Stone Outdoor Benches

When shopping for outdoor seating options, consider stone benches. A variety of styles are available to suit many placements in your yard, garden or patio. Stone benches last a lifetime and more, and are well worth the effort of bringing one home.

Choosing a bench

Look for stone benches locally first; locally owned garden stores and plant nurseries may have some, and check out the big box stores as well, as many of them also carry a style or two. Go see as many benches as possible before choosing a style; it may seem silly, but remember, this is likely a permanent fixture in your yard. There are molded or carved concrete benches with backs that would look lovely in a moss-covered in a Victorian garden. There are also simple slab granite benches that add an aura of zen to a shady corner of the backyard or even serve as a virtually indestructible catch-all area for towels and shoes by the pool. If you do not see a bench you like in your local stores, cruise the internet for others that are just a little further away, and remember to check sites like eBay and Craig's List for a good deal on a used bench. Do not forget to consider your desired use for the bench. Is it really for sitting on, or mostly decorative?

Getting it home

The logistics are up to you! Borrow a truck from a friend, or see if the store delivers it (also see if that good deal on Craig's List is deliverable by the seller, even for an extra fee; it is well worth your while). Bring some strong backs along for loading and unloading. Remember that a stone bench is heavy when deciding where to place it. Over time it may sink into soft surfaces like a lawn. If not placing it on a hard surface like concrete, look into prepping the area by removing sod or other organic material and compacting the ground below with a hand tamper. It may help to put down pea gravel or sand and tamp until firm as well. Make sure the surface is level, as an uneven stone bench is a hazard.

Care for a lifetime

The great thing about stone benches is that they usually last a lifetime even without care. If you want a mossy look, just leave your bench alone (or speed up the process by blending some moss with water in a blender, painting on, and keeping wet until established). However, if you plan to sit on your bench a lot, or just want it to stay looking fresh and clean, look for a stone and mortar sealer at your local hardware store. They are relatively inexpensive and keep your bench sealed for a couple of years or so. Reapply as often as the label says is necessary or whenever it seems to degrade.

Lastly, enjoy your bench. It is a beautiful accent in your yard or garden. Bring attention to it with flowers or an arbor, or take your family photos on it. Use it, look at it, whatever you do, remember you only had to bring it home once!

Stone benches last a lifetime and more