough to seat two people
Cons:
- It could be prone to rust
- It may have a few sharp edges
Keter Eden (Best Dual Purpose)
Our best dual-purpose pick is ideal if you have many garden tools, equipment or games for children and often struggle to stow them. This model is cleverly crafted with integrated storage to keep your outdoor space tidy and organised.
The Keter Eden bench features a wood-panelled design that looks great in any garden. It can provide seating for up to two adults and is sturdy enough to support up to 200kg. It is made from rigid plastic, which is weather-resistant, durable and requires little to no maintenance.
The 265L storage area is located under the seat. This can also be locked if you have valuables that you wish to protect from potential thieves. No matter the weather, all your items will be kept dry yet well-ventilated while in storage, ready for their next use.
Pros:
- Wood-panelled design
- Sits two adults
- Lockable 265L storage area
- Weather-resistant
- Supports up to 200kg
Cons:
- The assembly process might be tricky
- It may have some rough edges
Grand Patio (Best Modern)
Our best modern pick is an excellent choice if you’re a fan of contemporary style in your garden. Featuring a metal construction in a bright yellow colour, it will make a beautiful addition to your outdoor furniture collection.
The Grand Patio garden bench is crafted from powder-coated iron, known for its durable, weatherproof qualities. This material is strong and resistant to rust, which makes it perfect for all-season use. Thanks to its strength, this model has an impressive maximum load capacity of up to 300kg, so up to three medium-sized adults can sit at once.
With its detailed design, the backrest catches the eye and brings a summery feel to your outdoor space. The curved armrests and slatted seat fit your body contours for a supremely comfortable experience. Furthermore, if you are planning to place this bench on your patio, non-slip pads under the legs will protect the surface from scratches.
Pros:
- Beautiful, bright design
- Made from powder-coated iron
- Resistant to rust
- Supports up to 300kg
- Non-slip foot pads
Cons:
- The paint could be prone to chips
- It may arrive with bolts missing
Lazy Susan (Best for Sturdiness)
For toughness, our best sturdy pick is a top choice. This model is crafted from cast aluminium, known for its durability and has an antique bronze colour for an attractive retro look.
The Lazy Susan is a two-seater bench designed for optimum comfort. Its backrest has a latticed style that supports your body while reclining, and the sturdy armrests have a slightly curved shape that fits your contours. It is comfortable to use without a cushion, but you can also choose to add one if you prefer.
This model is simple to clean with just a damp cloth, so you can easily keep it looking its best between uses. The metal structure will not rust or warp in wet or very cold weather, so it requires almost no maintenance. This model is also simple to assemble, so you can start enjoying your garden in no time.
Pros:
- Attractive antique design
- Made from cast aluminium
- Two-seater capacity
- Highly-durable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The bronze finish may wear off
- It might be a little wobbly
VonHaus 2 Seater (Best for Relaxation)
This model is a top choice for lazy days in the summer sun. It is made from a combination of sturdy metal and flexible fabric for comfort and durability.
The VonHaus 2-seater bench comes in a subtle deep grey hue that effortlessly coordinates with your other garden furniture. The soothing gliding mechanism allows you to sit in the fresh air, gently swinging back and forth as you relax. The textoline fabric mesh is easy to clean and feels comfortable to sit on.
This model has a strong frame that is powder-coated for extra resilience. The maximum load capacity of 160kg is suitable for most users, so you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones. This model can also be easily assembled, thanks to detailed instructions.
Pros:
- Durable and comfortable
- Gentle swaying motion
- Textoline mesh
- Easy to clean
- 160kg load capacity
Cons:
- The seat could bend under heavy weight
- The screw covers might pop off
How to Choose a Garden Bench
With so many choices on the market, locating the best garden bench for you can be challenging. Read our buyer’s guide below to determine what features to look out for before taking your pick.
Material
When choosing a garden bench, the construction material is one of the most important considerations to keep in mind. Iron and powder-coated stainless steel are the more robust choices, especially if you plan to use them all year round. Some reinforced plastic options can also be fairly durable, although they may be at risk of cracks in freezing weather. Traditional, solid wood benches can be a great choice, but check if they have been treated with a protective oil first to ensure longevity.
Size and Capacity
Of course, the size and seating capacity of your chosen bench will play a big part in whether or not you get the most out of it. If you have a large family or like to host garden parties with friends, it makes sense to opt for the biggest model you can reasonably accommodate. Alternatively, if it’s just yourself and a partner who plans to use it, then a more compact option will suit just fine. Don’t forget to check the maximum load capacity before buying, as some lightweight choices may buckle under the weight of larger individuals.
Design
The right design for your needs depends upon your own taste and garden decor. Traditional iron and wooden models have a timeless, vintage feel that can look great in any quaint flower garden. Other more modern options with bright tones or a textile or plastic construction can suit more contemporary, minimalistic garden styles.
Weatherproofing
With unpredictable weather, so it goes without saying that weatherproofing is a crucial factor to consider when buying. Look out for pre-treated woods, powder-coated metals and stainless steel that should have good resistance to rain, cold and rusting.
Ease of Cleaning
Wooden benches that have not been varnished and sealed may be more challenging to clean than plastic, fabric or metal options. Some models are coated with a sealant or smoothing paint that can be simply wiped clean, but make sure you check the recommendations before purchasing.
Summary
Our Editor’s Choice and overall favourite is the Kingfisher 3 Seater. This model stood out thanks to its traditional and beautiful design and generous capacity. The solid wood construction is sturdy, reliable and pre-treated with oil for additional longevity, so it is suitable for use all year round. It is also easy to assemble, which is a welcome bonus for those who hate DIY.
Kelly is an expert in consumer product research, which is very important when it comes to finding the most useful and aesthetically pleasing items for your home. This became her passion after finding it very time-consuming to wade through all the product information online.
She has a keen attention to detail which she brings to her articles, Kelly’s goal is to help you find what you need without spending too much time searching for it.