Disadvantages to Built-In Deck Benches 

Built-in benches on your deck might seem like the savvy way to go when building a new deck or enhancing your existing outdoor structure. However, we’d like to offer some considerations otherwise.

Many contractors are known for trying to up-sell benches to increase their bottom line. If benches were on your initial “want” list, maybe this sits well with you (no pun intended!) – but if benches never even crossed your mind, try to avoid allowing yourself to be up-sold into a deck construction that may not do you any favors.

A deck is supposed to be an easy spot, a place to relax in the sunshine and enjoy the company of your family and friends. Comfortable lounging on a deck bench is kind of an oxymoron. Lounge, perhaps. Lounge in comfort? Not so much. 

If you ordered your benches to be movable to retain the option of rearranging your outdoor space at your whim, know that deck benches are heavy and difficult to shift. These clunky and cumbersome additions to your deck aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing structures either. For the same cost of adding that readily available seating to your deck, you could purchase more comfortable and attractive furniture that is a cinch to move.

This being said, stay tuned for our upcoming blog post about why benches do sometimes have their place in deck construction…