What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a garden bench? Serenity – time for reflection and centring yourself, becoming one with nature and living the moment? Or maybe it’s togetherness – whispering tender words into your loved one’s ear, gossiping with your friend, telling stories to your grandchildren?
The humble garden bench is more than just a place to sit. Put it in a quiet corner, a patch beneath a tree, a part with a lovely view or amongst the roses and plants, and you have created your own piece of heaven. Soak up the sun, breathe in the scents and relax.
Wooden benches have been around for centuries and if you are lucky enough to have a garden, big or small, then you should seriously consider adding one. And when it comes to all the different materials you can go for, teak is one that stands out. Hailed as the number one choice for outdoor furniture, this hardwood offers a range of practical and aesthetic benefits.
The Practical Purposes
Longlasting
The best wood for outdoor furniture comes from the top-of-the-line hardwoods. Teak is one of the most durable and strongest hardwoods in the world, used in shipbuilding since the middle ages. It’s been a popular choice for outdoor furniture because of its unmatched ability to withstand all types of weather.
Unlike other types of wood that lose their natural oils when they are cut down and processed, the teak retains these oils and resins, which protect it against harsh weather conditions. It’s Mother Nature’s weatherproofing against water, rot, and insects, keeping it from cracking and becoming brittle.
This means that teak outdoor benches are incredibly durable, with the ability to last a lifetime. And who knows, maybe one day your grandkids will be using it too? It’s an investment that will not only enrich the garden for you but will also be a piece of heritage for the next generation.
Extremely Low Maintenance
A garden bench, or any other outdoor piece of teak furniture, practically doesn’t need any maintenance. No paint or varnish is required as the natural oils give it a beautiful, glossy appearance. When you want to clean it from dust or dirt, simply rinse it with water, or mild soap for stains. There are teak cleaners on the market if you really need some, but be careful, as the solvents in the oils can degrade the wood faster than if you did nothing at all.
The naturally warm honey colour of this wood will gradually change to a silvery, grey patina. In fact, it’s this gorgeous hue that makes teak outdoor benches stand out in the garden. However, if you prefer the original honey tone, you can use a sealer around once a year to protect it from the sun and restore the original colour.
The Aesthetic Purpose
The right design can be a standalone work of art. Although teak is beautiful and intricate on its own, if you want this piece to be the focal point in your yard, then consider the various styles and delicate craftsmanship before you make your decision.
• There’s the classic design, with curved armrests and a contoured back that is soft to the eye and suited for a variety of garden styles. It offers comfort and a simple, timeless design that everyone will appreciate.
• Then you have the latticed-back designs with intricate design and sophistication that inevitably make a statement. Charming pieces that will fit in both modern and traditional homes.
• The backless style bench with its simple shape might just shine a light on a quiet spot without taking up too much space. It also works well tucked neatly under your outdoor dining table minimising the visual clutter.
All of these designs come in different sizes, so whether you need a two-seater or a three-seater depends on your preferences and space. Just make sure it can fit everyone who wants to join you in this calming setting.
Where to Place It?
Anywhere, but if you want to make the bench worthwhile, pick a spot that will bring you immeasurable pleasure. Here are a few ideas:
• Find the best view – Pick an open space that gives you an amazing view of the surroundings.
• Look for a dry spot – A dry and stable setting like a well-tamped gravel bed, a deck, or a patio will enable you to enjoy the bench all year round.
• Relish the shade – Double benefit, it will protect your piece from the sun and provide a cool spot for you when the temperatures are high.
• Hidden corner or central spot – Do you want the bench in a part of the garden that might otherwise be forgotten and enjoy the solitude, or do you want it as a focal point where your family and friends can hang out?
Within a flower bed – If you don’t have a big garden, a smaller-scale model can fit in a bed, blending with the plants and close to the intoxicating fragrance of the flowers
Still Standing
The moment you buy a garden bench, you buy moments of tranquillity. Its presence creates a poetic atmosphere, offers a place for quiet contemplation, and gives meaning to the space. At the same time, it is inviting and a subtle sign that you are ready to welcome people to your personal space and sit together.
You can simply relax and watch the world go by, read a book or watch the birds. You might see it turn into the favourite social spot for your family where precious memories will be created.
The marvellous thing about a teak bench is that it is always there. Regardless of the season, the weather conditions, or even other people, its sturdiness will provide support in more than one way.
