Placing an outdoor bench directly on your lawn seems idyllic, but it often leads to dead, yellow grass and a wobbly seat. The best solution combines protecting your lawn with providing a stable base for your bench. Here are the top recommendations.
For a natural look that allows drainage, use coarse bark mulch or wood chips. Spread a layer about 2-3 inches thick and wider than the bench legs. It's affordable and blends into garden settings, though it will need occasional topping up.
For maximum stability and a permanent solution, patio pavers or stepping stones are excellent. Level the ground, lay a base of compacted gravel sand, then place the stones. This creates a solid, clean platform that completely prevents grass damage underneath.
Gravel or crushed stone is a superb, low-maintenance option for drainage and stability. Use a border edging to contain it, and choose angular gravel that locks together. It's highly effective but less comfortable for bare feet.
A dedicated plastic or composite grid system (like those used for gravel driveways) is a modern, eco-friendly choice. You fill the grids with gravel or soil and grass seed. It distributes weight evenly, prevents compaction, and can even let grass grow through it.
Avoid solid plastic sheets or rubber mats, as they trap moisture and kill grass rapidly. Whichever method you choose, the key is to create a permeable, stable layer that shields your grass from compaction and lack of sunlight, ensuring both your bench and your lawn stay in perfect shape for years to come.