Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

If you’d like to add some stylish, comfortable seating to your outdoor space, a wooden garden bench is the ideal solution.  A garden bench made of wood will add a touch of craftsmanship and charm to any patio, garden or yard.  It’s the perfect accent for the natural beauty of the outdoors.

What are the best materials to look for when shopping for a wooden garden bench?  Strong, lightweight woods that have weather-resistant qualities are the best choices.  Cedar is one of the best woods for garden benches.  Because it absorbs and loses moisture slowly, a cedar garden bench is less likely than many other woods to splinter, crack or swell over time.  Cedar is also more resistant to decay and insect damage (the odor of fresh cedar is a natural insect repellant).  It can be stained or painted to slow the effects of weather.  When left untreated, a cedar garden bench will take on a rustic appearance and a silvery patina over time.

A pine garden bench has many of the same advantages as cedar.  Although pine is technically a soft wood, its strength and durability make it popular choice for outdoor furniture.  Pine is often pressure-treated, painted, stained or varnished to preserve it.    Because pine is in high demand for furniture, flooring and all types of carpentry, it’s harvested from tree plantations that follow sustainable practices.  If you’re concerned about the environment, a pine garden bench is an eco-friendly alternative for outdoor furniture.

Teak is another excellent choice for a wooden garden bench.  This wood has a natural oil content that acts as a preservative.  A teak garden bench will have a smooth, dense surface that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, rot and swelling.  It is less rustic looking than cedar, but it will take on the same type of silver gray patina when left untreated.  Like pine, teak is grown on tree plantations and is an eco-friendly choice.  Although teak is a bit more expensive than cedar or pine, its durability makes it a good investment.

Once you’ve decided on the type of wood you’d like for your garden bench, you’ll find a wide variety of styles available.  Garden benches are available with or without backs and arms, with built-in planters and with as assortment of decorative features.  After you’ve chosen a style that suits your taste, you’ll find yourself spending more time outdoors enjoying your new garden bench.

Tags: cedar garden bench, garden bench, garden benches, Outdoor Furniture, pine garden bench, teak garden bench, wood garden bench, wooden garden bench

If you’re fortunate enough to have a large tree in your yard, an around-the-tree bench is a simple, classic piece of outdoor furniture that will enhance the natural beauty of your tree.  This type of garden bench is truly unique because it will allow you to enjoy a 360 degree view of your backyard or garden.  In addition to being a beautiful addition to an outdoor space, an around the tree bench is a functional piece of outdoor furniture that provides a shady spot to relax, read or visit with family and friends.

Tree benches come in two main varieties: backless or with a slatted back constructed from the same wood as the bench.  Both types provide a comfortable way to stay cool beneath a favorite tree and are perfect conversation areas.  For relaxing with a good book or a glass of wine, you may prefer a garden bench with a back.

When shopping for a high-quality wrap around tree bench, look for a bench constructed from a classic strong wood that has weather-resistant qualities.  Cedar is a popular choice for a rustic-looking around the tree bench.  Its natural color is light tan or pale gold.   Untreated, it will weather to a beautiful silvery patina.  A cedar bench may also be stained or painted to delay the weathering process.  If you’d like a tree bench with a more polished appearance, teak is the perfect choice.  It has a dense grain that gives it a smooth surface that weathers to a silver gray luster.

You can use an around the tree bench anywhere that circular seating is desired.   Even if you don’t have a large tree, you can add a charming focal point to your yard by placing a large plant or potted tree in the center of one of these benches.  A tree bench makes a distinctive piece of patio furniture.  It is also is a beautiful addition to a commercial property, school, park, church or public garden.

Tags: around-the-tree bench, garden bench, Outdoor Furniture, Tree Benches, wrap around tree bench

Have you ever been to a backyard soiree – whether it’s a grad party, neighborhood barbeque or a simply garden tour – only to realize there’s no place to sit? Although a decorated gazebo is a great way to offer semi-enclosed seating, it demands a bit of creativity to design whereas a garden bench is the easiest way to offer guests, and yourself once they’ve gone home, the perfect perch to relax.

