Garden Benches
For people with a garden, having a comfortable bench to
sit on is an essential component to improve their gardens’
aesthetics. For instance, perhaps you have a garden pond,
filled with lush and colorful flowers, koi and/or goldfish,
a running fountain, and solar light fixtures, all surrounded
by beautiful plants and trees. Imagine being able to sit
nearby on a comfortable garden bench so you can feed the
fish and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the pond.
Or, you might have a gorgeous rose garden with winding
trails where you could place a bench just to have a place
of peace. Another alternative is a bench used for a Japanese
Garden, which typically offer a Zen-like bench in which
to collect your thoughts. These are just a few examples
of the versatility of a simple garden bench.
Depending
on the style you choose, garden benches can be a cheap
way to naturally enhance your garden. Typically, garden
benches can run anywhere from $100 to $500, depending
on the retailer. However, if you are thrifty and creative,
you can recreate and bring to life an old secondhand bench.
It is amazing what some elbow grease, sanding, and a coat
of paint can do to breathe life into an old treasure!
Obviously,
garden benches can come in every shape and size. Many
have curved seats and contoured backs to ensure maximum
comfort. Others have removable padded seats, footstools,
and armrests. If ultimate comfort is something you are
after, you might consider the following tips when shopping:
-
Look
for clear Western Red Cedar, which is strong and durable
-
Make
sure the wood has a sanded finish
-
Be
sure the edges are fully routed
-
If
possible, buy a bench with zinc-plated hardware
-
Make
sure the cushions are made out of a durable, waterproof,
and sun resistant material
If you are looking for a more traditional, or a cheaper
alternative, I suggest you:
-
Look
for one constructed out of bamboo; which is a faster
growing, environmentally-friendly, and more sustainable
tree
-
Check
out your local secondhand shop or thrift store where
they might have an old treasure waiting to be brought
back to life!
-
Consider
scouring local garage sales for one that your neighbor
might be tossing aside
Most
often, you can purchase a new garden bench fully assembled
or you can choose one that is just partially assembled
so you can put it together on your own. The standard size
of a garden bench is 55 x 23 x 35 inches and will usually
weigh around 20 pounds. However, keep in mind that you
can always find benches of a smaller and larger size.
Many times, stores will offer their floor models at a
discounted rate, so it never hurts to ask a Store Manager
if you are interested in a pre-assembled bench that is
truly tested by customers.
You
will find these types of benches at gardening centers,
home improvement stores, hobby stores, nurseries, and
on the internet. Whatever the case, make sure it is something
you can enjoy both visually and physically. A garden bench
has to be something comfortable to sit on, as well as
something that will create a peaceful environment for
your garden. Happy shopping, and sitting!
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