How to choose a bench made of wood: type of wood, size parameters, shape and style content

Classification of garden benches

In fact, this element of landscape design is represented by a huge assortment. Therefore, in order to organize wooden benches, they were divided into three main categories:

1. Street. Its main content is high functionality. As for the shapes and variety of styles, this category cannot boast of a wide range.
2. Garden. More often these are openwork structures that are mainly aesthetic, taking into account full compliance with the landscape design. They are the ones most often used to arrange functional spaces in the garden.
3. Country houses. This group is the most diverse. The purpose of use is the arrangement of a summer cottage, regardless of its size. That is, the market today offers both small benches and huge ones for several people. As for the form, there are even more proposals.

The following type of classification divides benches into two positions:

1. Stationary , which are firmly installed in a certain place.
2. Mobile , which can be easily carried by hand. This is the most popular model because with its help you can equip any area of ​​the dacha at your discretion.

Stationary type bench Source svoimirykamiinfo.ru
Another classification group is by location. There are four positions here:

1. Front doors. Often these structures are made of several materials: wood, metal and concrete; today, composites are used instead of concrete. These are very beautiful products that are installed in front of the house, emphasizing the wealth of the owner.
2. Dining . Usually these are small benches that are installed around a table somewhere near the barbecue area. Their main task is to create convenience in the process of eating. For their manufacture, various types of wood are used, hence the huge range of models in terms of price of products.
3. Wooden benches that are installed near open reservoirs . They are made from moisture-resistant wood, which is additionally treated with protective compounds. Not the cheapest option for country furniture.
4. Seasonal. Usually these are mobile elements made of durable wood.

Type of wooden dining benches Source static.wixstatic.com
It should be noted that all of the above benches are made only from wood species that can resist the negative effects of natural loads for a long time. These are oak, walnut, cherry, and coniferous trees. The production process is based not only on the manufacture of products. The raw material goes through several cycles of special processing, where it is necessary to impregnate the wood with compounds that increase resistance to the negative effects of moisture. The finished products are additionally treated with colorless varnish or special moisture-resistant paints.

Styles and designs of benches

The choice of style solutions in which modern benches are made is varied. This is due to the fact that in addition to its main practical function, the bench plays the role of an element of landscape design.

The main styles of benches coincide with the main styles in space design. For example, there are deliberately rough-looking wooden benches in country style that will fit perfectly into a standard summer cottage with a wooden house. Benches with cast iron elements and ornate patterns are suitable for creating a strict and even somewhat solemn atmosphere.

The designs of the benches are also varied.

Benches without a back are the simplest and most uncomplicated. Currently their popularity is low. Classic benches with a back are much more convenient for relaxation, since you can lean on them and relax.

Classic benches with a built-in table are convenient for eating outdoors. This design can also be used for outdoor board games, drawing or reading a book more conveniently.

Benches with a canopy allow you to hide from the scorching sun or drizzling rain and relax in the fresh air, regardless of weather conditions.

Modular benches are becoming increasingly popular. The types of modular benches are very diverse. Their main distinguishing feature is the ability to transform, change shape by adding or detaching modules or individual parts of the bench. A tabletop can be pulled out from such a bench for a snack in nature, and the modular bench can also be folded, taking up much less space.

How to choose a garden bench

There are no special strict selection criteria. Each dacha owner decides for himself what he likes. But landscape designers offer several positions that would be good to consider:

• The size of the garden so that the benches in it look harmonious.
• Wood species.
• Dimensions of the bench and its shape.
• A purely wooden bench or combined with other materials.

Shape and size - selection criteria Source modernplace.ru
For example, if the garden is small, then small wooden benches will look great in it. You can use a combined version with metal openwork elements. But in no case with concrete inserts. It is better to install the latter where there is an alpine slide, a fountain, or blocks of stones.

