Outdoor Bench Material Types

The beauty of Wooden Benches Outdoor teak benches are resistant to weather and will last for generations. Care is minimal: applying oil or stain to new outdoor benches is optional - all that is required is yearly cleaning. Teak benches are rare and high-priced, but worth the search to find the perfect piece. Natural white or red cedar benches are more common. Cedar benches resist insects, weather well, and work into any garden setting. Like teak benches, maintenance involves a yearly cleaning. Redwood benches are common choices for outdoor benches. Redwood benches can be sealed or left to weather naturally. Like cedar, redwood benches will last about 15 years. Pine benches and poplar benches are less-expensive woods with a relatively shorter life expectancy, but when treated with a sealant, they become practical and useful outdoor benches.

Likely Alternatives

Of the 96 million plastic bottles used by Americans each day, about 25 million are recycled - some into recycled plastic benches. Resin is a plastic that is made from polypropylene and PVC, often recycled from plastic containers. These outdoor benches are so sturdy, they can be used in public parks and withstand the abuse of extreme weather conditions, as well as children who can administer abuse in massive doses. Very light resins are used to make inexpensive outdoor benches. They lack sturdiness and last a few years, but the price more than makes up for the lower quality.

Cast aluminum benches will last decades. The finish shows wear after a couple of years and needs painting, so it does involve some maintenance. Cast iron arms and legs are often combined with various woods for a heavy and attractive outdoor bench. Although the cast iron weathers well, wood must be properly treated (except for teak benches or cedar benches) to withstand extreme conditions.

Comfort aside, concrete and colored concrete outdoor benches add rugged beauty to any garden. However, due to their weight, it is not practical to move these outdoor benches, and they can crack from extreme cold.