Zest 4 Leisure

A solid teak garden bench could last as long as 50 years if treated and cared for properly. Softwoods like pine may not last as long but with good care could last around 10 years. As with any outdoor furniture, how well you look after your bench will make a difference to the lifespan. If it is kept covered and regularly cleaned and treated, you will get the maximum number of years from it.

How you care for your garden bench will come down to the type of material it is, and how much time you want to spend on it. Low maintenance options may only need a wash with soap and water every so often. For wooden benches that need treating, you may need to scrub them with a stiff brush to clean them off before applying treatments. Metal benches with any chips can be touched up with some nail varnish or car spray paint for a quick fix.

Garden benches are made from many different types of wood, such as softwoods like redwood or hardwoods like teak. Hardwoods can withstand unpredictable weather slightly better than softwoods, and can fade naturally for a rustic look. Softwoods fare better when treated and some types of softwood are less prone to cracking. Softwoods are generally a more cost effective option and can be more sustainable

Wooden furniture sets are a great option for long-lasting outdoor furniture, particularly hardwood sets such as teak furniture sets. Solid teak is high in oil content and is designed to withstand harsh weather, even whilst uncovered, such as in the winter months. Teak furniture also requires little maintenance, just give it a good brush, and wash it down with warm soapy water once a year or when dirty.