Our method
Welcome to our big metal garden bench test 2021. Here we present all the metal garden benches that we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the web. We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best metal garden bench for you. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a metal garden bench.
Contents
- 1 Weekly newsletter with the best personal finance tips
- 2 The most important facts
- 3 The best metal garden bench: Our picks
- 4 Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a metal garden bench
- 4.1 What is a garden bench?
- 4.2 Who is a metal garden bench suitable for?
- 4.3 What role does the shape and appearance play when choosing a metal garden bench?
- 4.4 What are the right accessories for my metal garden bench?
- 4.5 How much does a metal garden bench cost?
- 4.6 Where can I get a metal garden bench?
- 4.7 What are the alternatives to a metal garden bench?
- 5 Decision: What types of metal garden benches are there and which one is right for you?
- 5.1 What are the characteristics of metal garden benches with a table and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
- 5.2 What are the characteristics of metal garden benches with trellis and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
- 5.3 What are the advantages and disadvantages of metal garden benches in combination with wood?
- 6 Buying criteria: These are the factors you can use to compare and evaluate metal garden benches
The most important facts
- A metal garden bench is a popular piece of furniture for both the garden and the balcony. For this reason, metal garden benches are available in a wide variety of shapes and colours, so that there is something for every taste.
- Metal garden benches owe their popularity mainly to their functionality - they combine comfort, interesting decor in the garden and convenience.
- Metal garden benches are weatherproof and relatively easy to maintain, so they will be a real eye-catcher in the garden or on the balcony for a long time.
The best metal garden bench: Our picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a metal garden bench
What is a garden bench?
A garden bench is designed so that several people can sit on it, so that they can enjoy optimal seating comfort together. Indeed, the most common materials used for a garden bench are metal, wood, plastic or aluminium. Many of them have armrests and backrests.
Who is a metal garden bench suitable for?
What role does the shape and appearance play when choosing a metal garden bench?
Metal garden benches in combination with wood have a natural and warm effect, which is why they are among the classics of garden benches.
In terms of design, both modern and antique models are available on the market. Therefore, the appearance proves to be more of a subjective criterion. While one person likes a combination of wood and metal, another tends towards a classic rustic model.
What are the right accessories for my metal garden bench?
For this reason, there are various options on the market that offer the best protection for your metal garden bench. In the following, we have selected 3 possible options for you:
Protective cover
Most of the protective covers are made of a weatherproof and UV-resistant fabric that is extremely durable against sunlight. The protective cover can be used through all seasons, so that the garden bench is permanently protected from rust and dirt. The conventional covers are made of nylon and can therefore definitely withstand rain storms or heavy snow. For some models, protective covers with a toggle switch can also be found on the market. Note that garden benches made of wood are more sensitive than metal garden benches. A protective cover is therefore essential.
Cushions and upholstery
The cushions and upholstery ensure your optimum comfort when sitting. Sometimes they are even included in the delivery, but not with all models. Cushions and padding can be found in numerous sizes, colours and shapes, depending on your taste. In most cases, the fabric of the cushions is made of cotton mixed with polyester and therefore proves to be an extremely comfortable seat. When choosing the right cushions for you, be sure to check that they are UV-resistant to prevent fading.
Storage boxes for upholstery
To keep the upholstery looking good for a long time and to ensure your seating comfort, there are so-called storage boxes on the market. These are similar to a normal bin box, with the small difference that they have a nicer look. The volumes vary in most cases up to 2000 litres. The storage boxes are characterised not only by their practical placement, but also by their resistance to thunderstorms and UV radiation. Some more expensive models can even be opened automatically.
How much does a metal garden bench cost?
| Type | Number of seats | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive garden benches made of wood and metal | 2 to 3 seats | 40 to 200 euros |
| Quality garden benches without armrests | 3 to 4 seats | 200 to 350 euros |
| Expensive metal garden benches with stainless steel frames | 2 to 4 seats | 350 to 900 euros |
Where can I get a metal garden bench?
- Obi
- Ebay
- Amazon
- Aldi
- Bauhaus
- Globe
- Hornbach
- Irakus
- Ikea
- Kika
- Möbelix
- Mömax
- Toom
- Vidaxl
- Thomas Philipps
- Willhaben
What are the alternatives to a metal garden bench?
Garden bench made of wooden pallets as an environmentally friendly alternative
An environmentally friendly alternative that suits your garden or balcony just as well is a garden bench made of wooden pallets. You can even build it yourself with the help of suitable instructions and it can also be combined very well with other pallet furniture, making it a real eye-catcher.
