Memorial Benches

Choosing a memorial bench is not something most people ever expect to do. It often comes at a time when emotions are raw, decisions feel heavy, and knowing where to begin can be difficult.

A memorial bench offers a quiet, lasting way to remember someone – a place to sit, pause and reflect, whether in a private garden or a shared space. For many families, it becomes part of everyday life rather than a focal point, blending gently into its surroundings while holding deep personal meaning.

At Teak Garden Furniture, we have been making long-lasting outdoor furniture for over 100 years. We understand that this is not simply a purchase. It is a considered decision, and one that deserves time, care and a respectful, personal approach. Our role is to help make that process clearer and easier, offering guidance when it’s helpful and space when it’s needed.

Memorial benches are often chosen because they combine practicality with remembrance. They offer somewhere to sit, rest or gather thoughts, and they can feel more natural and approachable than a traditional memorial.

Families choose memorial benches for many different reasons. Some want a place they can return to. Others want something that will be used and appreciated by many people over time. There is no single right approach – only what feels appropriate for the person being remembered and the setting it will sit within.

Memorial benches can be placed anywhere, providing you have permission, but are commonly placed in private gardens, parks and open spaces, school and university grounds, churchyards and heritage settings, or communal gardens and courtyards.

If you’re unsure what feels right, that uncertainty is completely normal. Many people talk their thoughts through with us before deciding, and we’re always happy to help you explore options at your own pace.

We’ve written a reflective piece on why people choose memorial benches, exploring the quieter reasons they often feel right for families.

Traditional memorial benches suit both private and public gardens.

All of our handmade garden benches are constructed with longevity in mind and can be maintained or repaired if needed, helping them remain part of the landscape for several decades rather than years.

Personalisation is often what transforms a bench from a piece of furniture into something deeply meaningful. We offer several respectful ways to do this:

These options can be combined and adapted to suit almost any request, with plaques available in different sizes for longer inscriptions. We’ll help you think through wording, layout and placement, taking the time to ensure everything feels balanced, considered and appropriate. For full details on personalisation options for memorial benches, see our personalisation page.

All of our benches can be used as memorial benches. Some designs, however, are more commonly chosen depending on setting and personal preference.

These are often selected for formal gardens, heritage properties and shared public spaces. Examples include the Dalton, Cleopatra, Arlanza, Leviathan, Barfleur and Mitford.

Clean-lined benches that are suited to modern and traditional gardens as well as more private settings. Examples include the New Lion, Rhapsody and Sheraton.

Modern designs that sit lightly in the landscape and can feel less formal, sometimes chosen for younger people. Examples include the Hadrian, Bradbury, Elwick and Hardwick.

Our children’s teak bench has also been chosen by families as a gentle way to remember children, offering a scale and presence that feels appropriate.

The Elwick Bench, one of our backless memorial outdoor benches.

Our memorial benches are commissioned for both private and shared environments.

Where benches are intended for public or shared spaces, it is usually necessary to check with the relevant organisation (local authority, school, parish council, or landowner) before placing the furniture.

Organisations often ask you to ensure that bench is securely fixed and some will ask for a payment or donation to cover the cost of maintenance over a set period of time, often 25 years. Some organisations, like cemeteries, prefer to fit their own benches for insurance purposes, or will ask for information about the bench you’re purchasing to ensure it meets a set of standards.

Many families prefer to make contact with the relevant organisation(s) they are considering themselves; others appreciate support. We’re very happy to provide guidance or speak directly with the organisation if that feels easier.

We also advise considering visibility, expected use, and long-term care when placing benches in communal or public spaces.

Check permissions before placing a bench in public or shared spaces.

For some families, a bench feels like the natural choice. For others, it doesn’t – and that is equally valid.

Sometimes a different form of seating feels more personal, more discreet, or better suited to the space available. Chairs, paired seating or tables can offer a quieter way to remember someone, particularly in private gardens or more intimate settings.

These memorial furniture choices beyond benches are often selected when:

Memorial furniture, like chairs, companion seating or tables, may feel more personal in some settings.

As with our benches, these pieces are crafted from the same FSC-certified hardwoods and can be personalised in the same careful, respectful way. What matters most is that the choice feels right for you and the person you are remembering.

Every memorial bench is made to order and handled with care throughout the process.

As with all our furniture, memorial benches are all hand delivered, arrive fully assembled and come with a 15-year guarantee giving you peace of mind. Even in cases where a bench is larger than usual, any components are assembled on site by our team, so you only need to show us where you would like it to sit.

We can also supply fittings and secure the bench if needed, please just let us know when ordering and advise us of the type of surface the bench will be placed on (concrete, grass, tarmac etc).

We can provide guidance on placement, as well as a simple to follow care guide covering short and long-term maintenance. All our furniture is designed to remain outdoors throughout the year without the need to be covered.

We know that choosing a memorial bench can feel a little overwhelming, and that many questions naturally arise. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help make the process feel a little clearer.