Benchmark Wood Classics

Benchmark Wood Classics shares tips on how to successfully purchase outdoor furniture.

Makers of bespoke, hand-crafted outdoor furniture, Benchmark Wood Classics is renowned for its exquisitely crafted wooden furniture, including benches, tables, chairs, sofas, sun beds and other patio and garden items.

Carefully constructed in their Wynberg shop, all items are handmade from iroko timber, “using traditional methods of joinery that have been specifically refined to endure a lifetime in the outdoors”, notes owners Mark and Sarah Foale.

Passionate about their craft, Mark and Sarah believe that one of the key considerations when it comes to purchasing outdoor furniture is size.

“We make all our furniture to order which means we can accommodate any adjustments in size so as best to fit your space.”

Apart from selecting the correct size items for your outdoor area (be sure to measure your space before you go shopping and remember to allow for moving-around space), the team at Benchmark Wood Classics has the following advice for selecting outdoor furniture:

Materials: Choose furniture made from hardwearing, durable materials. That includes upholstery specifically made for outdoor use.

Style: Choose furniture items in a style that suits the rest of your decor scheme.

Maintenance: Be sure to check the maintenance and care guidelines for furniture and follow these closely to ensure your items look beautiful for many years.

Once you’ve narrowed down what you are looking for, the fun starts!

We especially love these pieces from Benchmark Wood Classics:

Custom daybeds and recliners for soaking up the sun.

“At 2m long and available in any width from 600mm up to 1200mm (we find 900mm to be ideal), most of our daybeds can be made with or without armrests, depending on your preference.”

2. The Cecilia range of sofas and armchairs.

“Contemporary with a retro edge: corner pieces, centre pieces and ottomans that double as coffee tables. Standard sizing is 900x900mm, although this can be adjusted to meet your requirements. Sofas can also be produced as single units.”

3. The Kalahari range of tables, chairs and benches.

“From an intimate four-seater to a stately 3.6-metre (or more) for larger gatherings, we are able to meet your table requirements – along with either chairs, benches or backless bankies for seating.”