Best garden benches 2021: wood, metal and storage benches

Looking for the best garden benches? From the classic wooden garden bench to decorative metal outdoor seats and useful storage benches; we've rounded up our top picks of 2021. 

Whatever the size of your garden, having somewhere to sit and enjoy it is at the top of most of our Wishlist's. And finding the best garden bench for your outdoor space will give you year-round enjoyment of the garden. You can take your coffee outdoors for some early morning fresh air, read the paper in peace or admire your favourite view.

As is the case with most garden furniture, this year garden benches are flying out of stores fast! So we've rounded up the best options that are available now, those with the shortest lead-times, and some that we think are worth the wait.

Looking to furnish your outdoor space fully? Make sure to check out our guide to the best garden furniture, otherwise, read on to find the best garden bench for your outside space.

Wooden garden benches are a classic choice for a reason. Look for options crafted from teak or a hardwood that will stand up to the elements. These robust woods are naturally high in oil content, which gives them good weather-resistance and makes for strong and durable outdoor furniture. You can let teak wood weather to a mellow silvery-grey tone, or seal with a wood preservative to extend its lifespan.

Metal garden benches are often decorative and can add a sculptural quality to the garden. As long as they're powder-coated or galvanised they will also stand up well to the elements, and don't require regular upkeep as a wooden bench can. Just bear in mind that a metal garden bench will get very hot in the sun, and very cold to the touch in winter, so you're likely to want some outdoor cushions to make this one comfortable.

A rattan garden bench or sofa seat will make for a pretty summer addition to the garden. Rattan isn't generally as weather-resistant as wood or metal though, so you'll need somewhere dry to store it over winter, and to make sure you put it under cover during inclement weather.

A garden storage bench seat is a great multifunctional option for a smaller garden as it offers space to hide away gardening tools and equipment, whilst also delivering useful seating. For more tips on styling a compact outdoor space make sure to visit our small garden ideas.

Inspired by London's formal park benches, this timeless metal garden bench will blend effortlessly into a wide range of gardens, from urban contemporary to country cottage. Available in 'carbon black' or 'foliage green' the powder-coated steel design is crafted to withstand the test of time and weather. Dimensions: H81 x W150 x D63cm Richmond Bench, £200, Garden Trading

The most durable garden benches are usually made from teak wood, but that can come with a fairly hefty price tag. For an affordable wooden garden bench, this pressure-treated timber seat made from FSC certified wood is a good option. You can also commission the perfect size for your space, with 2ft - 6ft wide garden benches handmade to your specifications. Dimensions: H90 x W121 x D85cm Wooden Garden Bench Seat, £180, Arbor Garden Solutions

This rattan-effect garden bench seat with wingback arms makes an elegant addition to the garden or conservatory. There is also a coordinating Cannes garden storage box perfect for stowing away outdoor essentials, and a modular dining set to complete the look. Dimensions: H84 x W125 x D60cm Cannes Bench, £450, Cox & Cox

This hardwearing teak garden bench has a contemporary feel thanks to its curved armrests and linear slatted design. Available in two or three-seater, both with weather-proof seat cushions included, this is a bench seat we'd be as happy to have inside as out. Primrose Garden Bench, £1215, Raft Furniture

Crafted from FSC certified teak wood by Danish design studio Skagerak, this contemporary wooden bench seat is a great option if you prefer your classic with a modern twist. The generous backrest has been specially designed to allow room for resting a book, cup of tea or - should the mood take you - an evening aperitif. Dimensions: H77 x W144 x D70cm Plank Bench, £1169, Skagerak

Crafted from FSC certified teak wood by Danish design studio Skagerak, this contemporary wooden bench seat is a great option if you prefer your classic with a modern twist. The generous backrest has been specially designed to allow room for resting a book, cup of tea or - should the mood take you - an evening aperitif. Dimensions: H77 x W144 x D70cm Plank Bench, £1169, Skagerak

Inspired by the simplicity of Japanese furniture, the ergonomic curved lines and attention to detail in this bench seat's craftsmanship means you'll be hard-pressed to decide whether it should live indoors or out. If you opt for the garden then the hardwearing teak wood will provide robust weather-resistance and longevity. Dimensions: H80.5 x W116 x D55cm Tanso Teak Garden Bench, £675, Case

For a more modern take on a metal bench seat, Hay's Palissade outdoor bench features a fluid contemporary design and carefully-considered minimal aesthetics. Available in black, green and galvanised steel finishes, and with a wealth of coordinating outdoor furniture options, this versatile bench seat will deliver design-led detail to an urban, formal, or contemporary family garden. Dimensions: H80 x W128 x D70cm Palissade Bench, £600, Hay

This wood-effect polypropylene garden storage bench is a useful and practical solution for a garden without a shed to store tools and outdoor paraphernalia. It can seat two adults and the lockable storage compartment will bring peace of mind. Dimensions: H84 x W140 x D60cm Eden Garden Storage Bench, £130, Keter

Mixing traditional English and contemporary Scandinavian design, this acacia wood garden bench delivers soothing simplicity. A comfortable seat cushion, curved armrests and gently angled back will make this a great pitstop for taking the weight off your feet after a spot of weeding. Dimensions: H89 x W180 x D65cm Ravenna Bench, £495, Cox & Cox