Glider Benches
A white, wooden glider bench swinging in the porch or front garden of a house, has somehow become a symbol for the lifestyle in the southern states of the US. There is barely any film that plays in the South and that doesn't picture somebody sitting and waiting and swinging on this type of bench. The glider bench became both a symbol for "life passing by", "observing life" and "enjoying life leisurely". Originally made from wood, often painted white and white a black metal base, glider benches are now available in a variety of materials, combinations thereof and styles. Before now setting out to buy your first porch or patio gliding bench you should consider a few points.
Available Space
Where you will put up your new glider bench does not only affect the maximum size you can buy, but also the material that is possible. Measure the space you will have available, including space for the bench to move. In the end that is the point of having such a swinging bench that is moves and rocks you back and fro. Glider benches don't need any additional support, they are stand-alone benches, so you don't have to calculate extra space for that in. One more point when you consider where to put up your new bench is if you want to move it occasionally or if it will stay put. If you plan to move it from time to time you should choose a light bench made from polyethylene or similar and not a heavy all-wooden-logs or, even worse, a wrought iron bench ;-)
Climate you live in
Another important factor is the climate you live in. Metal benches can get horrible hot with time and wooden benches might suffer from high humidity levels or severe changes in temperature. Polyethylene glider benches are the most resistant ones when it comes to climate influence and wrought iron ones should be only chosen if you can leave the bench the whole year round in the same place as they are very heavy and difficult to move around.
Difficulty of assembling
How difficult is your dream bench to assemble and, if made from wood, does it require additional wood treatment or not? Depending on how much of a "Do it Yourself" person you are, it is perfectly possible for one or two people to assemble most glider benches themselves. If you are less of a "handy" person, you might want to consider a fully assembled model or to get somebody to help you with the task.
Care and cleaning
How much time you need to invest to keep your bench in shape and good looking depends again on the material you choose and the climate you live in. Wooden benches might need a re-applying of varnish or similar from time to time to keep them weather proof, whilst wrought iron models might need the occasional repainting where chipping or scratching has occurred to prevent rusting. Automative wax, applied sparingly, also makes for a great protective coat. Polyethylene is the easiest material to care for as it only needs the occasional cleaning with hot, soapy water to maintain it good looks. But the most important advice I can give when it comes to properly cleaning and caring for your glider bench is to read the manufacturer's manual! Here you find the right advice for the type of bench you own.
Summary: Glider benches are a great
addition to your porch, patio, terrace, garden, backyard or balcony.
Chosen wisely, with climate and location in mind and properly cared
for they will last for many years and many swings in the sun ;-)
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