As for wood species, here are some recommendations:

1. Pine is a light wood with beautiful color and texture. Over the years, the texture and color only become more attractive. The lumber itself is inexpensive, hence the low price of the shops. The only negative is that it does not withstand mechanical loads well.
2. Acacia. One of the strongest wood species. But, unfortunately, it is not friendly with moisture. Therefore, such benches are bought to equip a terrace or gazebo.
3. Cedar. One of the most expensive types of wood that absorbs moisture. But after drying it does not crack or deform.
4. Teak. This wood is very expensive, so it is not used for outdoor furniture, although some companies accept custom orders. Teak is a wood that is not only hard, but also moisture-resistant, that is, it does not absorb moisture, and this is what is needed for the street. Moreover, over time its strength only increases.

Bench made of moraine pine Source st44.stpulscen.ru
It should be noted that gazebos are being built in almost all summer cottages today. And without furniture this structure is useless. Of course, you can install a table with chairs, but sitting on the latter for a long time is tiring. But a bench in a gazebo is an ideal option. Especially if you choose the right shape and size, and also pay attention to the angle of inclination of the back of the bench. Because this parameter creates comfort in using this piece of furniture.

Typically, a gazebo is equipped with furniture that is identical in design. For example, if a rustic style is chosen, then the benches should be simple in design without any frills, plus aged. For this, in principle, you can use lumber that has been lying outside for a long time under the sun, rain and snow. Benches made from wooden pallets are very popular today as a reminder that any building material can be used. The main thing is to turn on your imagination.

Wooden benches for gazebos Source fotokrasnogorsk.ru

Larger benches are often used for gazebos. They must be stationary with high backs and wide seats. As for the size of a bench with a back, here is what experts recommend:

• The height of the bench is 405-455 mm above floor level. If it is equipped with a pillow, then this size should be reduced by half the thickness of the soft element.
• Seat depth – 380-450 mm.
• The width is determined by the number of people for whom the bench is made. But for one seated person you need to allocate 405-510 mm. It should be noted that the width parameter can be changed if the task is to choose something compact, or vice versa, something non-standard. Therefore, the width of the bench can be increased or decreased by 50-76 mm.
• The angle of the seat to the backrest may not be 90°. It can be tilted towards the back at an angle of 5-8° if a soft pillow is not intended to be used.
• The height of the backrest varies in the range of 500-510 mm - this is for benches that are constantly used in everyday life. Although this parameter is not limited in any way, these sizes are considered optimal in terms of back comfort. But no one forbids making the back lower or higher.

All sizes are recommendations Source 1landscapedesign.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in sports grounds for private homes

But it is better to set the backrest angle in the range from 5° to 15°. But pay attention to the fact that the greater the backrest angle, the greater the seat angle should be. If you give preference to benches with armrests, then the height of the latter should be 180-230 mm. The only thing you need to pay attention to when choosing this piece of furniture is with armrests, so that the latter can fit freely under the tabletop. As for the dimensions of the armrests, their width is 50 mm, length 200 mm.

Note! The bench dimensions indicated above are just guidelines.

And yet some priorities need to be set. For example, a bench made of timber is a bench with several seats. Although it will be massive, it will withstand serious loads. As for the design features, the base for the seat is first created. Timber is used here. Then the resulting product is installed on at least four legs. They are also made from timber. But the seat flooring is boards. The longer the bench, the more crossbars must be installed in the frame.

Type of fastening connection - bolts Source redplastic.ru

There are several ways to attach elements to each other: long self-tapping screws, metal perforated elements in the form of corners, strips and others, pins and glue. Such powerful structures, if properly used, will last at least 50 years. And if they are periodically coated with protective compounds and varnishes, then their service life doubles or triples.

In this regard, a bench made of boards is inferior. Simple design, unpretentious appearance, low strength characteristics, and this is an incomplete list. But of all the options offered, this is the cheapest. It wouldn’t be a shame to throw away such a bench or burn it in the fireplace if it has served you for 10-15 years. Replacing it with a new one is minimal cost. At the same time, you always have the opportunity to reconstruct the product, making it practically new.

And yet, two types of lumber - timber and board - are used today in the process of making benches in a complex. This not only increases the reliability of the design and increases the service life, but also reduces its cost.

