Moving a very heavy stone outdoor bench requires careful planning and the right techniques to prevent injury and damage. First, assess the bench's weight and your path. Clear the route of any obstacles. Never attempt to lift it alone; enlist at least 2-3 strong helpers.
Gather essential equipment: sturdy moving straps or a heavy-duty dolly, thick blankets or furniture pads for protection, and wooden planks for rolling over soft ground. If available, a furniture skid or a portable hoist can be invaluable.
The safest method is to use a two-wheeled dolly. Carefully tilt the bench and slide the dolly underneath its center of gravity. Secure the bench to the dolly with straps. Use the blankets to pad any contact points to prevent chipping. For very heavy pieces, consider using PVC pipes as rollers: place the bench on planks and roll it over the pipes, moving the rear pipe to the front as you advance.
Always lift with your legs, not your back. Communicate clearly with your team. Move slowly, checking stability constantly. Once in place, lower it gently. For extremely heavy or valuable antique benches, hiring professional movers with stone-handling experience is the wisest and safest investment.