Of course, you can find plenty of uses for an indoor wooden bench, but for the purposes of this article, we will be referring to the many options in which you can use an outdoor wooden bench.  The main difference between indoor and outdoor wooden benches is in the type of wood that is used and how they are finished.  Benches for outdoor use need to be protected from the weather so that they will hold up against the effects of moisture and the sun.  This is easily done with a sealer or protective coating.  Other than that, there are not huge differences between how wooden benches are constructed for indoor or outdoor use.

Here are a few different ways you can utilize a wooden bench in your backyard or garden:

Wooden garden bench – Wooden garden benches are a popular addition to many garden spaces.  This is because they provide a place to sit and enjoy the garden while blending in nicely with the décor due to their natural wood design.  Wooden garden bench designs vary widely, from a bench made from natural twigs and sticks that is purely designed to create a rustic and natural feel in the garden to a wooden park bench that evokes a more traditional feel and can add interest to the garden while creating a functional space to sit and enjoy the view.  Wooden garden benches can have high backs or no backs, can include planters on either side of the bench to house additional flowers or plants, and can be left in their natural state, painted or stained.  While a rustic wooden bench may be at home amongst a bed of wildflowers, a white wooden bench may brighten up a more formal garden space.  Each type of wooden bench can evoke a completely different feel within the garden.

Wooden storage bench – Wooden storage benches not only provide a place to sit, but also offer added functionality because they provide outdoor storage space as well.  A wooden storage bench can be used just about anywhere you would place any other type of bench or seating – on a deck or patio, in the garden, near a pool, near the entrance to a house, in a play area or anywhere else that you can benefit from seating and storage.  A wooden bench with storage offers the ultimate in functionality and does not compromise design.  Like a wooden garden bench, a storage bench can vary in design as to whether it contains a back or has arms, how it is finished (stain, paint, left natural, etc.), and more.  The only difference is that the wooden bench seat will have some type of hinge that can be opened up so that items can be stored inside and the area of the bench providing storage should keep the elements out so the items inside are protected.  Even a wooden toy bench can be used outdoors to house the kids’ playthings, as long as it is treated to withstand the elements.

Wooden deck bench – When designing a deck, many homeowners request that a wooden deck bench be incorporated into the deck design.  Wooden deck benches can be built right into the deck during the construction process, or you can purchase or build a freestanding wooden deck bench to use for seating or storage on the deck.  Often the benches that are built directly into the deck are wooden bench seats that are situated along the edge or railing of a deck and do not contain their own backs.  If you are adding a deck bench after the fact, there are enough wooden bench designs available commercially to compliment most deck designs, or you can have a contractor build a wooden deck bench that works well with your deck.  If you know how to build a wooden bench, you can even easily build one yourself, or you can check out some wooden bench plans online to find out how to make a wooden bench that would match your existing deck.  No matter what you choose to do, incorporating a wooden deck bench into your deck design plans or adding one to an existing deck provides added functionality, seating space, and even storage if you build it as a storage bench.

Wooden shower bench – For those homeowners that have outdoor showers, a wooden shower bench is a great addition.  Wooden shower benches are typically constructed from teak or cedar and are sealed for protection due to their continual exposure to moisture.  Wooden shower benches are much more attractive than shower benches constructed from other materials.  These benches can also be used near a pool area or hot tub and are well suited to any locations that receive a lot of moisture.

Wooden work bench – Wooden work benches are not really benches at all, but more like work tables.  Nevertheless, a wooden workbench can serve a functional purpose outdoors or in a garage or large shed.  Wooden workbenches can be used for small construction projects, as potting benches, or are perfect anytime you need some space to work outdoors or in a garage, shed, basement or other space.  You can even build your own small wooden bench while working on your work bench!

There are many types of wooden bench designs to choose from and many uses for wooden benches.  Whether you are looking for some extra seating or storage or simply need an interesting piece of furniture to place in the garden, a wooden bench is always at home in the outdoors.

Buy wooden benches here.

Related posts:

1. Garden Bench Uses
2. Outdoor Shower Bench: Comfort and Convenience
3. Types of Outdoor Storage Benches

A shower bench is a small bench that is made to withstand constant contact with water. A shower bench seat offers a place to sit while taking a shower, which is especially important for those that have difficulty standing for long periods of time. But shower benches also make it more convenient to take a shower in a small outdoor cramped space by providing a place to lift up a leg to wash off some sand or to place flip flops, bathing suits and related items, rather than having to leave them on the floor.

Since most outdoor showers are somewhat compact, it is usually better to opt for a folding shower bench or a portable shower bench rather than one that is larger and more difficult to move, since space is at a premium in an outdoor shower. These models offer the convenience of use when needed but can easily be moved out of the way when not needed.

For outdoor use, the most popular material for shower benches is teak. A teak shower bench is strong and durable and can be left outdoors for extended periods of time without harm, just as a garden bench can. They can be left to weather in their natural state (and will turn a grayish color) or they can be periodically treated to maintain their color and to extend their wear. Shower benches are also available in plastic and other manmade materials, but a wood shower bench is a much more attractive addition to an outdoor space than a plastic one.

Teak shower benches resemble those found in spa settings, so they can be an elegant addition to your outdoor shower space, or they can simply be a natural accompaniment to your garden décor. In addition to teak, the benches can be made of other wood types. Cedar shower benches can also be used outdoors and in fact, any type of shower bench that is fit for indoor use can also be used outside.

If your outdoor shower area is near your pool or outdoor spa, an added benefit to a shower bench is that you can leave a change of clothes, an extra towel, or other supplies on it when the shower is not in use. The bench can even be moved for temporary extra seating, since it is so small and easy to maneuver.

Shower benches are not simply a luxury for indoor spa-like bathrooms or a necessity for those that have medical conditions that make it difficult to stand for long periods of time. Adding a shower bench to your outdoor shower area can make it easier to scrub off sand and mud, can provide a place to change outdoors and can even serve a dual purpose as extra seating. They offer comfort and convenience in a compact package.

Buy shower benches here.

Related posts:

1. Adding An Outdoor Shower Could Be A Wise Move
2. Wooden Bench Uses
3. Outdoor Shower Kits