Including a patio bench on your lawn that accompanies your garden or a beautiful little bird bath, makes your coddled outdoor space a more livable one. Your family and guests alike feel more welcome knowing they can sit down comfortably within the arms of a wooden or metal seating unit. Getting to survey the grass, much,  and garden is much more appealing when you’re not forced to remain standing or soil your clothes.

Speaking generally here, garden benches are made of durable materials that can withstand harsh climates and daily changes in precipitation. They’re made knowing of these fluctuations, and have been treated accordingly. That said, if you have already have wooden patio furniture, one option is matching their stain to your Red Cedar bench, Pine bench, or Cypress bench.

Another great idea is to add a vibrant color or a design to the bench by painting it a deep shade of purple or marigold. By changing it from the wood’s natural state, you spark creativity in both your garden scene and into the conversations of those who enjoy it. Take it even one step further and plant your annuals accordingly by drawing in the shade you’ve chosen for your garden bench with the flowers and bushes situated nearby.

Aside from its ability to enlighten your backyard space and those who enjoy its presence, you’ve got to adore it too. After all, it is a bench to others, but might end up being your favorite place to read, enjoy your morning coffee, and the solace you’ll take mid-day to escape from the hustle of your daily routine.

Tags: cypress bench, garden bench, garden benches, gazebo, patio bench, pine bench, red cedar bench, wood patio furniture

I’ve given you two ways to throw a party for your mother on Mother’s Day.  But, perhaps you were really hoping to have something to wrap up and give her.  Understandable!  I still believe, though, that the best gifts are gifts with a lot of heart in them.

So, today I’ll be bringing you an awesome outdoor Mother’s Day gift idea: Painting a Mother’s Day Garden Bench!

Find a Pine Garden Bench: The best material for your garden bench will be Pine.  Cedar garden benches don’t take paint very well at all, neither will a Polywood garden bench.  Cypress will work, but a Treated Pine or Select Pine will serve you best.  Other than material, just find a bench that you think your mother would love.  Does she like to spend a lot of time outdoors?  A garden bench with a back might be the most comfortable.  Of course, there are a lot of benches with arm rests and nice deep seats for true outdoor relation.  But, if you think your mom might like something a bit simpler, there are plenty rustic garden benches.  Don’t forget, a lot of styles come with carved hearts or stars accenting the back—what a great way to show what you think of your mother!

Apply an Exterior Primer: The first think you will want to do is to apply an exterior primer.  The primer will ensure that your paint goes on smoothly, and it will help protect your garden bench from damage due to bugs or weather.  Apply the primer with a brush, and follow the grain of the wood.  It’s also important to choose a primer and paint that are compatible.  Most exteriors are either latex or enamel.  Either type of primer and paint will work, but it is imperative that they match!  Using a latex primer and an enamel paint, or vice versa, will cause the paint to adhere poorly.

Creatively Paint Your Garden Bench: After the primer has dried, this is a great time to get the whole family involved.  Try a few different colors, get the old clothes on, and paint the garden bench in the most creative way you can think of!  Maybe write, “I Love You, Mom” across the seat.  Or, have everyone make handprints all over the bench.  The sky is the limit! If she has a favorite poem, use a smaller brush to write it across the back of the bench.  Draw a family portrait of everyone all together.  If you’re truly concerned about your art skills, stencils can be purchased at an arts and crafts store, so you can decorate the bench with stenciled designs! Adding your personal and creative touches will make this one of your mother’s favorite pieces of outdoor furniture.  It doesn’t have to be perfect; it has to be from the heart!

Apply Sealant and Top Coat:  Again, after the paint has dried, you can further protect your bench by applying a clear sealant.  The sealant will keep the paint from chipping and other damage.  Then, if you wish, you can apply a top coat of clear gloss to give the garden bench a shiny quality.  The top coat isn’t necessary, but might be a nice touch if a shinier, glossier bench would fit your garden.

