Outdoor Living Made Modern.Vol. LXXII · Nº 3
The Quarterly for Modern Outdoor Living

Patio Umbrellas & Shade

Find Quiet Shelter In the Best Arbor with Bench

GO Steel Garden Arch with Seat

Our pick for the best arbor with bench is the All Things Cedar Garden Arbor with Bench. It’s made with fragrant and rot-resistant red cedar and comes in a unique pergola-style design. This model is somewhat large and is a little on the pricey side, but it’s meant to be durable and is comfortable to sit in.

All Things Cedar GA87-B Garden Arbor with Bench | Outdoor Wooden Bench | Garden Bench Seat | Untreated Cedar, Western Red Cedar Craftsmanship | Wood Bench Outdoor 60x25x86

All Things Cedar GA87-B Garden Arbor with Bench | Outdoor Wooden Bench | Garden Bench…

Elevate your Outdoor Experience: Embrace the essence of luxury with the All Things Cedar arbor with bench Wood, crafted from premium untreated Western Red Cedar for unmatched quality and style.

Because of this winning combination of features, the All Things Cedar Arbor is our pick as the top model on the market. For more information on this model, see our Product Reviews area below.

Runner Up

Arbor with Seat

The Oakland Living Royal Arbor and Bench is the perfect choice for those on a who want a cozy seating space in the garden who don’t want to deal with the maintenance of wood. It’s affordable and comes with many great features, like a fade-resistant coating. For more information on the Royal Arbor with Bench, see our Product Reviews Section below.

Oakland Living Royal Arbor with Bench, Black

Oakland Living Royal Arbor with Bench, Black

Durable Tubular Iron Construction


Budget Pick

Arbor with Attached Bench

The GO Steel Garden Arbor Arch is our budget pick. This arbor with seat is made with a great design that’s powder coated for long-lasting durability and resistance to the elements, and is surprisingly inexpensive. You do need to make sure to secure this product into the ground though, to ensure it works well. The GO Steel arbor is easily our runner-up thanks to its strong and stylish design, as well as its easy assembly. For further details on the GO Steel Arbor with Bench, see our Product Reviews section below.

1.Go Steel Garden Arch with Seat for 2 People, 6'7" High x 3'7" Wide, Garden Arbor for Various Climbing Plant, Outdoor Garden Lawn Backyard

1.Go Steel Garden Arch with Seat for 2 People, 6'7" High x 3'7" Wide…

Product Dimensions: 22 x 43 x 79 inches, 34.2 pounds


Arbor Buying Guide

Arbors can be useful and beautiful accents to your garden. Most arbors function as transitional accents, as a focal point in a garden, or as a wedding backdrop. However, when combined with a bench, they create a place of quiet shelter and reserve, a perfect spot to read, chat, meditate, or otherwise enjoy your time in the garden. Considering an arbor with a bench to put in your garden? If so, you’ll probably come across quite a few different types in your search. This can make finding the perfect model for your home difficult. The biggest aspects to focus on are the look, size, materials and construction, and cost.

What to Look for When Shopping for an Arbor with Bench

Before you buy anything, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind. They will help to ensure you only buy the model that’s right for your needs. Some arbors are very classical looking, while others can be pretty modern. Vinyl arbors are easy to deal with and maintenance free, but sometimes feel a bit plastic-y. And as you will see below, some wooden arbors can be stunning pieces, but the prices can be pretty steep.

The Size

A good thing to consider before buying an arbor with bench is the size of it. While a large one might be tempting to buy, it might not work well for your landscape. Sometimes larger models can take up a lot of room and be awkward. On the other hand, smaller models might not be able to seat more than one person. Arbors with benches are typically designed to be cozy refuges, and finding a small option (but not too small!) is probably best in order to keep things intimate.

The Design

These products come in numerous styles which means you have plenty of choices to pick from. You’ll want to consider the design scheme you’re looking for. For instance, are you looking for a shabby chic set to add to your yard or something a bit more rustic? Something classical and traditional? Or perhaps an English Country vibe? These are some vital aspects to consider as they will help to ensure that the arbor matches your yard, design, and preferences.

