Benchmark Garden Furniture

As the sun slowly peaks out from behind the clouds again and the temperature starts to climb, we are slowly starting to get ready for another beautiful South African summer. And that includes getting our outside areas in tip-top shape.

Whether you have a small balcony, large patio or expansive garden, one thing you will certainly need is sturdy, durable – and good-looking – garden furniture.

That’s where Benchmark comes in.

Manufacturers of impeccably handcrafted outdoor wooden furniture, each design is made to endure all weather conditions with minimal intervention.

Here, the team shares everything you need to keep in mind when selecting wooden furniture for your outdoor space.

Budget

While wooden outdoor furniture is available at various price points, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Opt for good-quality wood and construction that will last for many years – although more expensive, you’ll get much more use out of it.

To ensure the longevity of each piece, Benchmark primarily uses iroko timber.

“Most of our furniture is made using iroko, an African hardwood with similar technical specifications to teak. It has a high oil content, is very durable, and is resistant to both rot and insect attack,” explains the company.

Finishes

The finish you choose will not only dictate the aesthetics of your outdoor furniture but also the amount of upkeep required.

“The most straightforward, cost-effective and low-maintenance approach is to simply allow your furniture to weather naturally, particularly if it stands fully exposed. It will gradually fade to a silver-grey colour, and a degree of cracking should be expected. These changes should be seen to enhance the beauty of the item by revealing the inherent natural tendencies of the timber,” Benchmark says.

“If a more manicured look is required, or if your furniture is undercover, our recommended approach is to oil it with Osmo UV Protection Oil Extra 420 (available internationally), either clear – which gives a warm honey-coloured finish – or tinted light grey to resemble the look of naturally weathered iroko. You are, however, most welcome to choose another shade if you prefer.”

Care and maintenance

While wooden outdoor furniture is fairly low-maintenance, some work is required to keep it looking great for many years notes the Benchmark team.

“Unoiled furniture that has been allowed to weather silver-grey may need to be cleaned from time to time to remove oil stains or other marks. A simple approach is to give it a gentle wash (no scouring) with dishwashing liquid and then spray it off with a pressure hose.

“For oiled furniture, the regular reapplication of the oil – every six to twelve months – will avoid the need to re-sand the furniture in between coats. All that is required is to clean the furniture, allow it to dry thoroughly, and then reapply the oil, following the instructions on the product specification sheet exactly: wipe on thinly, leave on for no more than 10 minutes, and rub off thoroughly.”

Climate

Where you live and the prevailing weather conditions will also play a role in your selection of outdoor furniture. Very wet areas require hardy furniture that is rot-resistant, for instance.

Placement

Similarly, where you place the furniture will also play a role – wooden outdoor furniture placed on patios in direct sunlight may need to be oiled if you don’t want a faded look, while furniture placed directly on the lawn should be made of wood resistant to insects.