Benches - Oak Cedar and Steel

Good garden maintenance (apart from all things green) will necessitate looking after any wooden benches which are situated around the garden. Tree cutting is another part of garden maintenance and if it is at all possible every effort should be made to utilize the cut timber for wooden outdoor furniture. You can use the cut wood to create a garden bench thereby prolonging the trees existence. Very large trees may need to go to the sawmill to have planks cut from the timber.

My Bird's Eye Oak Bench

Bird's Eye Oak is a beautiful timber as can be seen in photo. The mottled effect on the wood resembles a bird’s eye. Bird's Eye Oak is only one of the many types of oak tree in existence (more than 500 ’Oak’ type trees exist).

Unique wood marking

This oak is ideal for making benches as no two benches will be the same due to the unique markings (like a bird’s eye) in the wood (see image). No two pieces of this oak will be exactly alike which is why I like it so much and had my bench made from this timber.

Protecting your bench

To retain the beauty it is necessary to sand down the bench wood and then coat it with preserving oil usually once per year. Oil is best, I much prefer it to varnish which, I feel, is much more harsh and clogs up the grain. It is best to use a light stain or clear gloss to protect the timber but also to allow the distinctive pattern to be seen.

Seating for the great outdoors

An outdoor space can be utilized and enhanced by the addition of a bench. There is nothing quite like a beautiful summer afternoon spent in the garden sitting on a strategically placed bench and reading a good book. A bench can be just as comfortable as your indoor seating. Benches, apart from their functional purpose can add an architectural aspect to the garden. Wooden benches absorb the sun’s heat and provide a ready made heated seat.

Circular garden bench

Seating can be built around a large tree. This bench type will be more difficult to build due to the many angles involved but when finished its quite beautiful. You would need to be very confident of your carpentry skills before undertaking this project. It will remain a permanent feature and unlike patio furniture it will not blow away in stormy weather. Strategically placed garden lights will enhance the benches beauty at dusk.

Other oak wood uses

Oak wood is very dense and which makes it have great strength. Oak is a hardwood and has very attractive grain markings which makes it a wonderful medium for furniture making and as planking for timber floors. Its durability makes it a good material for wooden planters or other wooden garden furniture. American oak barrels are used for the fermenting of Bourbon and Whiskey as well as many different wines. Oak can be used for many things due to its versatility and apart from furniture and garden benches oak has been used for making ships.

Concrete Garden Bench

A concrete bench can be a lovely addition to your garden. The concrete can be molded to include images of garden birds and flowers. Other motifs of your choice are also available. This bench although crafted in concrete can be aged by additives in the mix prior to the concrete hardening, which gives an older look to the bench.

Wooden garden decorations

If you are lucky enough to have mature trees in your garden then a roped garden swing suspended from the branches is a terrific addition to your garden. Benches can add greatly to the garden decor and if you are cutting treesdown to supply wood for bench making please ensure you follow all the safety advice available.