Great question—and one that a lot of gardeners and patio owners ask before buying. The short answer is: it depends entirely on the style, material, and intended use of the bench. Let me break it down for you in a friendly, practical way.
First off, outdoor benches come in a wide weight range. A simple aluminum or lightweight resin bench might weigh only 10 to 15 kilograms (that's about 22 to 33 pounds). You can absolutely pick those up and move them around your garden single-handedly. They're perfect if you like to rearrange your seating area based on the sun, the season, or just a change of scenery.
On the other hand, a solid teak, cast iron, or concrete bench can weigh 50 to 100 kilograms (110 to 220 pounds) or even more. Those are definitely not "pick up and carry" items. You could still slide or drag them on a smooth surface, but I'd recommend getting a friend or using a furniture dolly. Some people actually like the heft because it gives an anchored, permanent feel to the garden, and they worry less about wind tipping it over.
Now, the second part of your question: Are they bolted down? For most residential garden benches sold in stores, the answer is no—they aren't bolted down out of the box. They just sit on the ground or patio. However, if you live in a windy area, or if you're placing the bench on an incline, you might want to secure it with ground anchors or bolts into a concrete base. Some public parks or commercial spaces do bolt their benches down for safety and theft prevention.
My advice? Think about how often you plan to move that bench. If you're a "redecorator" who likes to change the garden layout every few months, go with a lightweight teak, aluminum, or steel bench (steel is stronger but can be heavier than aluminum). If you want a statement piece that stays put, a heavy cast iron or stone-style bench is beautiful—but you'll need strong arms or tools to relocate it.
One more tip: always check the product specifications before buying. Look for the "weight" and "assembly required" sections. And if you're still unsure, ask the seller directly: "Is this bench portable, or does it require permanent installation?" Most companies today are happy to help you decide.
So to sum up: yes, you can absolutely find lightweight benches that you can move around easily. And no, most aren't bolted down unless you choose that option. Happy gardening, and may your bench be both beautiful and just the right weight for your lifestyle!