Best Outdoor Benches
We can finally start thinking about spring with outdoor benches. Whether you want one for aesthetic reasons (it just looks pretty in your garden) or you need one (outdoor seating), you will, by the end of this guide, be informed which outdoor bench is best suited for your home.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Tangkula Wooden Outdoor Storage Bench
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| #2 |  Best Choice Products 2-Person Wooden Wagon Wheel Bench
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| #3 |  VINGLI 45” Metal Bench Industrial Vintage Mid-Century Dining Bench
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| #4 |  Barton Outdoor Garden All Weather Storage Bench
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| #5 |  Plow & Hearth German-Made, Weatherproof Resin 3-seat Garden Bench
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Table Of Contents
- How to Choose Outdoor Benches
- Space
- Materials Used
- Wood
- Metal
- Wicker
- Plastic
- Style
- Personal or Business Use
- Storage
- Cost
- Should I go for comfort?
- Is the bench going to be custom-made?
- Pros and Cons of Outdoor Benches
- FAQ
- How much does an outdoor bench cost?
- What are the most popular types of outdoor benches?
- What is the best outdoor bench on the market?
- What kind of maintenance do outdoor benches need?
- Top 5 Outdoor Benches
- Tangkula Wooden Outdoor Storage Bench
- Best Choice Products 2-Person Wooden Wagon Wheel Bench
- VINGLI 45” Metal Bench Industrial Vintage Mid-Century Dining Bench
- Barton Outdoor Garden All Weather Storage Bench
- Plow & Hearth German-Made, Weatherproof Resin 3-seat Garden Bench
- Bottom Line
How to Choose Outdoor Benches
Space
How large your garden/yard is extremely important when considering outdoor benches. If you have a smaller-sized garden, obviously smaller is better. If it’s bigger, it’s clear that larger ones are better so that it doesn’t get “lost” in your garden.
The most important factor despite space, would be how much entertaining space you would need when you have friends and family. As a rule of thumb, an outdoor bench should at least fit 2 adults comfortably and has a decent weight limit so that it doesn’t break.
Materials Used
This is another important factor when it comes to deciding what kind of outdoor bench is right for your garden. Consider the following materials so that you can make your decision:
Wood
If you’re looking for an all-natural look, wood is your best choice. You can choose from Teak (this is very expensive) to plain old wood. Teak is expensive because it can last up to 50 years and retains its color as long you oil it from time to time. There are other woods that you can choose, depending on your budget and style needs.
Metal
Metal outdoor benches are as aesthetically pleasing as wood, but you’ll want to pick one that can withstand weather elements, especially if you live in a 4-season climate. You can choose from aluminum to iron. The difference between the two is aluminum is lightweight, whereas iron is heavy and more likely weather resistant. Metal outdoor benches tend to have more designs than wood benches.
Wicker
Some outdoor benches are made from wicker, but you usually put these on porches with a cover as they’re not 100% weather resistant.
Plastic
Besides being lightweight and super affordable, they can have interesting styles and more color choices.
Style
Some people just want simple styles, like a park bench for their garden. Others want a unique look for their garden and are willing to pay more for that. Maybe you want one of those wicker outdoor benches that look cool on your patio, especially around the fire. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your garden/patio needs as well as your tastes.
Personal or Business Use
If it’s just for your home, it’s clear that you don’t need a large outdoor bench. But for your business, you’ll want a bench that is a bit larger and is extremely durable. It also depends on who will be using, such as adults or rowdy children, so durability will come into play here as well.
Storage
A lot of outdoor benches come with storage, so it will be up to you to decide if you need storage with the outdoor bench. It will affect the overall design of the bench, so this is something to keep in mind should you want the storage.
Cost
This is a major deciding factor when purchasing a bench. While we could recommend and say go for the cheapest one, sometimes the cheapest one is not great, due to quality issues. If you’re planning on leaving your outdoor bench to weather all the harsh elements, you will want a higher-quality bench that will last years to come.
