Garden Benches
A garden bench has a job to do before it ever gets sat on. It marks the end of a path, holds a quiet spot for someone you miss, or gives a porch somewhere to rest. This page helps you decide two things: how long the bench should be, and what kind of back suits the place and the people using it.
Curveback and contoured benches
A curved or contoured back follows the line of your spine and tends to suit long sits. These benches are good for a memorial spot or a reading corner, where people stay awhile. The treated pine curveback comes in two lengths and is made in the USA. The red cedar contoured bench adds a back to a gently shaped seat and comes in several sizes.
Royal Highback benches
The Royal Highback has contours in both the back and the seat, which the retailer describes as giving lumbar support. A tall back also gives a sense of enclosure. It suits a bench set against a hedge or wall, or anyone who wants comfort over a light look. It is the most substantial design here, so give it room.
English and Southern English benches
This is the classic garden bench, modelled on the English countryside designs. The straight, traditional shape fits a cottage garden, a lawn edge or a front path. The Southern English version is a variation on the theme. Choose one of these if you want a bench that looks as if it has always been there.
Heart, sweetheart and fanback benches
Decorative backs bring personality. The sweetheart benches have a hand-carved heart and scroll design, which makes them a natural fit for a memorial or anniversary gift. The heartback pine versions carry a similar motif. Fanback benches have a curved back and seat, and the Blue Mountain version is designed around comfort. The pine fanback is the stylish choice in that wood line.
American Classic and straightback benches
If you prefer a plainer look, these are the simpler shapes. The American Classic takes the garden benches of the 1930s and 40s and adds lower lumbar support. The straightback is described as hand crafted for timeless beauty and durability. Both work well on a porch or patio where a quiet design is wanted.
Small and multi-purpose benches
Not every spot needs a full backed bench. The 40 inch curved bench is small and handmade from solid red cedar, so it fits a narrow path or a porch corner. The stained red cedar benches are made to pair with picnic tables, and the retailer also suggests them as separate seats for a porch, patio or deck.
How to choose
- Measure the spot first. Lengths run from 40 inches to 6 feet. Leave space around the bench for walking and for the plants beside it.
- Match length to use. Four feet suits one or two people. Five and six feet suit more, or a path where the bench is a feature.
- Pick the back for the sitting time. Contoured and highback designs are built for comfort. Straight or decorative backs are more about looks.
- Think about the wood. The listings describe red cedar as naturally resistant to decay, insects and warping. Treated pine is described as wolmanized, and is the lower priced line.
- Consider the setting. A memorial spot may call for a heart motif. A busy porch may suit a simple, sturdy back.
Questions people ask
How long should a bench for a garden path be?
Four or five feet suits most paths. Go longer only if the path is wide enough to stay clear.
Is a high back worth it?
If people will sit for a while, a contoured or highback design is the more comfortable choice. For a short rest, a straight back is fine.
Which designs suit a memorial bench?
The heart and sweetheart designs carry an obvious sentiment. A plain English or classic bench is a quieter option.
How do I look after a wooden bench?
Follow the maker's manual and instructions. Check the retailer's listing for details on finishes and assembly.