Deck Benches Beat Railings For Form and Function

Deck railings serve an important safety purpose, but let's face it - they can be boring. The monotonous lines of wood or cable enclosing a deck doesn't do much for aesthetics or functionality beyond meeting code.

Deck benches present an ingenious alternative to traditional railings. By integrating seating into the very structure surrounding a deck, you add style and get function. Built-in benches maximize usable space for lounging and socializing without cramping the interior floorspace.

Deck Benches Provide Comfortable, Built-In Seating

The main advantage of deck benches is that you get comfortable, contoured seating built right into the deck railings. A roomy deck bench can easily fit three to four average-sized adults, with bench lengths customized to your specific capacity needs.

Ergonomic designs allow for hours of relaxed conversation without the back and leg fatigue hard railings can cause. Built-in benches don't require additional chairs or furniture that eat up valuable deck real estate.

Keep Guests Close With Wraparound Deck Benches

For more intimate gatherings, wraparound deck benches bring the conversation even closer. Curving benches that contour along the deck perimeter provide a more inclusive feel than railings that isolate people around the edges.

Settle into a wraparound deck bench and you become part of the party instead of being stuck against the wall. Customizing wraparound benches to match the exact shape of your unique deck area ensures nobody gets left out.

Compliance With Deck Railing Building Codes and Safety Standards

At first glance, replacing deck railings with benches seems questionable from a safety perspective. However, integrated bench seating can meet or even exceed code requirements for railings.

Building regulations specify a minimum railing height of 36 inches for decks more than 30 inches above ground level. Likewise, deck benches are constructed at the 36-inch height or taller to comply as fall protection per building codes.

Gain Seating Without Compromising Safety

Deck bench construction involves securing the bench to sturdy deck posts using proper structural hardware just like a railing. Following manufacturer specifications for weight capacities and using suitable decking screws prevents any stability or integrity issues.

Open visibility over deck benches allows you to easily monitor kids and pets. There's no place for little ones to get sticks in or fall between either. Railings with vertical balusters often have these fall hazards.

Customizable Aesthetics Enhance Deck's Appearance

Tired of looking out at monotonous railings while enjoying your deck? Flowing bench silhouettes bring an artistic flair, inviting your eye outward to the landscape.

Complement your existing deck with customizable bench materials, colors and finishes. Match painted aluminum benches to your vinyl deck surfacing or blend wood benches to your cedar decking.

Incorporate Storage, Planters and Lighting

Take your deck bench design even further by integrating storage compartments, flower boxes and accent lighting.

Storage cubbies stashed under the bench seat offer discreet access to outdoor living accessories. Planter boxes built into the edges or backs of benches add ornamental greenery.

Ambient lighting incorporated underneath benches or planters creates a warm, welcoming glow for evening enjoyment of your lovely new deck benches.

Durability to Withstand Outdoor Elements

Like any furniture placed outside, deck benches must stand up to rain, snow and sun exposure year after year. Careful material selection ensures they last at least as long as the deck itself.

Naturally weather-resistant cedar continues looking great after decades outside. For wet regions, synthetic wood-plastic composite benches add vivid color without rotting.

Low-Maintenance Materials Keep Looking Good

If you choose real wood for your built-in benches, a weather-protective sealer protects from moisture damage but will need periodic renewal every few years.

Steel and aluminum benches offer ultra-low maintenance thanks to protective finishes that prevent corrosion, peeling or discoloration.

Easier Maintenance Than Deck Railings

Traditional turned spindles and cutout baluster railings may complement ornate architecture but make cleaning a chore with countless crevices trapping dirt, leaves and cobwebs.

In contrast, the smooth facades and backs of deck benches leave nowhere for debris to hide. Simply whisking away errant leaves takes moments with a broom or leaf blower.

Reduce Time Spent On Maintenance

A once yearly washing keeps deck benches free of grime buildup from pollution and mud. Check for splinters, cracks or hardware issues during annual maintenance as well.

Sealing benches every few years takes little effort. Compare that to stripping and re-staining intricate railings and it's clear low-maintenance benches save you work over time.

More Affordable Than Replacing Existing Railing

If your current deck railing remains sturdy and intact, replacing it purely for appearance reasons makes little financial sense. Installing deck benches on top of your existing framework costs significantly less.

Quality wood or composite railing removal also risks harming your decking substructure. Leaving intact railings underneath prevents this damage, saving you money.

Avoid Costly Railing Removal Headaches

Trying to salvage railings during removal brings more complications. Every minute spent disassembling old railings burns cash and delays installing new bench seating.

Why waste days wrestling out old screws and posts? Non-destructive bench installation takes a fraction of the effort and expense.

Enhances Resale Value, Curb Appeal and Usability

Deck benches boost the appeal of your home inside and out by adding dual-purpose seating and stylish architectural flair.

Outdoors, flowing bench silhouettes invite eyes outward to enjoy surrounding natural beauty. Indoors, abundant seating welcomes get-togethers with friends and family.

By utilizing the deck perimeter for built-in seating, you open up interior floorspace to better utilize for activities, hot tubs or an outdoor kitchen.

When you decide to sell your home, the enhanced functionality and aesthetics deck benches offer will wow buyers, boosting resale potential.