23 best garden benches for summer 2024

There's nothing more joyful than sitting back in your garden to relax and enjoy the space you have created. Once your garden urns are filled with beautiful blooms and your outdoor sculptures and antiques are perfectly placed, it seems only right that you should have some comfortable seating to make the most of your surroundings.

Benches have been an outdoor furniture staple for centuries. Originally made from stone or wood, benches have been popular since the 18th century, when their use in public spaces became largely prominent.

Garden benches are much the same as those used in public areas, the key difference is that benches used in private gardens are usually longer and much more comfortable.

Traditional benches tend to follow the same structure with a backrest and arm rests on either side, but modern designs often vary depending on their intended use.

Garden dining tables often come with matching benches that feature no backrest or armrests, others take different shapes than the classic angular structure.

What are garden benches made from?

Benches are usually made from wood or metal thanks to their strength and durability over time. Teak and oak are popular choices for wooden garden benches, whereas iron is the most common metal used, especially where antiques are concerned.

In some cases, both iron and wood are used to create a robust bench, with wooden slats forming a comfortable seat and the structural properties such as the legs, armrests and hardware are created using iron.

Not only does combining these materials make the bench incredibly hardwearing, but it also allows for more ornate decorations and designs to be used, a popular technique during the Victorian era.

Best Wooden Garden Benches

Kettler RHS Chelsea Garden Bench

Designed in the classic shape, this two-seater Chelsea garden bench from John Lewis is made from FSC-certified eucalyptus wood, so it's a wonderful option for anyone conscious of their environmental choices. A tailored cushion fit to the bench is also available for extra comfort.

Donnington 3-Seater Bench

Buy now from Cotswold Co (£399)

Stylish yet timeless, the Cotswold Company's Donnington Bench is created using acacia wood with a natural finish. The cut-out back rest adds interest, helping it stand out from other garden benches.

Chastleton Bench

Buy now from Garden Trading (£750)

This garden bench airs on the modern side, but it promises to age and weather beautifully over time, taking on a soft grey finish. Constructed by hand using reclaimed teak, this bench is incredibly durable, though it is recommended to add teak oil before use and repeating yearly.

Barlow Tyrie Lavenham Garden Bench

For something a bit bigger, this three-seater garden bench has a truly classic design. The wide arm rests and contoured seat add comfort, and the durable eucalyptus wood guarantees this bench will last for years to come.

Lutyens 3-Seater Teak Garden Bench

Buy now from GardenBenches.com (£299)

Exuding Victorian country house elegance, this Lutyens teak garden bench features an interesting back rest design and curved arm rests for increased comfort. To take it to the next level, why not add a bench cushion for an additional £50?

Sika-Design George Garden Bench

Buy now from Aria (£1,129)

Looking for a backless garden bench? This design is made from teak wood and works perfectly on a veranda or tucked under a garden dining table.

3-Seater Garden Fence Bench

Buynow from Robert Dyas (£119.99)

Looking for something more decorative? This garden fence bench, made from FSC-certified eucalyptus wood, features a diagonal slotted back design, complemented by the soft curves of the armrests.

Ravenna Garden Bench

Buy now from Cox & Cox (£595)

Simple and charming, Cox & Cox's Ravenna garden bench is crafted from acacia wood with a washed finish. Featuring a slatted design, curved arms and a grey seat cushion for comfort, its an ideal seat for a relaxing day in the garden!

Best Metal Garden Benches

Bahula Decorative Iron Bench

Buy now from Nkuku (£695)

Make a patio statement with this gorgeous iron bench from Nkuku. The strong iron frame features rust tones for a naturally aged look and the pretty laced detail on the back adds interest.

LG Outdoor Devon Bench and Cushion

This bench is a lovely option for your garden or conservatory. The frame is made from double powder-coated aluminium with a bronze finish, so it's sure to withstand adverse conditions and plenty of wear. Plus, the seat cushion makes this garden bench extra comfy!

Jasmine Lattice Metal Bench

Buy now from Lazy Susan (£229.95)

A classic lattice style design, this metal garden bench comes in four colours: antique bronze (as pictured), white, sandstone and slate grey.

Gallery Direct Duchess Outdoor Bench

Buy now from Olivia's (£249)

Who says your garden bench can't be the focal point of your outdoor space? The eye-catching curved line design looks wonderful in this distressed grey finish, and promises a lovely natural patina overtime.

Stroud 2 Seater Garden Bench

Buy now from M&S (£169)

For a pop of colour, this two seater garden bench comes in a subtle sage green, perfect for your outdoor space. Elegant yet durable, the metalwork features a fun heart-like design.

Teviston Steel Traditional Bench

Buy now from Robert Dyas (£78.99)

Traditional in style with the intricate backrest design, this garden bench comes in a matte black finish, adding a contemporary feel. This one is made from steel and cast iron for durability and weather resistance.

Rustic Vine Garden Bench

Buy now from British Ironwork Centre (£190)

This garden bench featured a more delicate, intricate design on the backrest with ornate vines, a lovely match for the scroll arms. The frame is made from sturdy iron with a slatted seat for comfort.

Grey Victorian Style Garden Bench

Buy now from Black Country Metalworks (£248)

Love the Victorian benches but don't want to invest in one? This garden bench has been made in the style of Victorian ones, with the oval motif on the backrest typical of designs of the era.

Best Antique Garden Benches

English 19th Century Iron & Wood Garden Bench

Buy now from 1st Dibs (£1,449.82)

Combining iron and wood, this antique 19th century garden bench has a simple wooden slatted seat with scroll detail iron legs. It's not in pristine condition, as you'd expect, but the wear is consistent with the bench's age.

Rare Victorian Bench

Buy now from English Salvage (£1,600)

This is rare find! The design of this Victorian bench is distinct and intricate, the ornate ironwork features some rust from age, adding to the overall appearance. The teak slats are a new addition to the garden bench, so it's in perfect condition for use.

French Antique Garden Bench

Buy now from 1st Dibs (£1,918.25)

Dating to 1900, this French antique garden bench is much simpler in design, constructed from hand painted solid fir wood with a blue-grey hue and held up on slightly more intricate cast iron feet.

19th Century Antique French Garden Bench

Buy now from The Hoarde (£1,650)

Beautifully aged and wonderfully intricate, this 19th century French garden bench has had some minor antique restorations to the iron frame. The wood is in useable condition, but you might want to add a few cushions for comfort.

Antique Victorian Green Wrought Iron Garden Bench

Buy now from Decorative Collective (£695)

Just because it's made from iron doesn't mean it has to be plain. This striking green garden bench originates from the Victorian era and will look great in your outdoor space.

Italian Regency Wrought Iron Garden Bench Settee

Buy now from 1st Dibs (£1,224,42)

How beautiful are the ornate details on this antique garden bench? The wrought iron bench is a regency piece from either Italy or Hollywood. The comfy seat pads (though not original) come with the bench, too.

Antique Garden Bench With Decorative Cast Iron Ends

Buy now from Vinterior (£714)

Another classic Victorian garden bench, this one has cast iron bench ends and legs in a traditional scroll design with patina that has developed over time. The wood slatted seat is carefully curved for maximum comfort.