A Guide to Outdoor Benches

Considering a bench for your garden? Here are some tips that will help you get the right outdoor benches for your garden, park, yard or patio.

*Comfort is your first concern. Many outdoor benches are famous for the horrendous effect they can have on your tush! While we are not talking about cozy curling as on a plush cushion, there must be a minimum level of comfort so people can enjoy a cup of coffee or the morning newspaper or even sit for a relaxing chat on the bench without their rear going numb.

*Durability is equally important. You must choose benches that last long. Wood is a natural choice. However, wooden benches are expensive and tend to lose their luster after a while. They also need regular maintenance. This is why aluminum, steel and plastic are fast replacing wood. If your mind is set on buying outdoor benches made of wood, it is important to choose wood that weathers well. Cypress, teak and cedar are examples. Plastic and aluminum are generally weather resistant.

*Maintenance of outdoor benches can be a pain. Choose benches that have a minimum number of screws, nuts, bolts and angles. This keeps maintenance down.

*Beauty matters too. Outdoor benches are an added dimension to the decor of your home. So, you need to choose something that sits well with the rest of your decor. Benches in the garden, backyard or patio must look great. You are going to live with these for a long time and you do not want them to be an eyesore. So, it is wise to purchase a design, color and make that you are happy with. In most cases, people like to preserve the natural ambiance of the land using colors and styles that suit the place. Do not overlook the importance of the shape of your bench. In some cases, a simple, armless bench is the best while other settings can easily house a more elaborate design.

It is not hard to make your own outdoor benches. Many people who like to go the 'natural' way make use of rocks, granite, stones and bamboo to create beautiful outdoor benches. Stones and rocks last a long while and are a great way to preserve the earthy, unspoilt look of a green garden.

However, if you are not the type to build your own furniture, you can easily find shops that sell a plethora of outdoor benches. The Internet too is a great resource as it allows you to shop for the right bench without even stepping out of your house. There are no constraints in color, style and design when you shop online.

Regular maintenance is a must if you want to retain the beauty, life and looks of your outdoor furniture. Garden benches that are made of plastic, aluminum and steel may be washed with a mixture of warm water and soap. Brushing these benches regularly helps keep away soil or dirt deposits. Wooden benches require more stringent maintenance as they are prone to damage.