Use Benches Instead of Railings to Enhance Your Deck

Decks are a popular way to extend outdoor living space. Most decks have railings around the perimeter for safety and to prevent falls. However, railings can obstruct views and make a deck feel closed in. An innovative solution is to use benches instead of railings to enhance the look and enjoyment of your deck.

Benches create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for relaxation. They provide versatile multi-purpose seating for dining, social gatherings, or just enjoying the scenery. Benches maximize views off the deck compared to railings blocking the sightlines. This design gives a deck an open, airy feel and better connects it to the surroundings.

Reasons to Use Benches Instead of Railings

There are many benefits to using benches instead of railings on your deck:

• More seating and entertainment space. Benches provide ample comfortable seating integrated right into the deck.
• Creates an inviting atmosphere. Benches feel cozier and more welcoming than railings for relaxing and socializing.
• Allows better views. An unobstructed view increases enjoyment of the outdoors.
• Provides a unique look. Benches make a deck design feel fresh and creative.
• Easier access in and out. Open benches allow easier movement on and off the deck.
• Safer for kids and pets. No railings mean fewer falls and injuries.
• Cost effective. Basic benches are cheaper than outfitting railings.

For these reasons, benches are an innovative alternative to give your deck an updated look and feel.

Built-In Benches Maximize Seating and View

The most common approach is to build benches directly into the deck structure around the perimeter. This efficiently uses the entire deck border for seating rather than just taking up space with railings. Built-in benches maximize both seating capacity and open outward views.

Built-in benches can be made from wood, plastic, concrete, or other durable materials. They may be simple rectangular platforms or have more elaborate shapes and details. This flexible design allows matching bench style to the deck layout and home architecture.

Freestanding Benches Add Flexible Seating

Another option is to incorporate freestanding benches that can be moved around rather than permanent built-in seating. Loose benches add flexible, customizable seating arrangements for different occasions.

Lightweight metal, plastic, or wooden benches can be clustered for conversation areas. They can also easily be shifted to corners or sides of the deck to open space for yard games, exercise, or cleaning.

Combine Built-In and Loose Benches

For maximum versatility, many deck designs utilize both fixed and movable benches. Permanent built-in benches around the edges provide plentiful seating. Free-standing benches offer flexible additional chairs that can be added or taken away as needed.

This blended approach gives the stability of permanent benches with the adaptability of portable options that allow modifying seating for changing uses.

Design Considerations for Deck Benches

There are several important factors to consider when planning to use benches on your deck:

• Materials - Benches can be made from wood, plastic, metal, concrete, stone, or other outdoor-friendly materials. Choose materials that match your deck and home style.
• Dimensions - Size bench height, depth, and length appropriately for your deck layout and usage.
• Style - Design bench shape, details and materials to coordinate with your home's exterior architecture and design aesthetic.
• Foot traffic - Allow enough space for people to comfortably walk around benches and pass each other.
• Weather resistance - Use durable, long-lasting materials that can withstand outdoor exposure to sun, rain, snow, and temperature swings in your climate.
• Lighting - Incorporate lighting, like accent LEDs or lanterns, so benches can be used at night.
• Accessories - Benches can be enhanced with side tables, cushions, storage boxes, or planters attached to the deck near the benches.

Carefully think through these factors when designing your ideal benches to complement your deck layout and decor.

Built-In Bench with Planters

An innovative bench variation is to integrate planter boxes into the design. Built-in benches can have planters at either end or in the middle. You can then grow flowers, herbs, or other ornamental plants in the planters while also creating comfortable seating.

This design adds visual interest on the deck from the greenery. The plants also help soften the hard edges of the bench and decorate the space. Built-in planters work especially well for compact, urban decks to maximize use of available space.

Bench Chests for Convenient Storage

Another functional bench design idea is to include storage space within the bench box. Bench tops can lift up to provide an interior storage compartment. Items like outdoor seat cushions, toys, games, gardening tools, and more can be stashed inside the bench chest when not in use.

Storage benches are perfect for family decks or spaces used frequently for entertaining. They allow keeping everything needed neatly organized and at hand but out of sight when guests arrive. Look for water-resistant bench materials or line storage chests with a waterproof liner.

Backless Benches for Flexible Seating

Backless benches offer one popular fixed seating option. Without a backrest, these simple designs have clean lines and contemporary styling. Backless benches allow unobstructed views and flexible seating arrangements.

Bench tops can be flat platforms or have contours. Different heights create tiers and visual interest on the deck. Backless benches may have side arms but leave the back open. This accommodates people sitting sideways and allows easy access from either direction.