Should I go for comfort?
Not every bench is made for comfort, but comfort is more likely to be important when it comes to your bench. A wooden bench is apt to be more comfortable than one made of stone or metal, particularly in very cold weather. A slightly inclined seat is typically more comfortable than a flat seat, and a back of the right height that leans back at a slight angle is more comfortable than a vertical back or a back that is too short.
Is the bench going to be custom-made?
You can usually just buy one in the store or online already designed and all you have to do is set it up. But if you’re looking for specific designs or want more expensive materials, you should expect to pay a bit more for the customization.
Next time when you are looking for an outdoor bench for your garden, remember about all of these factors so that it’ll be an easy decision when it’s time to get one.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Benches
Pro: It looks pretty. Especially if you get either wood, metal or even plastic ones. Some benches have fancy designs and colors.
Con: Plastic outdoor benches are not durable, especially in harsh weather elements. Same with wicker, some wood and metal ones.
Pro: Some outdoor benches don’t cost a lot, especially if you’re on a budget. This is great news for people who want to add that special touch to their garden without breaking the bank.
Con: Some outdoor benches are expensive to buy, and some even more expensive to maintain. For example, wood can be expensive, and it requires the most maintenance which means you’ll have to spend more money to keep the bench looking the same color that you’ve bought it.
Pro: Most outdoor benches are weather resistant (except certain types) so this makes it a popular choice to buy for gardens
Con: Some outdoor benches may not have the desired weight capacity that you are looking for. Most outdoor benches can comfortably seat 500-600 pounds, but a lightweight one may only allow up to 300. This should be an important factor when considering outdoor benches.
FAQ
How much does an outdoor bench cost?
It can range from $20-$400, you can expect custom benches that are made out of wood to be even more.
What are the most popular types of outdoor benches?
The most popular types of wood benches would of course be wood and metal. The reason is that they are weather resistant and have weight on them so that it doesn’t get blown away. They can also handle higher weight capacities.
What is the best outdoor bench on the market?
In our opinion, it would be the Tangkula Wooden Outdoor Storage Bench because it’s durable, stylish and it has a storage compartment. Also, it’s under $200, making it a good value for what you get.
While that’s our opinion, of course, customized outdoor benches would be the best on the market.
What kind of maintenance do outdoor benches need?
Besides using a cover to cover them in the winter, certain types have certain maintenance needs. For example, wood ones need to be re-oiled, re-sprayed, and such from time to time. The metal ones, especially aluminum ones, need to be re-sprayed or even sometimes re-painted as well. It varies on the type of bench you have and you should follow the maintenance instructions with the outdoor bench that you have.
Top 5 Outdoor Benches
Tangkula Wooden Outdoor Storage Bench
Specs:
- Material: Wood, Eucalyptus
- Dimensions:42 x 23 x 35.5”
- Weight Capacity: 703 lbs
- Seating Capacity: 2
- Extras: Waterproof lining, storage compartment
This gorgeous wood outdoor bench by Tangkula has everything that you expect from an outdoor bench. It is large enough for any garden, is weather-resistant and even has storage should you need extra storage. You can comfortably fit 2 adults with a weight capacity of 705 lbs.
This model comes with a waterproof lining to help protect your bench from extreme elements if you live in that part of the world. The material is made out of wood and eucalyptus so you can breathe easily because it’s high quality and it feels smooth as well.
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Storage
- Waterproof lining
- Large weight capacity
Cons:
- Some buyers reported they “fell” in the storage compartment (quality issues)
- You have to assemble the bench yourself
Who should buy this?
People who are looking for a wood outdoor bench to add to their garden. It’s also for people who need extra storage when considering a bench.
Best Choice Products 2-Person Wooden Wagon Wheel Bench
Specs:
- Material: Wood
- Dimensions:41 x 21.25 x 30.5
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
- Seating Capacity: 2
- Extras: None
This beautiful Wagon wheel bench by Best Choice is a bench you’d want in your garden. It is made with solid fir wood, with a dark brown finish. It’s very lightweight (weighing in at 21 lbs) so if you need to change your mind where you’d want the bench easily, you can.
