If you’re thinking about upgrading your backyard or garden, adding an outdoor bench is one of the smartest and most practical choices you can make. A study shows that spending 20 to 30 minutes outside ( only 1.39% to 2.08% of 24 hours) can relieve stress and lower cortisol levels.
The key benefits of adding an outdoor bench to your garden include:
- Comfortable and relaxing outdoor seating for family and guests
- Health benefits
- Stylish garden addition
- Having functional and space-saving garden furniture
- Getting durability for years
And with so many choices available in Australia, you’ll find an option that works with your lifestyle and your backyard size. Let’s look at why a bench can be a game-changer for your outdoor space.
What Is an Outdoor Bench?
An outdoor bench is a piece of furniture designed for seating in open-air spaces like gardens, patios, decks, or backyards. Unlike indoor chairs or sofas, it’s built to handle changing weather and outdoor conditions.
Outdoor benches come in different materials — wooden garden bench, metal outdoor bench, polypropylene bench, or resin garden bench — each offering its own balance of style, comfort, and durability.
Some designs are purely decorative, while others are highly practical, such as an outdoor bench with storage that doubles as a space-saver.
It’s a versatile, functional garden furniture item that provides comfortable seating, adds style to your space, and makes your outdoor area more inviting.
5 Key Benefits of Outdoor Benches
Outdoor benches are beneficial in many ways. Here are 5 key benefits you will get from an outdoor bench when you place it in your backyard.
1. Offers Comfortable and Relaxing Outdoor Seating for an Individual or a Family Get-Together
A well-placed outdoor bench can change how you enjoy your garden. It’s simple, inviting, and doesn’t dominate the space like larger lounge sets often do.
Instead, it gives you a comfortable spot to pause with your morning tea, enjoy an afternoon read, or unwind after a long day. Adding cushions can make it even cosier, and placing it under a shady tree, beside colourful blooms, or against a patio wall turns an ordinary corner into your favourite retreat.
But a bench isn’t only about personal relaxation. It’s also a smart choice when family and friends gather.
Unlike individual chairs, benches offer more seating during BBQs or weekend get-togethers and provide a safe, sturdy option for kids.
They work just as well alongside a dining table as they do on their own for casual meals outdoors. Even in smaller yards, a bench tucked against a fence saves space while still offering plenty of seating.
A bench as outdoor seating for families means you’re always ready, whether it’s a quick weekend lunch or a birthday celebration.
Whether you’re seeking quiet moments or preparing for guests, comfortable outdoor seating makes your garden more welcoming and practical every day.
2. You Get Health Benefits with an Outdoor Bench
Outdoor benches are not only for comfortable and relaxing seating, but they also bring great health benefits.
According to a study by Frontiers in Psychology in 2019, a 20-minute stay in nature/outdoors helps to lower your stress hormone level.
Sitting on an outdoor bench under a tree in your backyard recreates this environment, and you get relieved from stress.
Another Australian study shows that the chance of becoming overweight among children decreases by 27% to 41% among those who spend more time outdoors compared to those who spend less time outdoors.
Fresh air and sunlight support better sleep and stronger immunity. Even short breaks outside on your bench can help regulate vitamin D levels, which are important for bone and muscle health.
Spending time outdoors improves mood. Sitting on your bench with a cup of tea or enjoying quiet moments with family can reduce anxiety and help you feel calmer.
So while you may see a bench as simple outdoor furniture for gardens, it’s also a quiet tool for better physical and mental health.
3. Functional and Space-Saving Garden Furniture
Not everyone has a big backyard. So, if you want to have a lot of pieces of furniture to decorate your backyard, it wouldn’t be possible due to the shortage of space.
And that’s where an outdoor bench shines. Unlike larger furniture sets, a bench is ideal for functionality in tight spaces.
- Outdoor benches as outdoor furniture for small yards balance comfort and practicality with a compact design. A bench provides seating without occupying too much space.
- A space-saving garden furniture solution like a corner bench can make awkward spots useful.
- If storage is an issue, an outdoor bench with storage gives you a place to tuck away tools, kids’ toys, or outdoor cushions.
According to a market report by Global Growth Inside, approximately 30% of buyers prefer furniture pieces that also integrate storage for smaller outdoor spaces. A bench with storage is a smart answer — it solves two problems in one: seating and clutter.
So instead of crowding your garden with mismatched chairs or plastic tubs, you can keep things neat while still having a welcoming seating spot.
4. Outdoor Benches Are a Stylish Addition to Garden Decor
A bench doesn’t just serve a purpose; it adds personality to your garden. Think of it as both functional garden furniture and a decorative piece.
- A stylish backyard bench can tie your landscaping together. For example, a sleek black metal outdoor bench works perfectly in a modern yard, while a rustic wooden garden bench blends beautifully with cottage-style gardens.
- A bench can become a focal point. Place it near plants, water features, or even against a colourful fence to make the area pop.
- With the right choice, it complements your home’s design — whether you’ve got a patio, deck, or small yard.
Adding one bench often does more for your garden decor ideas than buying several smaller accessories. It feels intentional and adds character to your outdoor area without being overwhelming.
5. Outdoor Benches Are Made With Durable and Weather-Resistant Materials
Australia’s weather is unpredictable. From scorching summers to rainy winters, your outdoor furniture needs to handle it all. And keeping these things in mind, outdoor benches are made with weather-resistant materials in Australia.
Here are your main options:
- Wooden garden bench: They are classic and warm. Teak, fir, oak, and eucalyptus are great choices because they resist rot and termites. With a protective oil or coating, they can last for years.
- Metal outdoor bench: Metal benches are strong and timeless. Aluminium resists rust and is lightweight, while stainless steel gives a more solid, traditional look.
- Resin garden bench: Affordable and low-maintenance. Resin benches are weather-resistant, easy to clean, and available in various styles to complement your garden.
- Polypropylene (PP): PP is also common in outdoor benches and is an affordable choice. They are weather-resistant, lightweight, and easy to move.
The right material makes all the difference. A durable outdoor bench means you won’t be replacing it every few years.
These materials are also easy to clean. You just need to wipe off the surfaces with clothes. So, if you want to relax for more time and spend less time on upkeep of your outdoor seating, weather-resistant outdoor benches could be your go-to option.
FAQs
If you want a natural look, go for hardwoods like fir, oak, or teak. For low maintenance, aluminium or resin is ideal. Each has its advantages depending on your style and budget.
Use protective oil or sealant once or twice a year, and clean it with mild soap and water. Cover it during extreme weather for extra care.
Yes, but choose one with weather-resistant materials. Resin and aluminium storage benches perform best in wet conditions. Wooden versions work too if they’re sealed properly.
A corner bench, a foldable metal outdoor bench, or a storage bench are practical options. They keep the space functional without making it feel crowded.
Final Thought
An outdoor bench is more than just a place to sit. It’s about creating a spot in your garden that feels both functional and welcoming. From comfortable seating and stylish looks to durability and family-friendly design, a bench ticks all the boxes. Whether you have a small yard or a big patio, there’s a model that fits your lifestyle. At Outdoor Furniture Brisbane, you’ll find benches designed with premium materials, weather-resistant finishes, and styles suited to Australian backyards. Our collection is designed for comfort, practicality, and easy maintenance, making it the perfect choice when you want furniture that lasts and looks great from season to season.
