Guide for Choosing the Best Outdoor Bench Material

Outdoor swings and benches are available in several kinds ofmaterials and have several different uses. Whether you’re looking for a park bench, a garden bench, or a bench to sit on the patio while you watch your kids play with pool toys, there are endless choices available. From classic wood to wicker resin, each material brings different features and benefits to the table. Which one is right for you? We've put together a handy guide that will help you understand the pros and cons of each material.

Wood

Most porch swings and gliders featured on our site are made out of good old-fashioned wood, which remains the most popular material used to craft furniture. Outdoor wooden benches have a beautiful classic and timeless quality. Still, they are more susceptible to weather damage than benches made of synthetic material.

Different wood types possess distinct characteristics and strengths. Check out our Wooden Bench Guide to find the wood bench that is right for you.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron should be at the top of the list when it comes to selecting a great porch swing for your home. Wrought iron benches are incredibly durable, stylish, and can take a good amount of weathering. Most wrought-iron swings you see on our site are powder-coated with a scratch and chemical resistant coating.

Keep in mind that over time, rust may accumulate on wrought iron furniture when the powder coat of paint wears down (a wire brush will take care of most rust flakes). But all in all, a wrought iron swing is an excellent investment for anyone looking for elegant furniture that will last for many years to come.

Synthetic Wood

Suppose you're looking for a maintenance-free swing that is fade-resistant, moisture-resistant and retains wood-tone colors in all climates and seasons for several years. In that case, a synthetic wood swing is the way to go. Swings made of synthetic lumber are super resilient and mimic the look and feel of natural wood.

The "synthetic" in "synthetic wood" may put a dent in the whole classic bench dream for some, but if you ask us, our benches come pretty darn close to the real thing! If durability and longevity are the main factors for you—go with synthetic wood!

Recycled Plastic

Recycled plastic/resin swings don't have quite the same elegance as wood or wrought iron swings but generally will last much longer. Our plastic swings require zero maintenance, are ultra-durable against the elements, and will add a cute, modern feel to your front porch or backyard.

Our Wildridge Poly Furniture by Little Cottage benches and swings are resistant to pests, fading, cracking, and come with a 20-year warranty.

Wicker Resin

Wicker resin is a great outdoor furniture material that stands up to moisture while adorning your porch or yard with a cozy, homey look. Wicker resin does not split like natural woven wicker and does not absorb water, so if the kids or dog dirty your swing, you can rinse it with a hose, or clean it with soap and water.

Wicker resin furniture tends to be lighter and more prone to getting knocked over by the wind. We recommend wicker resin furniture framed with steel for better stability.

Outdoor Cushions

While you may be fine going “cushionless” in your outdoor space, many of us long for an outdoor seat cushion to make our seating that little bit more comfortable. An outdoor cushion can make the difference between sitting on an outdoor bench for just a few minutes or chatting away in your outdoor patio space for hours at a time.

You can find full bench cushions in a variety of colors from brands like A & L Furniture, as well as outdoor storage bench cushions that go on top of your storage space. Waterproof outdoor benches require waterproof pillows, and these particular outdoor cushions are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic outdoor fabric and have a five-year warranty. Plus, most pillows that are meant for outdoor use are stain and mildew-resistant.

What’s the Best Outdoor Bench Material?

So, what’s our verdict on the best possible material for an outdoor patio bench or garden bench? This is completely up to your preference and the climate you live in! All of the materials we have listed have their pros and cons, but your taste for home decor and your individual outdoor space will be what determines the best bench material for you.

If you’re looking for outdoor furniture that will stand the test of time and tie in with the warm-toned look of your patio, then teak wood is a fantastic way to go. It is also the most durable and strongest of all hardwoods, making it the perfect material for outdoor furniture. If you’re looking for a sleek finish, then wrought iron or stainless steel is your best bet.

If you’re on the hunt for an outdoor bench that can double as dining chairs, then a lighter material such as wicker or rattan might be the best pick. And if you’re looking for an incredibly durable, modern look that does its part for the environment, then recycled plastic outdoor patio furniture may be the ideal choice for you.