Material

The frame of the most common benches is made of profiled metal pipe, aluminum or steel. The seat and backrest are made of coniferous trees, using timber of standard sizes 80mmX50mm, 60mmX30mm and 100mmX50mm. Such products are classified as budget products; they are inexpensive and functional. Wood must be treated with special impregnations that protect against mechanical wear, exposure to the external environment, insects and fire.

A concrete park bench, usually monolithic, will last for decades. They do not rot or corrode. Another advantage is the large weight of the product; carrying it is quite problematic. Modern processing means make it possible to produce concrete benches of original shapes and colors.

Cast iron benches in park areas, on boulevards or alleys of public gardens can become a real decoration of the landscape. Pretentious shapes of supports, backs and armrests allow you to create or support any style, from classic to modern. Both artistic forging and casting are used. A properly painted product will last for many years without requiring special care.

Wooden benches are very popular. They are environmentally friendly, have a fairly presentable appearance, create an atmosphere of comfort, and fit perfectly into any landscape. Light weight makes them mobile. Disadvantages include the weak resistance of wood to unfavorable environments and mechanical stress (vandalism), the need for constant care of the product (touching up, minor repairs).

The combination of materials, as well as the shape of the benches themselves, is different:

• Aluminum support. The seat is made of textiles, plastic, wood. Such benches are also suitable for a suburban area or a small garden.
• Concrete support. A good option for public places, the seat can be “insulated” with wood. Modern pigments allow you to experiment with colors, adding attractiveness and liveliness to benches.
• Cast iron support. Forged ornate shapes will decorate any park.
• Wooden support. Available, cheap, but short-lived material. Special treatment significantly increases the service life of such supports, but does not completely eliminate fungal damage, rotting or swelling of the wood. The most commonly used wood is pine and larch, as they are the most resistant to environmental influences.

Modern technologies make it possible to use not only natural materials. Designers give free rein to their imagination, decorating parks and squares with benches of unusual shapes and bright colors made of polymers.

Benches for baths

Wooden benches are an integral attribute of a bathhouse. And this is understandable, because only wood can heat up, but not burn. As with garden shops, there is a huge range in terms of sizes and shapes. Today everyone can find something special. But in any case, the main thing for such products is ease of use and durability.

The only thing you need to pay attention to is the material from which the bench will need to be made. The thing is that high temperatures and humidity can cause the release of tree resin. It will not only spoil the appearance of the piece of furniture, but also make it impossible to use.

Wooden bench for a bath Source vosaduly.ru

Therefore, it is recommended to use the following types of wood for the manufacture of bathhouse benches:

1. Linden. Wood that heats up slowly does not crack under the influence of changes in humidity and temperature. Easily processed. The only drawback is that it gets dark over time.
2. Aspen . Excellent material that has healing properties. True, over time it loses its attractive appearance.
3. Abashi. Beautiful structure, heats up slowly, does not change its appearance during operation.

Attention! It is prohibited to use softwood benches in the bathhouse.

As for design features, there are no special prohibitions. But experts recommend that before ordering benches for the bathhouse, it would be good to decide on the height of the bench, the width and other dimensional indicators. First of all, they should be comfortable, because the bathhouse is a relaxation area.

The main functional feature of bath furniture is convenience Source profsaunastroy.ru

Park, street and garden models

In addition to the variety of materials, the installation location plays an important role. It largely determines the appearance and dimensions of the structure itself.

Park options

Park models are designed for installation in recreation areas in parks. Such benches allow you to relax in the fresh air in comfort, and also support the weight of several people. As a rule, models are equipped with a backrest and allow you to take the most comfortable position.

The strength of park benches deserves special attention. At night, attempts at vandalism are possible, so for the durability of the products it is recommended to use durable metal or concrete. Such structures can last for several decades, despite attempts by hooligans to damage them.

Benches on the street

Street benches are somewhat different. They are usually installed along sidewalks, near landmarks, and at bus stops. Such designs are intended for short-term recreation. They are characterized by extreme simplicity (as a rule, identical street benches are installed throughout the city). Like park models, street benches are highly durable and last a long time.

Garden models

Garden benches are considered the most elegant. Each owner of a private home can choose the most suitable model. Typically, combinations of materials are used in production. In recent years, garden benches made of concrete have become very popular.