The seating capacity is 2 people, and up to 350 pounds. So it’s perfect for lovebirds, close friends or family to sit together and chat about life. You do have to assemble this bench, but if you follow the instructions, it should be an easy setup.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Cool design
- Weather-resistant
Cons:
- Some buyers have reported it’s flimsy ( due to it being lightweight)
Who should buy this?
People who want a wood wagon wheel bench for their garden. It’s also for people who want a lightweight bench that they can easily move around.
VINGLI 45” Metal Bench Industrial Vintage Mid-Century Dining Bench
Specs:
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions:45 x 22 x 35 “
- Weight Capacity:500 lbs
- Seating Capacity: 2
- Extra: None
Taking a break from wood benches for this VINGLI Mental Bench. One of the best features of this bench is that you can use it indoors or outdoors. It is lightweight, so if you want to show off a cool metal bench such as this, you can easily bring it inside. Besides it being made from metal, it is weather resistant and made with lightweight tempered steel, so you can be assured that you won’t be breaking this bench anytime soon.
This bench can seat 2 comfortably, and has a 500 lbs capacity! You will have to ensemble this gorgeous industry-style bench, but it should be straightforward putting together with the instructions from the manual. You also have the option to get another color if you don’t know the current color.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Indoor/outdoor use
- Durable
- Weather-resistant
Cons:
- If you lean back the wrong way, you could fall through the gap
Who should buy this?
People who want a metal outdoor bench. It’s also for people who like vintage industrial-style benches.
Barton Outdoor Garden All Weather Storage Bench
Specs:
- Material: Rattan Wicker, Steel
- Dimensions:51 x 22.5 x 30.5”
- Weight Capacity:400 lbs
- Seating Capacity: 2
- Extra: Comes with cushion, storage compartment
The Barton outdoor bench is one you’ll want to have for your patios because it is very comfortable *it comes with a cushion!* and it has a storage compartment that you can store a lot of things in. This outdoor bench is made from rattan wicker and steel so you know that it’s durable, weather-resistant, and it won’t break on you when you sit on it. The weight capacity is 400 pounds with 2 people can be seated very comfortably on it.
You can also get this bench in another color should not the current color (one other color option).
Pros:
- Durable
- Storage
- Cushion
- Stylish
- Weather Resistant
Cons:
- Buyers have reported that storage is not waterproof
- Some buyers reported that the seat bends if putting extra weight on the bench.
Who should buy this?
People who are looking for a stylish outdoor bench to put on patios etc. It’s also for people who are looking for more storage on outdoor benches.
Plow & Hearth German-Made, Weatherproof Resin 3-seat Garden Bench
Specs:
- Material: Plastic, Resin
- Dimensions:59 x 26.5 x 31.5
- Weight Capacity:500 lbs
- Seating Capacity: 3
- Extra: None
We’ve saved the most traditional outdoor bench for last because you see these types of benches everywhere. This Plow & Hearth bench is made out of plastic (resin) and is weatherproof so it can handle pretty much any weather elements that you throw at it. It can also seat 3 people with a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs.
You can choose between the two colors (green and white) and it’s already pre-assembled, so all you have to do is follow the easy instructions in the manual to get it looking like a bench.
Pros:
- Park style
- Durable
- Weather Resistant
- Easy to assemble
- Seats 3
Cons:
- Some buyers reported quality issues with the bench, as the plastic exterior melted.
Who should buy this?
People who want park-style benches. It’s also for businesses that need benches like these for their outdoor settings.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, by reading today’s guide, we have helped you become more informed about buying outdoor benches for your home. Whether it’s for a garden or a patio, there are many options that you can choose from, such as our top picks. If you’ve enjoyed this guide, please let us know in the comments!