How to Choose the Perfect Wooden Garden Swing Bench
If you love soaking up the sun, unwinding in the shade, or listening to the gentle clink of teacups outside, finding the right spot to sit is essential for enjoying your garden. The perfect garden swing seat turns a simple bit of patio or lawn into a peaceful retreat. There’s nothing quite like drifting gently as you sip your morning brew or have a gossip with friends. That’s why wooden garden swing benches remain a much-loved favourite across the UK, they look lovely, feel sturdy, and genuinely make a difference to how much time you’ll want to spend outdoors.
So how do you choose the perfect wooden garden swing to fit your space, style, and lifestyle? In this guide, we’ll run through exactly what to consider, from placing your swing right through to materials, comfort, design, and handy accessories. We'll also showcase some stunning FSC-certified benches and swing seats, all crafted here in Britain.
Understanding Your Outdoor Space
Assessing Available Space
Start by measuring the spot you have in mind. Garden swing seats need clearance at the front, back, and sides for a smooth and safe swing action. Grab a tape measure and take note of the width and depth of the area, making sure you’ll have at least a metre of space around the swing for comfort.
Think about surfaces too. While swing benches sit well on grass, paving stones or decking can offer more stability, especially if you plan to use your garden furniture year-round. And, of course, consider sunlight. Do you want your swing to bask in morning rays, keep cool in dappled shade, or enjoy the best sunset spot on your patio?
Defining Your Style
A wooden swing bench can make a feature of your garden. Rustic chunky timbers look fabulous against informal planting or cottage-style borders, while smoother, simple finishes suit contemporary outdoor spaces.
Think about the rest of your furniture, matching or complementing styles will help your space feel more pulled-together. Love traditional touches? Ornate detailing and curved armrests may be your go-to. Prefer things laid back? A natural finish and straight lines can give a calm, organic feel. Blankets, outdoor cushions, and some pot plants dotted nearby will pull the look together, making your swing bench the real heart of your garden.
Types of Wooden Garden Swing Benches
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all swing bench. Let’s look at the options.
Single vs. Double Swing Benches
The seating capacity is an important first decision. Do you need a cosy retreat just big enough for you and a book, or would you rather have space to swing with family or friends?
For a two-person hideaway:
The Cottage 2 Seater Chunky Wooden Garden Swing & Bench is perfect if you want to enjoy downtime for one or share peaceful moments side-by-side. Hand-built from solid timber, this beautiful swing feels substantial and reassuring, with a classic design to suit both modern and cottage-style gardens.
Made for comfort, this swing bench has plenty of room to stretch out or snuggle up, with slatted timber that’s easy to dress up with cushions and throws. It's a proper little retreat right in your back garden.
Need a little extra space for the kids, or just want to stretch out solo? Look at 3-seater options, which offer room for family catch-ups or lazy afternoon snoozes.
Comparing Wooden with Metal Swing Benches
It’s true, garden swing seats come in both wood and metal, but here in the UK wooden swings hold extra appeal. Why? They simply blend into garden landscapes in a way metal frames rarely do. The natural grain and warmth of timber suit lawns, decking, and patios alike, and there’s a time-tested comfort to wooden seats, especially when you add deep cushions.
Wooden swings also tend to offer more stability (less creaking in the wind!), and with the right care they withstand wet weather for years. If you like a garden that feels welcoming and grounded, it’s hard to look past timber.
Swing Bench Design Choices
Now for the fun part, design. Not all swings are the same. Some have gently curved backs that hug your shoulders, while others keep things more classic and upright. Decorative details, such as chunky arms or trellis sides, can bring extra charm and personality.
A great example:
The Valley 2 Seater Chunky Wooden Garden Swing Bench shows how a simple, strong design brings comfort and style together. Its solid Scandinavian timber is left natural, giving you freedom to add your own colour with accessories if you wish. The robust hanging structure means gentle, even swinging—ideal for unwinding after a long week.
Honestly, when one customer messaged us, she raved about her Valley swing: "It’s the one place I actually switch off. Even the teenagers fight over it!"
Material Considerations
Wood is the heart and soul of your swing bench. Here’s what you need to know.
Choosing the Right Wood
The strongest swing benches are made from pressure-treated, FSC-certified timber. This means the wood is responsibly sourced from sustainable forests, a big win for eco-conscious gardeners, and preserved for long-life outdoors. Scandinavian redwood, for example, is renowned for weather resistance and lovely grain.
Painted finishes or stains can personalise your bench, but many people enjoy the look of natural, golden wood that weathers gracefully over time.
Maintenance and Durability
To keep your swing bench looking and functioning its best, it's vital to look after it. Regularly check for dirt and moss (especially if your swing lives under trees), wipe down with a damp cloth, and re-oil or use wood protector each year if needed. Pressure-treated timber benches, like those we sell, need only minimal fuss, just keep an occasional eye on fixings and the seat to spot any signs of wear.
A tip from loyal customer Gary: he keeps an old picnic blanket folded under the swing (in a sealed waterproof box) to throw over the seat after wet days, making it ready for a cuppa whatever the weather.
Essential Accessories for Comfort and Enjoyment
Once you’ve found your dream swing, it’s time to make it your garden’s cosiest spot.
Cushions and Throws
Deep cushions can take your wooden swing from practical to absolute luxury. Opt for firm, weatherproof fabric if your swing will live outside all year, or add a washable throw for a pop of colour, and somewhere to snuggle down as the evening cools off.
We recommend choosing or commissioning custom-made cushions that fit snugly to your chosen swing. The seats found on products like our Cottage and Valley models are easy to dress up to your own taste. Try dark forest green for a classic look, or bold patterns for a bit of fun.
Adding a Canopy or Shelter
If you want your bench to stay usable in every forecast, a canopy is well worth thinking about. Not only does a pergola-style swing bench provide partial shelter from drizzle and sun, it really sets a swing apart as a garden feature.
The Pergola 2 Seater Chunky Wooden Garden Swing Seat & Bench adds a beautiful timber canopy overhead, meaning you can enjoy your book or coffee no matter the British weather. The chunky pergola frame is not just practical, it’s a real design highlight, and you can personalise it with climbing plants or fairy lights.
Choosing the Perfect Wooden Garden Swing Bench for Your Outdoor Space
Picking the right garden swing seat is about matching your style and routine with practical needs. Do you picture weekday evenings unwinding with your partner, or Saturday afternoons catching up with friends? Consider available space, your garden’s personality, and the materials that promise long life and beauty.
At WoodenOutdoorFurniture.co.uk, every wooden swing we offer is crafted here in Britain from responsibly sourced timber, built tough for our unpredictable weather, and designed for everyday pleasure. Whether you’re after a classic 2-seater, need a family-sized perch, or love the idea of a built-in canopy, we’ve got a swing to suit any outdoor space.
Ready to find your new favourite spot in the garden? Explore our Cottage 2 Seater Chunky Wooden Garden Swing & Bench, Valley 2 Seater Chunky Wooden Garden Swing Bench, and Pergola 2 Seater Chunky Wooden Garden Swing Seat & Bench today and start making your garden the most cherished corner of your home.
