Merge Anuke

The wood decides how long an outdoor bench lasts, how heavy it is and how much work it demands every year. Here is how the common species actually differ.

A decision order that actually works: climate first, then size, then wood, then style. Get the order right and the shortlist builds itself.

Teak costs two to four times what cedar does. Here is exactly what that money buys, what it does not, and which climates and habits make each one the better buy.

Acacia is the most common budget hardwood in outdoor furniture. It looks and feels far more expensive than it is - as long as you understand its one real weakness.

A realistic yearly routine for a wooden bench: two short sessions and one optional deep clean. What to use, what to skip, and how to bring back a grey weathered bench.

Bench width, seat depth, height and the clearances around it. The measurements that decide whether a bench is comfortable, and the ones that catch people out.

Cushions change how often a bench gets used more than almost anything else you can buy for it. What to look for in foam, fabric and covers, and how to stop them going mouldy.

A simple cedar bench is one of the most achievable DIY projects there is. Whether it is actually cheaper than buying depends almost entirely on what you already own.