Plastic garden bench
A plastic garden bench is a relatively inexpensive alternative to the classic metal garden bench. In most cases, we are talking about an elaboration of polyrattan, which also gives the garden a pleasant look and requires fairly little maintenance. In principle, it is a 2 - to 3-seater garden bench, which can be found on the market in numerous colours. The bottom line is that the plastic garden bench is the perfect option for all fans of garden furniture who do not have such a large budget.
Decision: What types of metal garden benches are there and which one is right for you?
What are the characteristics of metal garden benches with a table and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
If you don't only need your metal garden bench for relaxation or as a decoration in the garden, but also want to enjoy food and drinks in the fresh air, then a garden bench with integrated table is the perfect option for you!
What are the characteristics of metal garden benches with trellis and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Garden benches with trellis are specially designed for climbing roses and thus lend a romantic atmosphere to the garden. Thanks to their quick and uncomplicated assembly, garden benches with trellis are suitable for anyone who likes to take care of the plants in the garden.
We have selected a video for you so that you can better imagine how such a stable construction is finished:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of metal garden benches in combination with wood?
In principle, we are talking about a combination of metal frame and precious woods such as teak, eucalyptus or mahogany, which are characterised by their durability. Such an interesting combination of both materials fits perfectly to every garden style - no matter if modern or rather vintage.
Buying criteria: These are the factors you can use to compare and evaluate metal garden benches
In the following, you will get a brief overview of the criteria you can use to compare and evaluate the various metal garden benches. This will make it easier for you to decide in the future which type of garden bench is suitable for you and which is not. In principle, these are:
- Material
- Seat
- Stability and resilience
- Shape
- Weather resistance
- UV resistance
Material
Material is an essential criterion that you must consider before buying your garden bench. This criterion is especially important because you need to accurately estimate how heavy the garden bench will be when it is transported. The material of the garden bench also determines how easy it is to clean. Despite their heavy weight, metal garden benches are particularly easy to clean and can also be left outside or stored during the cold seasons (preferably with a protective cover). The matching seat cushions are a really comfortable addition to your metal garden bench. They also serve to visually enhance the garden or balcony. For this reason, the material of the cushions also plays a major role when it comes to caring for the cushions.
Seat
If you have decided to buy a metal garden bench, you can basically choose between 2-seaters, 3-seaters and 4-seaters. Of course, it depends on the size of the installation site what size is best for you.
| Place of installation | Seat | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony | Mostly 2-seater | As there is not so much space on the balcony, a 2-seater metal garden bench is best suited, as it saves space but still brings a pleasant atmosphere |
| Garden | 3 to 4 seater | In a larger garden, nothing stands in the way of a large model. A matching table can also be added to the metal garden bench so that both pieces of furniture complement each other and at the same time add cosiness to the garden |
If you do not have the time to test the metal garden bench before buying it, then you should make sure that the garden bench is only bought in the size that actually corresponds to the storage space.
Stability and load capacity
Stability proves to be a mandatory criterion before buying a metal garden bench. In most cases, almost all models smoothly fulfil this criterion. This means that before buying, you should pay close attention to the manufacturer's specifications so that you can assess whether the metal garden bench can support your weight or not.
In the following, you will get a brief overview in table form of the load capacity of the various types of metal garden benches:
| Number of seats | Load capacity |
|---|---|
| 2-seater garden bench | 150 to 250kg |
| 3-seater garden bench | 250 to 320kg |
| 4-seater garden bench | Twice the load capacity of a 2-seater model |
Shape
We have already mentioned in the guide that the shape of most metal garden bench models is similar. Nevertheless, you must also take this criterion into account before you buy a metal garden bench. You need to assess exactly where you plan to place the garden bench and you need to imagine what shape will best suit the interior of your garden. A simple garden bench with not so many elements, for example, fits perfectly in a modern furnished garden, in contrast to a garden bench with rustic elements, which is more suitable for a vintage garden.
Weatherproof
Whether a metal garden bench is weatherproof and weather resistant plays a significant role when rain or snow comes during the cold seasons. Weather resistance of a garden bench promises that rain or snow will definitely be withstood and no damage will be done.
UV resistance
UV irradiation causes the material of the garden bench to age and become brittle more quickly. Therefore, UV resistance plays an important role when you choose a metal garden bench. This means that if your garden furniture is exposed to the sun a lot, it must be equipped with special UV stabilisers that reduce the effects of UV radiation.
Image source: pixabay.com/ Monika511