Durability and Materials

Arbors with benches will be always outdoors, which means they need to be able to withstand many different weather types. You’ll want to make sure that the model you’re interested in can hold up to snow, rain, and wind so it doesn’t become damaged easily. Maintenance can also vary significantly with the type of material chosen.

Wood

Wooden Arbors tend to be made from hardy outdoor materials like cedar, fir, or pressure treated pine. These materials typically do not need to be painted, though you may want to put on a sealer like Thompson’s Water Seal if you don’t want the material to weather. Some arbors come pre-treated, while others will need a coat of something unless you want to let things go natural.

Thompson's Water Seal 21802 VOC Wood Protector, 1.2-Gallon, Clear

Thompson's Water Seal 21802 VOC Wood Protector, 1.2-Gallon, Clear

Item Weight: 9.65 lb

Wood requires some ongoing maintenance, so be prepared to perform regular upkeep sealing, staining, and caring for your wooden arbor over time in order to keep it looking great.

Metal

Most metal arbors are usually made of steel or iron. These metals are almost always powder-coated for additional durability. Iron and Steel can last quite a while outside, provided the powder coat remains in reasonably good condition. Keep an eye on the weld joints, and watch for scratches. If you can see bare metal, you will almost certainly get rust in that spot. It’s best to keep some Rustoleum paint on hand so that you can touch-up the metal from time to time. The good news is that this process is quite simple, and once painted, the arbor will look new again!

Rust-Oleum 7776830 Stops Rust Spray Paint, 12 oz, Flat Black

Rust-Oleum 7776830 Stops Rust Spray Paint, 12 oz, Flat Black

Weather and corrosion resistant coating protects exterior/interior surfaces like wood, metal, concrete, masonry and more

Metal arbors are usually not particularly high maintenance, and an occasioanl coat of paint can really make a load of difference.

Arbor with Bench Reviews

In this section, we’ll look closely at five of our favorite arbors with benches attached. We’ll start with a comparison table to introduce each of the products, and then go in depth on each one before concluding with our favorites.

Product
1.Go Steel Garden Arch with Seat for 2 People, 6'7" High x 3'7" Wide…Price
All Things Cedar GA87-B Garden Arbor with Bench | Outdoor Wooden Bench | Garden Bench…Price
Bosmere Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Seat and Lattice Back/Sides, Natural FinishPrice
B072QL2XM8Price
Oakland Living Royal Arbor with Bench, BlackPrice

GO Steel Garden Arbor Arch

GO Steel Garden Arch with Seat

Basic Features

  • It has a seat that can hold up to two people
  • There is a trellis design built into the sides which can be used to hang plants or to grow flowers on
  • It’s made out of a strong steel tubing
  • The exterior is sprayed with a weather-resistant coating to help prevent it from rusting
Dimensions and Specs
Dimensions22" x 43" x 79"
Weight34.2 lbs
The Details

GO Steel Garden Arbor Bench detail

The GO Steel Garden Arbor is available in three different sizes and configurations, though our favorite is the smallest one, shown here. It can seat up to two people with its stylish and comfortable slatted bench. Alternately, one person can sprawl out and comfortably read a book and watch the birds play in the bird bath. On the sides of this model are trellises which you can use to grow flowers to provide further beauty and shelter from the sun. You probably don’t want to put really heavy, woody vines on this arbor, but lighter vines like roses or wisteria should look great. The GO Steel Garden Arbor is coated in a weather-resistant epoxy coating which will help to prevent the steel tubing from rusting or from other damage. This product comes with instructions you can use to help put it together. Most find that the assembly process is not particularly difficult. However, keep in mind that you will probably need at least two people to help you put it together as it can be a little heavy, especially toward the end of the process. Some have found bent metal or damaged, open boxes upon receipt. If you run into any issues like this, contact customer service immediately and have them ship you out replacement parts. Also, you should almost certainly secure this arbor into the ground with stakes to help ensure it doesn’t blow over. Pick up some tent stakes and wire ties, or similar setup and secure the base to the ground.