Position it in a Favorite Spot, Tie a Bow, and You’re Done: If you haven’t thought of this road block yet, you may have to find a bit of a creative spot to hide the bench while it’s drying.  Perhaps in your storage shed or other backyard structure.  Is there an untouched corner of the garage?  Perhaps you can take the whole project to an aunt’s, uncle’s, or grandparent’s house—then transport it once the whole bench is finished and ready to go!  However you chose to hide your surprise, you can bring it out once everything is completed and dried.  Position the garden bench in a spot you think she would love.  Or, place it among her other pieces of favorite outdoor furniture.  If you have a gazebo, pergola, or cabana, put it inside and decorate the structure for her big day as well.  Tying a colorful ribbon into a bow around the bench will be a wonderful finishing touch.  On Mother’s Day, simply lead your mother out to her brand new bench and enjoy one of her best Mother’s Days ever!

The best part of Mother’s Day is that you get to give back to the woman that’s always giving!  Creating a spot for her to both relax and be reminded of how much her family loves her is a wonderful Mother’s Day gift!

But, the big day is quickly approaching; so hurry up!

Hazel

Tags: backyard structure, cabana, garden bench, garden bench with a back, gazebo, Mother's Day, Outdoor Furniture, pergola, storage shed

Autumn is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year.  There’s no overstating its beauty, especially in regions like this – Western Pennsylvania – where the leaves turn to magnificent shades of gold, crimson, russet, and orange; and I wouldn’t want to live anyplace where they didn’t. 

It’s one of the pure joys of the season, to take a walk in the woods, breathing in the crisp, clean, fresh air, and being swept away by the breath-taking splendor of the trees, or getting caught up in a heavenly shower of glorious color, as they shed their gorgeous foliage.  Of course, you don’t actually have to be out among the trees to enjoy the show; because it’s going on wherever you look, you can watch it from the comfort of your own backyard.

For this, there’s no overstating the importance of a garden bench.  No doubt, yours is already positioned to be the perfect vantage point, from which you have been drinking in the colors and scents of your garden all spring and summer; and if you planted fall-blooming flowers, the scenery will be that much more brilliant now.  So, you have only to sit back, relax, and get ready to be dazzled by nature once again.

If you don’t already have a garden bench, however, now’s the time to get one.  CedarStore.com has one of the largest selections available, including red and white cedar, treated and select pine, oak, teak, cherry, cypress, polywood, vinyl, aluminum, synthetic wicker, galvanized steel, and thermo-plastic coated steel benches.  

Not only do we offer over a hundred garden benches in a great assortment of materials, colors, sizes, and styles, but we have some of the most comfortable designs that you’ll ever find.  Our Royal Highback model, for example, which has been featured in ‘Parade’ Magazine, is actually recommended by chiropractors for its deep, curved seat, high, contoured back, and built-in lumbar support. 

We also have rocking garden benches, Adirondack garden benches, planter benches, settees, outdoor sofas, around-the-tree benches, and even an amazing convertible Picnic Table/Bench, as well as soft, comfortable cushions in dozens of colors and patterns.

Oh, yeah, another great thing is that, besides providing free delivery of all of these benches, we can even ship some of them in as few as two business days.  That means that you still have plenty of time to get one before the leaves peak.

Yours Outdoors, 

Kathy

Tags: bench, Benches, garden bench, garden benches

Humans are curious creatures – in every sense of the word.  They’re curious, as in being hungry for knowledge, curious, as in being nosy, and curious, as in being peculiar or unusual. 

And that’s fine with us here at CedarStore.com.  It makes our jobs so interesting, as we field tons of inquiries, ranging from ordinary questions about how to stain a picnic table, to outlandish requests, like the one from the customer who wanted to know if we could design a gazebo that floats!