The use of architectural concrete has made it possible to create real works of art, distinguished by practicality, strength, and durability. The technology allows you to give the material the required color.

If strength and durability are important for general use, then comfort is important for individual use. First you need to decide what kind of structure is needed: stationary or portable. Naturally, the portable one should be made of lightweight materials (wood or plastic). But most often it is stationary models that are used. They are installed in gazebos and become an integral part of the garden or recreation area.

When choosing garden benches, you should take into account the features of the remaining elements: a bench made of architectural concrete or other material can be both a continuation of the main style and the main motif.

Stationary or mobile

The choice in this category depends on what the area where it is decided to install the benches will be like. If this is a stationary area, for example, a barbecue, then the optimal solution is stationary models. Changing this area over the years will be harmful, so you should immediately install the benches in a certain place and not touch them.

If the recreation area does not have a permanent location, then it would be right to purchase mobile models. In this case, it becomes possible to purchase inexpensive benches. To extend their service life, in rainy and snowy weather the furniture is moved to a gazebo, under a canopy or to a barn. And one moment. It is better to purchase mobile benches if the site is not yet completely ready, but you really want to have a good and comfortable time.

Main types of benches

Based on the general style of the landscape, the architecture of the building, and the materials used in the arrangement, several modern types of benches are distinguished:

• for any weather
• with a table
• designer
• with backrest

Benches with backs are the most common; there are a huge number of variations in materials and appearance.

Designers distinguish between single and group designs. Simple benches, massive structures made from sawing logs, unusual solutions made from stone and natural wood have not lost their relevance in the modern world.

A wooden bench with elements of a metal structure looks more impressive and openwork, thanks to its smooth curves and curls.

Bench

An ordinary garden bench performs many functions. Its placement is appropriate almost anywhere. Such an accessory can serve as a temporary stand, saving you if there is a lack of seating for lunch in the fresh air. Several small U-shaped benches will ideally fill any space. The mobility of these products is another advantage of a simple solution.

Traditionally, the most popular are benches made of wood.

With backrest

Models with a back are often made on a forged frame. Such items will decorate a spacious garden, an area near a pond, or a place next to a path. The back of a decorative bench will attract the attention of all guests and create an extraordinary area, complementing the landscape around it.

You can also use additional pillows, thanks to which sitting on such a bench is a pleasure.

Photos of wooden benches with backs amaze with their diversity. Variations from modest to vintage, from practical to avant-garde, mixed styles, all of them will be comfortable, convenient pieces of outdoor furniture.

The wooden components of the bench must be covered with a layer of moisture-repellent coating.

With a table

Models in this category are wise to use for relaxing by the pool, at the dacha, in places where hand luggage in the form of keys, phones, drinks needs to be put somewhere. Also convenient would be the option of two benches with a table top in the middle for a small crowd.

The bench is strong and light enough for two people to move it to any corner of the garden.

For any weather (with canopy)

A continuation of the bench with a table is a structure with a canopy made of polycarbonate; this solution looks like a full-fledged gazebo, providing shelter from rain in bad weather.

A bench with a canopy can be considered as an analogue of a mini gazebo.

You can consider a hinged swing in the form of a bench with an awning and two tables on the sides, convenient in hot weather and in cool weather.

Bench swings will decorate any garden and become a place of leisure for the whole family.

Designer

The design solutions of modern benches are stunning with incredible shapes, materials, and style.

A bench can be an elegant accent that complements the beauty of the garden.

Classic products are represented by forging, high-tech products are made from cast forms of plastic, concrete, and solid wood products. The artist’s imagination gives the models streamlined shapes or angular asymmetry. Carved benches emphasize originality and hospitality.

Beautiful and elegant models are placed in front of the entrance to the house or along the main alley of the garden plot.

Possible other types

There are entire companies on the market that develop interiors for landscape design. Our team of designers designs exclusive solutions for comfort and style. So you can note the incredible benches made of wood with branches left, long benches running along the fence of flower beds, or encircling the dining area.

Benches made of bamboo and rattan constitute a separate category of decorative garden arrangement.

