Garden Benches
Nowadays it is very difficult to find a garden, terrace or balcony without a garden furniture. It significantly extends the living area and provides an additional sitting area to restaurants, bars and other businesses during the hot summer days. Garden chairs are preferred over garden benches by most people and are currently very fashionable, however, garden benches never really went out of fashion and are an important feature of most gardens, while parks without benches are virtually unimaginable.
Like other pieces of garden furniture, garden benches come in many different styles, designs, shapes, sizes and materials in order to compliment the beauty of every garden, patio and park. It is possible to find classic, contemporary, antique and designer garden benches that are made of wood, metal, plastic and stone, or combination of different materials such as wood and metal, for instance. Garden benches are not only intended to enhance the beauty of a garden but are also designed to be used and enjoyed.
Style, size and design are always in the eye of the beholder and for that reason different people choose different garden benches according to their personal preferences and needs although contemporary designs are always the most popular choice. The choice of material, on the other hand, is not as easy as the material of which garden bench is made plays the key role in its comfort, durability, maintenance and care required as well as aesthetic appearance. After all, a plastic bench will never look as elegant and stylish as wooden bench, for instance, nor it will last as long as other materials even if plastic is resistant to water, temperature changes, insects, rust and other outdoor elements. Plastic is prone to wear and tear which is why every wooden bench will last longer, of course, under condition that it is cared for properly as all types of wood except for teak require some sort of protection against harsh outdoor conditions.
Metal garden benches are even more durable than wooden ones but then again, all metals except for stainless steel are susceptible to corrosion and have to be protected against rust every once in a while. Due to metal’s strength and stability, and wood’s unique aesthetic appeal and comfort both materials are often combined. Very popular is also a combination of wood and stone, while garden benches made entirely of stone are a popular choice for classic gardens and public parks due to stone’s extreme durability and virtually no maintenance required.