This time of year, however, we can always count on one particular query, which is actually quite normal.  As March rolls around, everyone wants to know what’s in store for spring, because they’re counting on us, as usual, to create new and exciting designs and styles that will let them build furniture groups that are unlike anyone else’s. 

Our newest offering, a garden bench that, in a way, was inspired in a way by the inquisitive nature of our customers, will not disappoint.  In fact, this Keyhole Cedar Bench is quite a captivating catch for any collection.  Because of one, seemingly simple design, which could almost be used as the international symbol for curiosity, it immediately evokes feelings of intrigue and mystery. 

Indeed, as all keyholes seem to do, it draws people in, striking their natural sense of fascination with the unknown, as it suggests something lying beyond, something waiting to be discovered on the other side, a question unanswered. 

Of course, it helps that this bench is drop-dead gorgeous; but, as we all know, looks are nothing without substance.  No problem there.  Apart from aesthetics, its amazing allure is also attributed to a beauty that runs as deep and rich as its solid Western Red Cedar grain. 

The Keyhole Cedar Bench comes in 4’, 5’, and 6’ lengths, so it will fit almost anywhere.  If you have the space, you can get it in different sizes, along with some of our accent tables and ottomans (I still say that should be ‘ottomen’), and create a dazzling furniture group.  But even if you use it all by itself, its magnetic appeal will pull in curious friends by the dozen.  That’s another great thing about this bench – it’s a fantastic conversation piece!

Speaking of conversations, remember, we love to hear from you, so call us at 888-293-2339 anytime, with any questions, whether run-of-the-mill, or off-the-wall.  When it comes to finding out what new products we have in the works, however, well, you’ll just have to keep coming back to browse.  After all, it wouldn’t be any fun if we gave away all of our surprises (you know, like if we came up with a floating gazebo or something!).  No, in this regard, like the enigmatic keyhole, we feel it’s more exciting to keep you guessing.   

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: bench, cedar bench, garden bench, keyhole garden bench

         We spend a lot of time discussing more popular products, such as gazebos, pergolas and picnic tables.  Today, I want to give some love to a few unique products that you may have never seen, much less considered adding to your backyard or garden design.

          Trees may be beautiful, but they can also limit the space of your backyard design.   A quick solution that several public parks and schools have utilized is a Tree Bench.  The bench wraps around the tree, forming a sitting area for several people.  The tree bench can be made of Cedar, Pine and even Teak.

         Planter Benches are the perfect boundary of any garden.  A pair of planter boxes on each side, help support the bench.  The lattice on the back adds a nice back support and looks great.  In fact, we now offer a double planter bench which forms an “L”.  My son described it as “way cool,” and I agree…like totally way cool! 

As a side note, (and very beneficial to you!), now through March 31st, we are offering $25 off any Planter Purchase of $150 or more!  Enter Promotional Code PLANTER in the shopping cart. 

          We’ve also combined the want for garden benches, porch swings and the want for a wooden arbor.  CedarStore.com has an Imperial Arbor with a garden bench and 4’ porch swing already built in.  And, just for a little decorative “icing on the cake”, we’ve created an arched top, too.  The treated pine arbor is a great center piece to a flower garden, or even a stand alone in your back yard.  Sit with the grand kids, or hide from life while inside the Imperial arbor.  Definitely, my favorite of the little known products!

          If you’re looking for deck furniture, I would recommend a few Adirondack chairs, or perhaps a wall mounted pergola!  We get a lot of questions about being able to attach a pergola to the house, and the answer is a simple: yes.  We’ll talk more about wall mounted pergolas in our future blogs. 

          As always, if you’d like us to address a topic in a future blog, just let us know via email (contact@cedarstore.com) or by leaving a comment.  We’re always happy to discuss a project, or offer our advice.  After twenty years in business, and 10 years online, we’ve seen it all!

Have a great day!

Shari

Tags: Arbors, Pergolas, Planter Benches, Planters, Tree Benches