Folding Bench for Movable Seating

For the ultimate flexible seating, opt for a folding bench design. These benches fold up like lawn chairs to move out of the way or tuck against the house when not needed. When unfolded they provide instant extra seating for gatherings and parties.

Look for lightweight folding benches with weather-resistant frames, preferably made from recycled plastic or aluminum. Folding mechanisms should be sturdy and rust-resistant. Optional carry handles allow easy portability.

Installing Benches on Your Deck

When ready to add benches to your deck, follow this process for proper installation:

• Assess the deck layout and dimensions to plan bench placement and sizes.
• Choose bench shapes, sizes, materials and details to match your deck style.
• Build an appropriate support framework secured firmly to the deck substructure.
• Construct or install benches using durable, weather-resistant materials.
• Allow for water drainage under benches to prevent rotting.
• Securely attach benches to the deck frame according to manufacturer instructions.

Being meticulous with measurements and materials will result in sturdy benches that become an integral part of the deck design.

Wood Bench Materials and Maintenance

Wood is a classic choice for built-in deck benches. Attractive, natural-looking wood varieties like cedar and redwood are naturally weather-resistant. For other wood types, select durable tropical hardwoods or pressure-treated lumber rated for outdoor use.

Look for defect-free boards without knots, warps, or cracks. Stain or seal benches with a protective wood finish formulated for exterior use. Expect to re-apply a fresh coat every 1-2 years. Routinely check for any loose nails, splinters, or deterioration.

Concrete Bench Reinforcement

Concrete is incredibly durable but can crack under pressure and freeze-thaw cycles. Reinforce concrete bench tops with steel rebar or mesh before pouring. Create contraction joints to control cracking as the concrete cures. Use concrete sealers to prevent water seepage and staining.

For cold climates, avoid solid concrete. Opt instead for hollow bench cores filled with insulation foam. This prevents frost heaving and makes concrete benches less prone to cracking from seasonal ground movement.

Metal Bench Maintenance

Metal benches should be made from thick, heavy-gauge steel, aluminum, or iron. Look for rust-resistant metals like galvanized steel or aluminum. Wrought iron has charming traditional styling but requires the most maintenance.

Expect to repaint metal bench frames regularly as needed to cover scratches and prevent rust. Check hardware like bolts for tightness and replace if corroded. Clean metal bench slats before storing over winter.

Maintaining Benches to Protect Your Investment

Do routine maintenance so your deck benches stay in top shape for years:

• Clean and seal wood benches annually or biannually.
• Check hardware on benches for looseness and replace corroded fasteners.
• Repair any cracks in concrete, iron, or stone benches when they first appear.
• Touch up paint on metal benches regularly to prevent rusting.
• Use weatherproof cushions or covers to protect benches in cold months.
• Store movable benches under shelter or indoors over winter if possible.

Taking good care of your benches will ensure they remain functional and beautiful for the lifetime of your deck.

Cushions Increase Bench Comfort

Add comfort and style to basic benches with custom-fit cushions. Look for durable, weather-resistant cushion materials like Sunbrella fabric or closed-cell foam. Include drainage holes so cushions dry out after rain or morning dew.

Secure cushion covers firmly over foam inserts. Use washable fabrics and removable covers for easy cleaning. Take cushions indoors during winter months or when not in use for longest life.

Covers Protect Benches in Off-Season

Protect exposed bench surfaces from the elements by using fitted covers when benches are not in use. Quality bench covers are made of weather-resistant materials like polyester, vinyl or waterproof canvas.

Look for covers with grommets or secure attachments. Elasticized edges help create a tight fit over the bench. Make sure covers are UV and mildew resistant. Remove covers to air out benches periodically before replacing.

Routinely Inspect Bench Hardware

Regularly check nuts, bolts, screws, and other hardware fastening benches to the deck. Tighten any loosened hardware. Look for signs of corrosion or rust and replace compromised fasteners.

Washers can also deteriorate or fall off over time. Replace any suspect or missing washers keeping bench slats, legs or supports securely attached to the deck frame.

Replacing deck railings with comfortable, attractive benches opens sightlines, expands usable space and adds creative flair. Built-in and freestanding benches maximize seating options for relaxation, dining and entertaining. Following proper installation techniques ensures sturdy construction. Performing routine maintenance keeps benches in tip-top shape for lasting enjoyment.

Trading railings for benches allows you to put your personal stamp on your deck design. This innovative solution results in an outdoor living space that looks fantastic and functions even better. Benches create a welcoming, livable deck area for taking full advantage of beautiful weather year-round.