We've been helping a friend fortunate enough to have a new apartment with a patio look for some furniture to help create an outdoor living space. While browsing through the online offerings at Lowe's, we found ourselves returning again and again to this Garden Treasures bench...
This lovely bench features a rust-free cast aluminum frame designed to look like tree branches. We like the asymmetrical design and the more delicate lines of this bench which could also work in a small entryway. The Garden Treasures bench is 42" wide and 27" deep, and retails for $277 at Lowe's.
We haven't been able to see the bench in person, and wonder if any readers have had a chance to test out this product? If so, please share your experiences and possibly save us a trip out to the 'burbs to try it out for ourselves...
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I'd be wary of all those "corrosion free" bare metals.
On a purely scientific point of view, nearly nothing is corrosion free.
If you live close to the sea, or if the piece of metal is in contact with skin, it will rust, stainless steel will rust, aluminum will rust. The stuff that won't corrode isn't available to the public because of the price (very expensive materials and very hard to work with).
iPods' back can suffer from corrosion and I've seen that myself.
basically, wherever salt is involved (bodily fluid, sea water and such) higher alloys are needed.
view flobo's profile
I'd like to see it person. I'll have to go Lowe's today on my lunch break.
view pollymagoo's profile
Looks like a beautiful bench -- but even without sitting in it, I know that it would be uncomfortable! Think what all those 'branches' will feel like, pressing into your back as you sit back.
Just like an expression I once heard a fashion stylist use, referring to fabulous looking but dreadfully painful stilettos as "One hour shoes."
view nancy_s's profile
Pretty! I may have to test drive on this weekend.
view SherryBinNH's profile
Love it. Just have some throw pillows on hand and it will be a great place to relax.
view Seaside's profile
So glad someone else spotted this- I saw it in an ad, and it's been on my wishlist ever since. I'm pondering using it inside...
view shockthebourgeois's profile
I love it. although I cant help but want to let ivy climb all over it
view Cambra's profile
pretty cool for Lowe's. who knew?
view quiltmaster's profile
I ran into this bench this weekend and took a seat on your behalf. Very comfortable - there are enough "branches" that there is full back cover, and nothing pokes or prods.
I'd suggest taking that trip to the 'burbs!
view Cbina's profile
I live at the beach my deck is unprotected from the elements and I agree that nothing is 100% corrosive free but there are things you can do to protect your metals. Personally i use a thick application of old school car wax and it's worked to ward off rust for 3 years now. i polished up all my aluminum last fall and my furniture is still looking as good as the day I put it out. you also need to touch up any chipped paint as soon as possible. I clean, dry thoroughly and use clear nail polish and no rust so far.
view larchgirl's profile
I'm a concrete bench designer and concrete has always held up well in the elements. I often make benches fully constructed out of concrete but also use cedar and red wood to warm them up a bit. Cedar has held up very well.
Here are couple of my latest pieces.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=260405724767
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=260405736384
view RandyL's profile
I know it's sort of a delayed response, but I came across this bench today in Lowes and fell in LOVE! It's amazingly sturdy and stylish. I kept coming back to it because I couldn't believe they were selling it at Lowes. They currently have their patio furniture at 50%, but this is not on sale yet. They only had two left. I might just have to go and pay full price - even at that it seems worth every penny. Stunning!
view susanhopper's profile