Chelsea Hardwood Bench

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We (hubby and I) have bought various sets and individual pieces of garden furniture during our thirty one years of marriage. This is our third home and garden, recently I began to think back on the choices we had made and, whether they were good purchases or not.

When we were first married, much of our furniture was donated and we gradually bought our own things which suited our taste. Luckily we share similar tastes in what we choose for the home and for our garden. I can remember a white plastic garden set which wasn't up to much. After a little use the legs bowed terribly, although we were both lightweights then! This proved dangerous with children as did some of the garden chairs with their hinges. We had various deck chairs and loungers, some lasting much longer than others. Much of what we bought belonged to cheaper ranges, after all we've had four children and I was a stay at home mum for many years so we had many things to buy before garden furniture. First thing was to pay the mortgage, which we're still doing now. Some years ago though, we decided that a garden bench would be a nice touch to our garden so we bought one.

This was in our previous house and so when we moved to our current address the bench came with us.

I see that it is currently on sale in Argos for a very good price of £25.49. It was selling for, £44.99 and I think I paid around that price. Even for the more expensive price I consider this a good buy.

We have quite a large patio set in the garden for all the family, but it hibernates for the winter in the garage (well it did last year but not sure how it's going to squeeze in this year) and reappears when the sunny days arrive. We decided it would be nice to have a bench that could remain permanently in the garden.

I think we went to the Romford, Essex store to get this as they have/had a''' rooftop collection point''' as on market days you can't park near to the store. This is a big help when purchasing heavy or bulky goods as you can drive to the goods entrance and collect your item. The member of staff who brings it out from the goods lift will assist, if needed, with lifting into your car. Hubby must have managed to carry it from the car to our house though so it must be of a manageable weight as long as it doesn't need carrying far to get to ones car.

I can just about remember him putting this up. He is quite handy and didn't have any problems fitting it together, in the garden. My husband nearly always insists that there are things missing but usually everything is there. The main problem when buying flat packs/self assemble goods, is calming him down. I think this goes back to the early days of M.F.I. when items would be collected from a store and fitted at home. It was very common then for bits and pieces to be missing. Very annoying. With this bench, everything was there and it didn't take long. I would think it was under an hour. I had to assist here and there when he fitted in the twelve individual wooden slats.

The bench, being wood, had to be treated with wood preservative which should be done before use. Hubby gave it two coats. Since purchasing this it has been treated several times but I have noticed that, at the moment, it does look a little worse for wear and thirsty for some wood treatment. That, though, is in no way a reflection on the bench but more of our neglect.

We still use the bench, and if hubby gives it a little attention, then I am completely confident that it will be restored to it's former glory.

Really though, it is just a decent looking bench, which I feel has stood the test of time excellently. For the price we paid it looked good and will again. It has had many bottoms sat upon it of various sizes, and children jumping around and off of it. All that it needs from time to time is a little tightening up of the slats.

It is a good size to fit in any garden, even a small one. I find it an ideal size for two but will seat three average sized adults. You would often find myself, hubby and our youngest daughter sitting on this bench in the early evening having a cuppa and a chat.

I would recommend this as an ideal garden bench that can be left out in the garden and will only need minimal care over the years.

Further Information taken From the Argos website, www.argos.co.uk:

Archaic green.

Certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Size (H)70, (W)57, (L)126.5cm.

Weight 20kg.

Packed flat for home assembly.

Self assembly 2 people recommended.

Requires screw driver and spanner for assembly (not supplied).

Summary: The Chelsea Hardwood 12 Slats Bench will look good in any garden.