1.Go Steel Garden Arch with Seat for 2 People, 6'7" High x 3'7" Wide, Garden Arbor for Various Climbing Plant, Outdoor Garden Lawn Backyard

1.Go Steel Garden Arch with Seat for 2 People, 6'7" High x 3'7" Wide…

Product Dimensions: 22 x 43 x 79 inches, 34.2 pounds


All Things Cedar Garden Arbor with attached Bench

All Things Cedar Arch, the Best Arbor with Bench

Basic Features

  • It’s constructed out of a rot-resistant red cedar
  • The wood is sanded so there’s no need to worry about splinters
  • It’s designed with a pergola style
  • It can seat two people
Dimensions and Specs
Dimensions60" x 25" x 86"
Weight19.05 lbs.
The Details

This garden arch by All Things Cedar is a tall arbor, with a beautiful, gracefully-curved top. It comes with a pergola-like design which is certain to add a unique design element to your landscape. The red cedar is durable and is naturally rot-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about the arbor getting moldy or otherwise ruined by the elements. Better yet, the cedar has a nice smell which can add to the experience as you’re sitting in it, reading a book. On the sides and roof of this model are trellises which you can use to grow flowers or vines on. This arbor isn’t super heavy, and probably shouldn’t be paired with heavy vines, but light to medium flowering vines would work wonderfully here. Like the GO Steel arbor, you want to further secure this to the ground with tent stakes and wire ties, or a similar design. If it falls over, there’s a good chance it will break. You do need to assemble this mode, which some may find a little challenging. It also is one of the pricier models on the market, but this is due to its handcrafted features and the high-quality build-out.

All Things Cedar GA87-B Garden Arbor with Bench | Outdoor Wooden Bench | Garden Bench Seat | Untreated Cedar, Western Red Cedar Craftsmanship | Wood Bench Outdoor 60x25x86

All Things Cedar GA87-B Garden Arbor with Bench | Outdoor Wooden Bench | Garden Bench…

Elevate your Outdoor Experience: Embrace the essence of luxury with the All Things Cedar arbor with bench Wood, crafted from premium untreated Western Red Cedar for unmatched quality and style.


Bosmere Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Seat

Bosmere Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Seat

Basic Features

  • This model features a classic Victorian design
  • It has an open slatted roof and is covered on the sides with lattice
  • This product comes with instructions for assembly
  • The arbor and bench are made out of an FSC approved timber
  • It comes with a 15-year rot-free guarantee
Dimensions and Specs
Dimensions53" x 31" x 78"
Weight124 lbs
Bench length4 ft.
The Details

Bosmere Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Bench

The Bosmere PERVIC Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Seat features a unique Victorian design created out of a smooth timber (we believe pressure treated pine. The way the sun and shadows play through this arbor is particularly interesting and makes this one a really attractive option (except for its price!) This wood is rot-resistant and features lattice around the sides and on the roof. These spots are ideal to hang flowers and plants off, to add some color to the wood. The bench is able to fit two people, though it will be a bit snug. Still, it’s an ideal spot for quiet conversation and contemplation. The Victoria arbor needs to be assembled, and it’s recommended that at least two people are on hand to do so, due to its weight. However, many will find the assembly be a little tricky. If you’re not the best with tools or putting items such as this together, it might be a good idea to invest in a different model or pay for assembly.

Bosmere Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Seat and Lattice Back/Sides, Natural Finish

Bosmere Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Seat and Lattice Back/Sides, Natural Finish

Classically Victorian influenced design with a bench for extra outdoor seating


Rowlinson English Garden Wooden Arbor with Seat

Rowlinson English Garden Wood Arbor with Seat

Basic Features

  • It’s designed with a natural timber
  • The wood has a deep brown stain
  • This product features lattices around the edges and a curved roof on the top
  • The bench has a backing on it which can provide both support and privacy when you’re sitting on it
Dimensions and Specs
Dimensions91" x 66" x 36"
Weight132 lbs
The Details

Rowlinson English Garden Wood Arbor with Bench

This arbor with bench by Rowlinson English Garden is designed with a durable timber (pressure treated pine, we believe) and stained to have a rich brown color. Unlike many similar products which tend to only have straight edges, this arbor features a pitched, curved roof which gives it a unique and stylish look. The arbor also features a wood panel on the back which can support people sitting on the bench, as well as providing them with privacy when doing so. The English Garden wooden arbor is remarkably beautiful, and is practically a small outdoor hideaway rather than a traditional arbor. It is gorgeous and timeless. But it is, unfortunately, quite expensive.

