How to look after a Garden Bench

A garden bench is the perfect seating solution for any outside space. It can be left outside all year round, ready to use whenever you want and you won’t need to worry about storing it over winter.

What your bench is made of will determine how to look after it. So, we’ve put together some easy steps and useful tips on how to look after a garden bench. Firstly, we look at how to look after a cast aluminium bench and then how to look after a wooden garden bench.

Looking after a cast aluminium bench

Our outdoor cast aluminium Berkeley and Capri benches by Hartman arrive fully assembled, which means they are ready to use straight away. They are rust-resistant and can be left outside all year round. Like a lot of garden furniture, a metal garden bench can become dirty, so how do you keep a Hartman metal bench clean, dry and ready to use? Here’s our 6 easy steps to help you keep your bench looking pristine.

6 easy steps to look after a cast aluminium garden bench

Step 1) Remove any cushion seat pad and store in a dry place.

Step 2) Wear protective gloves and eyewear.

Step 3) Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth with warm soapy water and begin to clean (we advise against the use of a pressure washer as this may cause damage).

Step 4) Rinse away soap suds and grime with clean water (repeat Steps 3 & 4 if dirt remains).

Step 5) Allow the bench to fully air dry.

Step 6) Pop the seat cushion pad back on if you want to use the bench or pop the protective cover on to protect it overnight. Don’t forget to store the seat cushion in a dry place after each use (to prevent moisture build up which can cause mildew).

Use a Hartman made to measure Protective Cover

Hartman cast aluminium can be left uncovered all year round, however to keep the ornate and lattice bench frames grime-free, we strongly recommend the use of a Hartman overnight made-to-measure protective cover. Using a protective cover regularly will cut down on cleaning, keep rain off and birdlime away from garden furniture.

Tips on how to look after your metal garden bench

These lovely outdoor metal benches come with a comfy two-seat Weatherready® bench cushion for comfort. Weatherready® cushions are designed to be season-proof and can be left outside overnight. If you do leave the bench cushion outside in the summer, try up-ending it on its side to help it drip-dry. This method helps to reduce the surface area for rain to fall on, thus helping it to dry quickly. Of course, the best way to look after a bench cushion is to store it in a dry place overnight. This will keep the seat cushion clean, dry and ready to use every time.

One last important consideration when looking after a cast aluminium bench is the weight of the bench. Berkeley and Capri benches look very similar, but the Berkeley has a hollow tube frame, making it much lighter than the more solid Capri garden bench. A Berkeley bench can be lifted easily should you need to move it to clean it and is something else to bear in mind, if you are considering a metal garden bench.

Looking after a wooden bench

Our beautiful and natural Alexander Rose garden benches are sturdy, reliable and will last for years. Alexander Rose make one of the widest selections of timber benches in the UK. They use only high quality and sustainable hardwood or softwood timber. These benches are treated in the Alexander Rose factory to produce smooth or brushed finishes, making them ready for use in the garden straight away.

So how do you care for a wooden bench and keep it looking great for years to come? Follow our 6 easy steps below, for a pristine looking bench.

6 easy steps to look after a wooden garden bench

Step 1) Remove any cushion seat pad and store in a dry place (if you need a bench cushion for comfort, please visit our Outdoor Seat Pads range).

Step 2) Wear protective gloves and eyewear.

Step 3) Use warm soapy water and a hard bristled brush to remove grime and begin to clean (we advise against the use of a pressure washer as this may lift the grain and cause splintering). For serious stains and grime, use a cap full of bleach in a bucket of soapy water.

Step 4) Rinse away soap suds and grime with clean water (repeat Steps 3 & 4 if dirt remains).

Step 5) Allow the bench to fully air dry.

Step 6) To enhance the timber, apply Danish, Linseed or Teak oil with a soft cotton cloth or rag. One coat is enough and always test a small patch underneath your bench first to make sure you are happy with the result.

Is a Protective Cover needed for a wooden garden bench?

No, a cover is not needed for a wooden garden bench. You can leave a wooden garden bench outside all year round uncovered. Covering natural wood can lead to moisture build up, which can cause unsightly black mould stains, that can be difficult to remove.

However, in some circumstances it may be necessary to cover a bench (to prevent birdlime or garden grime). If so, make sure to use a quality breathable cover with vents and remove the cover to air the bench regularly.

What to expect with a wooden bench

Our Alexander Rose benches arrive flat packed and after some simple home assembly the reward is a stunning bench to be proud of. Once you’ve unboxed a bench for the first time, you might begin to notice fine lines appearing in the grain. Don’t worry, this is normal and it will settle as the wood needs to breathe and acclimatise after being boxed up.

The Roble range of benches will mellow over time to a beautiful silver grey, whilst the Sherwood range will stay a darker shade of brown. These Alexander Rose benches won’t need any treatment for a while, but if you want to maintain the grain colour, some simple cleaning and oil treatments once every year or two will keep the bench looking like new.

You can also use Alexander Rose timber maintenance products to further ensure your bench stays in tip-top condition:

• Timber Cleaner to clean and brighten weathered timber (for Roble, Mahogony or Pine)
• Timber Protector to nourish wood and slow down sunlight discolouration (for Roble)
• Timber Treatment to protect the natural look of hardwood timber (for Roble & Mahogony)
• Timber Sealer to reduce moisture absorption (for Roble, Sherwood, Mahogony, Pine & Painted Acacia)
• Cornis Oil to restore Cornis wood back to a deep brown (for Cornis only)
• Timber Shield to prevent stains (for Roble)

If you decide to paint your wooden bench, try testing an area underneath first to make sure you like the colour and use an oil based paint to prevent flaking.

Cast aluminium and wooden benches are low maintenance

• A cast aluminium bench is easy to keep clean, it won’t need oiling and you can use a protective cover to keep it clean, dry and ready to use.
• A wooden garden bench is simple to maintain and you won’t need a cover.

By following our 6 easy steps to look after a cast aluminium garden bench or 6 easy steps to look after a wooden garden bench, you’ll be able to keep your garden bench looking great season-after-season with great results every time.

If you would like further advice on how to look after your garden bench, please get in touch with our furniture department. We will be happy to help. Or you can visit us in-store for more information at Gates Garden Centre.