Rules for caring for benches

It is clear that the main thing that wooden products need to be protected from is moisture. That is why it is recommended to purchase mobile products for your dacha. It is easier to move them to a dry place, thereby preserving them longer. Of course, there are protection options for stationary structures as well. They, for example, can be covered with waterproof polymer or rubberized film.

And yet, when buying benches, you need to pay attention to the material from which they are made. Ideally, it would be wood that absorbs water in minimal quantities. The latter causes wood to rot.

In the factory, benches are coated with protective compounds, varnishes or paints. If a piece of garden furniture was purchased on the market from a private entrepreneur, then all protective operations will have to be carried out independently. It should also be noted that garden benches made of wood will have to be periodically cleaned of old coatings and new ones applied. You need to be prepared for this.

Wooden benches require constant maintenance Source cdn.pixabay.com

Attention! If you noticed that some part of the bench began to rot, then replace it immediately. The rot will certainly spread to other elements.

The sun also has a negative effect on wood. Therefore, wooden benches should be moved to the shade in summer. For stationary models, umbrellas are installed.

The next recommendation is to periodically tighten the fasteners. During operation they will weaken, and this will reduce operational safety.

Benches made from a combination of materials

Very often, park benches are made from a combination of materials. For example, the base is made of concrete or metal, and the back and seat are made of wood. The combination of materials is explained by the desire to provide convenience for people. The tree warms up much faster, so you can sit on it in the fall or spring in cool weather. If you sit on cold metal or concrete, health problems often cannot be avoided.

There are also more modern options. For example, concrete and plastic, metal and polymers are widely used. Metal and concrete provide the structure with sufficient strength, and plastic or wood are responsible for comfort.

Briefly about the main thing

To summarize all of the above, it should be noted that despite the apparent simplicity of choosing garden benches, it should be noted that in fact this is not a simple matter. The range of garden furniture is huge, there are plenty of offers on the market. That's why consumers are stunned when they have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety. This means that you must first decide what you want, and then go shopping. The best option is to consult with professional designers who will sort out the landscape design, where there is always a place for wooden benches.

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Wooden bench without a single nail

And here is an example of a very beautiful and original bench, in which there is not a single nail or screw.

It is very simple to do, although it requires some special equipment. First, all elements are cut.

And then, using clamps and templates, the parts are glued together in a checkerboard pattern.

You will need a lot of clamps, including several large ones, so this project is only suitable for those who have an impressive set of carpentry tools.

All irregularities and slightly protruding parts of the parts must be removed with a grinding machine to obtain a smooth surface, which should then be finished.

Why do we love spending time in the garden so much? For leisurely walks, for a calm, peaceful holiday and the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding nature. Coziness and comfort in a country area is created by many elements of furniture and decor, one of which is a garden bench.

Landscape designers skillfully use garden benches to beautify a summer cottage and create complex compositions. Therefore, when choosing the ideal bench that will meet all the requirements, you need to take into account the characteristics of the site, the architectural style of the house and the functions assigned to the garden bench.

Content

1. Garden bench - decorating a summer cottage video
2. The optimal place to place a garden bench
3. Multifunctional, mobile or stationary garden benches video video
4. Variety of garden benches: advantages and disadvantages of materials used
   wooden garden benches
5. metal garden benches
6. stone garden benches
7. plastic garden benches
8. combined garden benches
9. Tips for choosing a garden bench style and color

Garden bench - decoration of a summer cottage

In park and garden art, benches have always been not only a place to relax, but also a significant element of garden decoration. They complement and continue the overall architectural composition of the suburban area, the main element of which is the house.

Arranging a garden should be approached in the same way as decorating a house. All items should be as comfortable, practical and in harmony with the surrounding landscape as possible. After all, a garden is the same house located in the open air.

Today, the range of garden benches is very diverse - they are made from different materials, different styles and shapes, and are also equipped with additional functions.

