Garden benches have a way of making every outdoor space feel inviting. They offer a practical place to sit and provide additional seating forgarden parties or barbecues.
A freestanding garden bench is the most popular option but a garden storage bench is perfect for smaller gardens where you can benefit from additional hidden space to stow outdoor accessories. Or, if you prefer a bit of gentle swaying, then a garden swing bench might be a better choice, while an arbour-style outdoor bench will enable you to trail plants around it – very Bridgerton-esque.
First and foremost, you need to decide the material of your bench. Many outdoor benches are made of wood, but there are also metal, plastic and rattan-effect styles on offer...
Wooden garden benches
With the right care, wooden garden benches can give you many years of enjoyment. The most common types of hardwood include oak, elm, acacia, mahogany and teak — a solid and well-wearing option. Cedar is also a good choice since it paints and stains well. Wooden garden benches will weather during the winter months, so we recommend picking up a cover and storing it safely. You might want to sand and repaint yours every few years to restore its appearance.
Metal garden benches
Metal benches are cost-effective and durable, although they can rust over time. While they are made to last, you will need to place a cushion down first as metal is not the most comfortable material. One plus side of buying a metal garden bench is that there are far more stylish options available — such as this bright yellow design from John Lewis.
Plastic garden benches
Long after wooden benches have rotted away, plastic benches will still look their best. It's cheap, low maintenance and will suffer little to no damage when kept outdoors. It's also a good material to choose if you have young children, as it can easily be wiped clean. You can also find some very modern designs on the market, including synthetic rattan garden benches, which are mostly made of plastic.
Best garden benches for 2024
On that note, browse some of our favourite styles below...
Forget old-fashioned wooden benches: this zingy green bench will add a pop of much-needed colour to your outdoor space. It has a steel frame and legs, plus a dense weave for added comfort.
This two-in-one garden bench ticks all the right boxes, offering both a place to sit and a nifty storage compartment. It is also durable, weather-resistant and maintenance fade-free, which offers you peace of mind.
Give your garden a Bridgerton feel with this arch-framed metal bench. Not only can it grow and support plants, but it has a high back to provide plenty of comfort. We also love the classic Arbour design, ideal for a more traditional feel.
Short on space? Add this two-seater garden bench to your shopping list ahead of summer. In a contemporary black colourway, it has smooth curves and an aluminium finish to protect it from all weathers.
Looking for something less traditional? This two-seater egg bench, designed in the same style as an egg chair, is the ultimate spot for cocooning. It comes with two small cushions and one larger seat pad.
Inject a burst of playfulness into your outdoor space with John Lewis' affordable metal garden bench in sunshine yellow. Durable and weather-resistant, it has been made of powder-coated steel and is small enough for cosy corners. Even just looking at it makes us smile.
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The Acacia Wood Garden Bench
Plant Theatre 2-Seater Hardwood Garden Sofa with Cushion
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The Acacia Wood Garden Bench
Plant Theatre 2-Seater Hardwood Garden Sofa with Cushion
Looking for an acacia wood garden bench? Settle down on a sunny day with your favourite cuppa on this gorgeous traditional bench. It feels classic, but is also wonderfully contemporary.
Swing into summer with this impressive hanging bench. Made from solid wood with teak oil, it offers a natural unfinished look with slatted details along the seat and back for a touch of classic charm.
You can never go wrong with a black garden bench. Made from a rattan effect and topped with one polyester seat cushion, it's a budget-friendly way to take your garden living space to the next level. Boasting a relaxed look, complete your lounging with outdoor cushions in playful prints and patterns.
Keep it cool and contemporary with this black garden bench. It's a far cry from the boring benches we're used to seeing. We love that it won't rust over time as it's made from durable powder-coated steel.
In classic grey, this affordable steel wicker garden bench from Argos offers comfort and simplicity. As well as being great value for money, it is both water-resistant and durable.
Designed for up to eight people, this elegant round tree bench is made from sturdy metal and has decorative integrated ornaments on the structure. If you have space, it can be placed around a tree trunk to create a relaxing place to sit.
Relaxing in the sunshine just got easier thanks to this rattan-effect bench from B&Q. Modern and elegant, it's perfect for creating a calming atmosphere. Pick up the matching egg chair to complete the look.
We're getting regal vibes from this decorative garden bench, which has its very own arch. Designed to appear like a garden structure, it creates an elegant support for climbing plants and is the perfect place to unwind outdoors.
With an elegant appearance, this black metal outdoor bench will add a chic touch of character to your garden. Complete the look with an outdoor cushion or cosy throw and some solar-powered string lights.