Where to buy a decent bench from?

Hi

Id like to get a decent wooden bench that will last many years. The sort of wooden benches that you see in parks that just seem to last and last. (presumably noone treats with wood preserver annually, or at all).

I dont mind spending the money on something thats going to last a long time, rather than a cheap thing thats only going to last 2 summers.

Thanks

 

Oak, Iroko or Teak, would be my preference, although I haven't a clue where you would go to get one, if it doesn't state a specific timber I'd steer clear if you want something that will last.

 

Hi we’ve bought 2 benches from this company and are really happy with them. You don’t have to assemble them as they’re delivered fully made. At my old house I had one for 20 years and it was still going strong but I left it there. Obviously you don’t have to have it engraved. In the leaflet that comes with the bench it states that they don’t recommend treating it with anything but just to let it weather. We’re really pleased with them and have no connection to the company!

Rochester Memorial Bench 5ft in FSC Certified Teak Wood

 

I got a couple from Cyan Teak maybe ten years ago possibly more. One has been on the grass in the shade all that time. The other has been on the patio in strong sunlight. Both are absolutely fine. I wash the shady one down once a year with mild detergent and a soft brush if I think of it. The sunny one, I do nothing. I prefer them faded to squirrel grey but I believe you can do things to keep them a teak colour.

 

A lick of teak oil will bring back the warm colour, if needed. Probably easier to spray it on than using a rag and a can.

 

Maybe look out for a Lister Of Dursley teak bench at reclamation yards or auctions , even Ebay.
They will already be 30 + plus years old and give hope of the same again, maybe more.
See:

Lister Teak Benches for sale | eBay

 

I agree about the longevity of the Lister benches. Ours is 35 years old and still going strong. Not cheap, but very good quality.
I think it was Lister, very similar to this one.
1 Gloster bench | eBay

 

I have a Barlow Tyrie, London style bench. It’s circa 32 years old and as good as the day it was purchased.

Indeed, I needed a sit down on it earlier when I followed @infradig ’s link to eBay and saw how much Lister and Barlow Tyrie benches were advertised for second hand. I think I might have a new family heirloom!

 

The vintage ones above may be well built but heavens they look so bland...the RHS have a few of those at Wisley, they are pricey but rock solid (not to my taste frankly but at least not generic):
RHS Garden Bench | The Four Seasons | Sitting Spiritually

Also worth looking into a metal one, this firm makes some quality benches, also at Wisley near the car park they installed a massive custom one for coach parties, you can have them in any colour and a variety of finishes.
About Us

This little bench is great value and very nice in the flesh, from M&S and it's on sale currently (I know again metal)
Pembroke Garden Bench | M&S Collection | M&S

 

They might look bland @amancalledgeorge , but they're comfy. You could always jazz them up with some cushions @Tufty .
I appear to have my own inbuilt cushion these days .

Edited to add, Lutyens style are rather nice imo. I quite fancy one of those.
Sissinghurst Lutyens Three Seat Bench

 

I suspect when I purchased my bench, 30 odd years ago, computerised wood carving was in its infancy and Grinling Gibbons was long since dead. I’ll take ‘bland’.

As @AnniD suggests, I have made cushions for mine. Even without the cushions, the wood is warmer on the posterior than a metal bench in the middle of winter when stopping for elevenses on a fine day.

@amancalledgeorge - as an observation, it does ‘amuse’ me when companies advertise goods for sale excluding VAT. Those RHS benches are the best part of 5 grand. Each! Now that does need to become a family heirloom!

 

Yes they are outrageously expensive...but then you can spend 5k on a handmade side table @Ezzie remember the shock when I checked on my phone while sitting on one of them at Wisley not for the likes of me.

 

OK, Ive found the style I want:
https://www.gardenfurnitureandinter...ches/alexander-rose-roble-turnberry-5ft-bench
https://www.gardenfurnitureandinter...hes/alexander-rose-albany-turnberry-5ft-bench
https://www.gardenfurnitureandinter...lexander-rose-turnberry-5ft-grey-acacia-bench
https://www.gardenfurnitureandinter...ander-rose-turnberry-oiled-mahogany-bench-5ft

Which do type of wood do you think would last longest? The Oiled Mahogany is £359, whereas the Roble wood is £629. Presumably the more expensive versions will last longer. Perhaps I should split the difference and get the Acacia which is £440 ?

Should I get a cover for it (about £50) or not bother?

Thanks

 

The price will reflect durability @Tufty. According to the Alexander Rose website, Roble is their premium wood. I hadn’t heard of it before but it seems similar to teak, with a durability of up to 25 years. The cover will provide protection from excess wet over winter but I suggest that you raise the legs off the ground too. I had covers for my cedar wooden furniture but found the sight of them jarring and they do blow about in the wind. They can therefore be noisy, unless you tie or weigh them done, becoming even more unsightly! I didn’t use them for those reasons and the chairs are still fine after 20 years without covers, but with regular cleaning, oiling or now painting.

 

Thanks so much @Plantminded . Roble it is then!
Ill post back here with an update in 25 years and let you know how it performed.