When choosing this or that model of garden bench (you can buy it ready-made or to order), you need to take into account a number of basic criteria:

• beautiful appearance - the bench should fit harmoniously into the overall design of the garden;
• ease of use - you need to think about the location of the garden bench in advance;
• safety is an important parameter, especially if there are small children in the house (the bench should not easily turn over and have visible defects);
• practicality - it’s good if the bench does not require special care, and the material is resistant to temperature changes and adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, hail, gusts of wind);
• service life directly depends on the quality of the work performed and the materials used.

The optimal place to place a garden bench

Before purchasing a bench, decide on its location. This is important because there are situations when you bought the first bench you liked, and then it turns out that there is no suitable place to place it, or the style of the bench does not at all correspond to the landscape direction of the garden.

Of course, installing a bench provides for the presence of recreation areas on the site, which add uniqueness to the garden. The best place to relax is a quiet, cozy place in the garden, which offers a beautiful view of unusual plants or interesting objects on the site.

Garden benches would also be appropriate along long paths or where they end. After a leisurely walk, it will be nice to sit on a beautiful bench. More often, benches or benches along paths are placed in areas with a large area.

To install a bench on the lawn, you need to provide a geoframework or a special mesh (spreads on the surface of the lawn to prevent it from being trampled). However, it is better to place the garden bench in a paved area.

A bench placed near a green hedge, a decorative arch, or near an artificial pond with a fountain or waterfall will look great (no one has ever gotten tired of watching water).

Avid garden lovers will be able to take a break on a bench with a backrest located closer to the garden plot. You can place a “waiting bench” near the entrance to the house, where you can receive guests or place shopping bags.

The location of the bench may also depend on the season: it is better to place a summer bench on the north side of the site or place it in the shade of branchy trees, and an autumn-spring bench - in a place where the sun's rays most often shine.

In order to determine the optimal place to install a bench, you can sit on a chair or rocking chair in different places in the garden (about two hours in each place) - this way it’s easier to understand where it is most comfortable and pleasant to be.

Multifunctional, mobile or stationary garden benches

If we consider benches according to their functionality, they can be divided into two types:

• benches intended exclusively for sitting;
• benches that can be used for sitting and practical purposes (dining table or desk, swing, gazebo, etc.).

An interesting option for a multifunctional bench are transformable benches that can easily be turned into a desk. The bench is divided into several sections, each of which is movable. This model is suitable for practical people who want to save space even in the garden. If necessary, you can place a laptop on the open “table top” of the bench and work not in a stuffy room, but surrounded by nature.

For a small area, a garden bench that transforms into a dining table would be an excellent solution. Despite its small dimensions when folded, it is quite roomy and you can safely receive guests at such a table.

It is very convenient if the bench has several drawers in which you can store children's toys, household items, books or magazines.

Recently, swing benches, made of various materials and having different shapes, have become increasingly popular. It is very practical if the bench is equipped with a canopy that protects from rain and sun. A bench-swing will help you relax after a working day, and will bring a feeling of romance and harmony into the environment. Small gardeners will also appreciate such a swing.

Garden benches for a dacha can be installed permanently - it will always be on the site, so the requirements for its strength are high. The bench must retain its original appearance in all weather conditions, so most often the basis for their creation is metal, stone or the strongest types of wood.

A mobile folding bench or bench is an option for those who do not spend a lot of time at the dacha. When you leave, you can hide it in your house or garage, as the models have a folding mechanism. Some folding benches are so compact in size that they can easily fit into the trunk of a car.

Of course, mobile benches are not a defining element of landscape design; their main advantage is mobility. More often they are made of plastic or have a steel frame and a wooden seat.

Variety of garden benches: advantages and disadvantages of materials used

wooden garden benches

The most popular material for creating garden benches is wood, which has a warm texture and good performance characteristics. Wooden garden benches will decorate any garden plot, regardless of its style.

Summer residents often make wooden benches on their own, since wood is easy to process, unlike metal or stone.

It is better to choose garden benches made from tree species that are resistant to rotting: larch, hazel, cherry, oak and conifers. An outdoor wooden bench must be coated with paint or varnish - this will protect the material from environmental influences and insects.

Depending on the territory of the garden and the location of the planned recreation area, wooden benches of various shapes are chosen.