Photo

Oakland Living Royal Arbor and Bench

Oakland Living Royal Arbor with Bench

Basic Features

  • It comes with a stylish bench
  • It’s designed with a tubular iron construction
  • The arbor and bench are coated in a sleek black color
  • It is chip, crack, and fade resistant
Dimensions and Specs
Dimensions46" x 17.5" x 78"
Weight51 lbs
The Details

The Oakland Living Garden Arbor with bench is made with a sleek design that helps it to match well with almost any type of surrounding. The bench of this product features a backing which can provide extra support when you’re sitting on it, and the arbor portion would be perfect for lightweight plants and vines. It’s a compact model and is rather lightweight so you can easily move it around when necessary. Just be sure you provide adequate anchoring when you decide where you want it to permanently reside. Like the GO Steel arbor above, it’s a good idea to secure it with tent stakes and wire ties, or other wire attachment. This product is meant to withstand many different weather elements. However, sometimes it can rust slightly around the edges where the screws are. Keep an eye out for rust, and hit those spots with Rustoleum paint or similar.

Oakland Living Royal Arbor with Bench, Black

Oakland Living Royal Arbor with Bench, Black

Durable Tubular Iron Construction


Conclusion

These models are the perfect options to invest in thanks to their beautiful designs and durability. If you’re looking for some of the best ones to buy, definitely keep our top three picks in mind. Our best arbor with bench product, All Things Cedar Garden Arbor with Bench, is made with a beautiful pergola-style constructed out of red cedar. Our runner-up is the Oakland Living Royal Arbor and Bench which can seat up to two people and is made with a strong yet lightweight design. However, if you’re on the search for something a little more affordable, definitely consider the GO Steel Garden Arbor Arch which comes with great features at an ideal price for those looking to save money. So, if you’re on the search to find an arbor with bench to use in your landscape, keep these picks in mind.


The Edit our picks
All Things Cedar GA87-B Garden Arbor with Bench | Outdoor Wooden Bench | Garden Bench Seat | Untreated Cedar, Western Red Cedar Craftsmanship | Wood Bench Outdoor 60x25x86
Editor's pick

All Things Cedar GA87-B Garden Arbor with Bench | Outdoor Wooden Bench | Garden Bench…

Elevate your Outdoor Experience: Embrace the essence of luxury with the All Things Cedar arbor with bench Wood, crafted from premium untreated Western Red Cedar for unmatched quality and style.

Patio Umbrellas & Shade · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Oakland Living Royal Arbor with Bench, Black

Oakland Living Royal Arbor with Bench, Black

Durable Tubular Iron Construction

Patio Umbrellas & Shade · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
1.Go Steel Garden Arch with Seat for 2 People, 6'7" High x 3'7" Wide, Garden Arbor for Various Climbing Plant, Outdoor Garden Lawn Backyard

1.Go Steel Garden Arch with Seat for 2 People, 6'7" High x 3'7" Wide…

Product Dimensions: 22 x 43 x 79 inches, 34.2 pounds

Patio Umbrellas & Shade · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Thompson's Water Seal 21802 VOC Wood Protector, 1.2-Gallon, Clear

Thompson's Water Seal 21802 VOC Wood Protector, 1.2-Gallon, Clear

Item Weight: 9.65 lb

Patio Umbrellas & Shade · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Rust-Oleum 7776830 Stops Rust Spray Paint, 12 oz, Flat Black

Rust-Oleum 7776830 Stops Rust Spray Paint, 12 oz, Flat Black

Weather and corrosion resistant coating protects exterior/interior surfaces like wood, metal, concrete, masonry and more

Patio Umbrellas & Shade · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Bosmere Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Seat and Lattice Back/Sides, Natural Finish

Bosmere Rowlinson Victoria Arbor with Seat and Lattice Back/Sides, Natural Finish

Classically Victorian influenced design with a bench for extra outdoor seating

Patio Umbrellas & Shade · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon
Photo

B072QL2XM8

Patio Umbrellas & Shade · reviewed by the editorsCheck price on Amazon