The Perfect Teak Bench, Part 3

If you’re looking for the perfect teak bench for your new home, you may have crossed all kinds of descriptions. We’ve discussed several styles of benches in previous posts. Here are four more additional styles.

The Tahawus teak bench is a bit different than the other styles we’ve examined. What it does have in common is a rectangular seat and armrests. But unlike the traditional slatted backs of the other designs, the Tahawus boasts an elaborate weaving of tapered wood pieces. Rounded edges and armrests mimic that rounded shape.

The Lakeside teak bench also builds on rounded edges and tapered slats. However, the slats in this bench’s back run straight up and down, instead of crisscrossed. Another difference is how the back curves along the top beam.

The Saranac teak bench offers a less traditional design. Rounded legs sit close together where they attach to the seat, then flare out in an “A” shape at the bottom. A cross-supporting beam parallels the wide planks on the top of the seat. The Saranac is a backless bench.

The Courting teak bench is the least traditional we’ve discussed. It’s actually two connected benches. They sit back-to-back, joined by a curved back. This back serves as the arm and backrests for both seats. You’ll know this style when you look at it from above and see it has an “S” shape.

So there you have it. Ten teak bench styles from which to choose. Bring the perfect one home.

The Perfect Teak Bench, Part 2

On the quest for the perfect teak bench, you might come across a variety of styles. The Classic, Savoy, and Columbia benches are just three variations of the basic teak bench.

The Essex teak bench isn’t so different from these three types. In fact, many of the Essex benches look similar to the Classic, except that they offer curved armrests instead of flat.

The Charleston teak bench comes in a number of variations, but the most common one has no back. In this way, it’s different from the previous styles we’ve discussed. A crossbeam attaches the legs, as well. Fewer slats fit more closely together in this design than in the others.

The Victoria teak bench tends to look more ornate that its cousins. It, too, incorporates slats into its design. The back is taller and curved along its top. The seat curves slightly, as well. And the armrests curve. All these curves are designed to conform to the body’s natural shape and provide a more comfortable seat.

Now we’ve covered the Classic, Savoy, Columbia, Essex, Charleston, and Victoria styles. Read the final installment for some additional style descriptions. After all, your perfect teak bench could be one of those.

The Perfect Teak Bench, Part 1

If you’re decorating a new vacation home, consider a teak bench. These beauties come in a variety of styles. Find the perfect one for your hall, sunroom, patio, pool, or garden by perusing these explanations of teak bench designs.

The Classic teak bench features a rectangular shape and armrests. Slats form the seat and backrest. The slats of the seat and back run perpendicular to each other. Four straight legs support the bench. Traditional, simple, classic.

The Savoy teak bench appears in similar fashion to the Classic. However, the backrest bears detailing and sits at a slant with the seat. For some, the angled backrest may seem more comfortable since it provides more lumbar support.

The Columbia teak bench isn’t much different from the Classic and Savoy. One major difference is that the slats of the backrest and the seat run parallel to each other, instead of perpendicular. It shares the straight armrests with the Classic, but offers a curved back. Like the Savoy, the curved back offers a higher degree of lumbar support.
So you have the Classic, Savoy, and Columbia—three variations of the beautiful teak bench. Read parts 2 and 3 for more descriptions of various bench styles.

Adirondack Chair Assembly

The Adirondack chair goes with vacation homes. The first one, after all, was designed by a man who enjoyed spending time at his vacation home. The design has been around for over 100 years, so it’s not surprising that many people see the Adirondack chair when they think back on their fondest summer memories.

But if this is your first time assembling an Adirondack chair, you might not know where to start. If a set of instructions accompanied your Adirondack chair, these would be a great place to start. If you didn’t receive any instructions, you have several options. Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions. Call or e-mail the company that sold you the chair. Ask them to send a replacement set.

If neither of these options works, check some online plans for making an Adirondack chair. Look for a plan that contains similar pieces to the ones that came in your box. These plans may also be helpful if you have the manufacturer’s instructions but can’t understand them very well. Good luck!

Vegetable Suggestions for Planter Boxes

Planter boxes allow you to grow your own organic vegetables at lower cost and without much space. What are some vegetables that grow well in planter boxes?
  1. Root Vegetables
    • Carrots
    • Beets
    • Turnips
    • Potatoes
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Parsnips
    • Radishes
  2. Leafy Vegetables
    • Kale
    • Swiss chard
    • Lettuce
  3. Fleshy Vegetables
    • Eggplant
    • Squash
    • Cucumbers
    • Tomatoes
    • Sweet peppers
    • Hot peppers
Your primary concerns when you grow vegetables in planter boxes will probably be nutrients and moisture. You can buy specially formulated potting soil to deliver more nutrients to the vegetables. If you maintain your own compost pile, you can also enrich the soil in the planter boxes with the compost. Mix one part compost to two parts soil.

Soil in planter boxes tends to dry out more quickly than ground soil. Check your vegetables every day to evaluate moisture levels. To encourage more water to saturate the soil, try watering your vegetables in the mornings. The water usually evaporates more slowly at this time of day because of lower temperatures and calmer wind.