Large manufacturers often offer collections of garden furniture made from wood. The cost of finished products directly depends on the value of the wood used. It should be noted that the high cost of wooden benches is perhaps their only drawback.

metal garden benches

Garden benches made of metal are particularly strong and durable. This option is perfect for using the bench all year round. An additional advantage of metal benches is that they do not require complex maintenance (they just need to be periodically treated with an anti-corrosion mixture).

A bench made entirely of metal can weigh down the space and look uncomfortable or heavy. Therefore, as an alternative to metal benches, more “airy”, patterned - forged benches are often installed.

Forged products are now at the peak of popularity among summer residents and owners of country houses. Benches made of bent metal will look good in an open space, against a green hedge, by a pond, or just in front of the house. Depending on the landscape design of the garden, you can choose all kinds of patterns.

To make forged and metal benches more comfortable, soft pillows and mattresses are often placed on them, which are attached with decorative ropes to the seat of the bench. A warm mattress is an indispensable thing in spring and autumn, when even on cloudy days you want to spend more time outdoors.

stone garden benches

Adherents of solidity and practicality often prefer stone garden benches for their summer cottages. An inexpensive option is to make a bench from untreated stone. A more expensive option is ready-made models made of quartz, colored or white marble, and coarse-grained granite. Such benches will last for several decades.

The main advantages of stone benches: durability, reliability, strength and aesthetic appeal. Although, it should be noted that benches made of cold material will not “fit” into any landscape design of a suburban area.

Most often, garden benches made of stone are made without a back, in the form of benches.

plastic garden benches

The most affordable, economical option is garden benches made of plastic. They have a number of advantages:

• lightness of design - can be easily moved from one place to another;
• efficiency;
• a variety of colors - important for harmonious combination with the overall design of the garden;
• There are “folding-collapsible” models - convenient for transportation.

Plastic benches also have some disadvantages:

• low decorative and aesthetic properties of plastic;
• less durable compared to benches made from other materials, which explains their short service life.

It is better to refrain from buying a bench made of cheap plastic - such material is easily flammable, releasing substances harmful to the human body into the environment

combined garden benches

In country and garden areas you can often see combined benches that combine the positive qualities of different materials. The most popular combinations are: wood + stone and wood + metal. In such combinations, wood adds softness to the structure, and metal and stone add the necessary strength. Combined models look quite impressive and will definitely attract the attention of garden guests.

Combined garden benches made of stone and metal are expensive, and you rarely see them in summer cottages. Perhaps also because from being in the garden you want to get the maximum comfort and warmth that natural wood emits.

Tips for choosing a garden bench style and color

It is better to think about the appearance of a garden bench at the stage of designing the landscape design of the site. This will make it easier to select and harmoniously place garden benches on the site. Photos of successful options for combining benches with different styles of garden plots can be viewed in various specialized magazines or on the Internet.

Here are some basic tips for choosing the style and color scheme of a garden bench:

1. A garden designed in a landscape or rustic style is better suited to garden benches made of logs.
3. Cast iron benches combined with a white background of plants are a must-have element for an Art Nouveau garden.
4. Wrought iron benches are suitable for gardens filled with vintage accessories or furnished in a formal style. Simple models, without frills, patterns or carvings, will look appropriate in a country-style landscape design. You can artificially age forged items, then they will be an excellent addition to a retro-style garden.
5. Benches made of untreated stone look most natural in landscape-style gardens, although some consider such benches to be somewhat rough. In gardens with a classic landscape design, you can place stone benches with carvings.

6. White, blue and green benches look best in the garden. The white color contrasts well with the surrounding greenery, but it is quite easily soiled - stains after rain and dirt will be visible on it.
7. Many landscape design specialists consider dark green colors to be a universal option for a garden bench. This bench will harmonize with any flower arrangement.
8. The red color will advantageously emphasize the beauty of the garden bench and highlight it as the main element of garden design.

The summer season is in full swing, so a comfortable garden bench, an interesting book, a pair of bright pillows, the aroma of flowers and birdsong are an ideal country holiday option that will allow you to escape from everyday worries.

Author: Sergey and Svetlana Khudentsov

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