Memorial Benches

A memorial bench is a bench that is placed in a spot in memory of a passed loved one. They can also be placed in memory of an event or a group of people. Memorial benches can seat 2, 3, or 4 people and usually have an engraving with details of who the bench is in memory of. This engraving can be in the wood itself, but it is more often on a metal plaque on the bench.

Memorial benches are often placed in a spot that was well-loved by the person who has passed away. For example, families often choose to place a memorial bench in a park or along a walk that the person enjoyed in life. Memorial benches are often also placed around memorials, such as war memorials, to pay respect or to commemorate individuals.

Memorial benches are more commonly made of wood, although there are exceptions. They can be adorned with a design or left plain with a simple plaque. The design of the back of a bench can be carved or feature a design that aligns with the reason for the bench.

Memorial benches are popular choices to commemorate a person’s life as they offer a place to sit peacefully and remember the life and achievements of a loved one who is no longer here.

You can place a memorial bench in a public place or in your private garden. Some people choose to keep their memorial benches in their garden as a place for quiet and private reflection, especially if the person they are remembering enjoyed spending time in the garden.

Many people choose to place a memorial bench in a public place such as in a cemetery or park. If a loved one enjoyed the outdoors, a particular view in a park, or a special spot by the sea, for example, this might be an ideal location.

If you are hoping to place a memorial bench in a public place, you will need permission from the local council. Most councils allow benches in certain areas but may have specific rules. Additionally, you might need to check with the grounds manager for cemeteries, churchyards, or crematoriums to see if it is allowed.

The inscription on a memorial bench can usually be anything you’d like. Common plaques include the person’s name, date of birth, and often the date of passing, as well as a short message describing who the person was. Family references are a nice touch, as they show that this person was dearly loved.

While space is limited, many people make inscriptions as personal as possible, including lines from poems, memorable quotes, or simply words expressing love. The best inscriptions come from the heart, as you’ll likely visit the bench for years to come.

Treatment needs depend on the type of wood. Pine or oak benches are typically treated before assembly, but oak may need re-treating after about six months. Pine can be treated with standard wood treatments annually.

Teak is highly durable and doesn’t require treatment, as it produces natural oils that protect it from weathering. A teak bench may only need cleaning twice a year with warm, soapy water. If you want teak to retain its golden color, you can apply teak protector, but this does not affect its longevity.

Other wood types may need regular treatment to maintain their natural appearance. All benches should be cleaned twice a year to remove mildew, moss, and other debris.

At Garden Benches, we use teak for all memorial benches, as it’s considered the gold standard for outdoor furniture. Teak is durable, water-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance due to its natural oils that prevent rotting, splitting, and cracking.

While teak is strong and durable, its color will naturally fade from golden brown to silvery-grey over time. This change doesn’t affect the structure of the bench, which will remain sound for years.

Teak has one of the longest lifespans of any natural wood product, making it ideal for memorial benches. While pine benches may last about 10 years, a teak bench can last up to 25 years or more.

Oak benches have a similar lifespan but need regular treatment every six months, while teak requires no treatment. The color of teak may fade, but the bench itself will remain structurally intact.

All of our memorial benches come fully assembled. However, you’ll need to purchase an anchoring kit to secure your bench. Kits are available for both soft and hard ground.

Many of our benches are available with next-day delivery if ordered before 2 pm. You can also choose a delivery day within the next month for convenience. For more customized benches, delivery times may vary, but our team will work to meet your deadline if you need it by a specific date.