For people with a garden, having a comfortable bench to sit on is an essential component to improve their gardens’ aesthetics. For instance, perhaps you have a garden pond, filled with lush and colorful flowers, koi and/or goldfish, a running fountain, and solar light fixtures, all surrounded by beautiful plants and trees.

Imagine being able to sit nearby on a comfortable garden bench so you can feed the fish and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the pond. Or, you might have a gorgeous rose garden with winding trails where you could place a bench just to have a place of peace.

Another alternative is a bench used for a Japanese Garden, which typically offer a Zen-like bench in which to collect your thoughts. These are just a few examples of the versatility of a simple garden bench. Depending on the style you choose, garden benches can be a cheap way to naturally enhance your garden.

Typically, garden benches can run anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the retailer. However, if you are thrifty and creative, you can recreate and bring to life an old secondhand bench. It is amazing what some elbow grease, sanding, and a coat of paint can do to breathe life into an old treasure!

Obviously, garden benches can come in every shape and size. Many have curved seats and contoured backs to ensure maximum comfort. Others have removable padded seats, footstools, and armrests. If ultimate comfort is something you are after, you might consider the following tips when shopping:

• Look for clear Western Red Cedar, which is strong and durable
• Make sure the wood has a sanded finish
• Be sure the edges are fully routed
• If possible, buy a bench with zinc-plated hardware
• Make sure the cushions are made out of a durable, waterproof, and sun resistant material
• If you are looking for a more traditional, or a cheaper alternative, I suggest you:
• Look for one constructed out of bamboo; which is a faster growing, environmentally-friendly, and more sustainable tree
• Check out your local secondhand shop or thrift store where they might have an old treasure waiting to be brought back to life!
• Consider scouring local garage sales for one that your neighbor might be tossing aside.