Is your favorite garden bench slowly disappearing into the lawn? Don't worry, it's a common problem with soft or wet soil. Here are practical, do-it-yourself solutions to keep your benches stable and level.
First, prevention is key. Before placing a bench, prepare the site. Remove grass and loose topsoil to reach more compact earth. Create a solid base using materials that distribute weight and drain water. Crushed gravel or stone dust, packed down in a layer at least 2-3 inches thick, is an excellent choice. For a more permanent solution, set concrete patio pavers or flagstones into the gravel. This creates a firm, flat platform that prevents the bench legs from pressing directly into the soil.
For benches already in place, you can retrofit support. Carefully lift the bench. For legs, you can attach DIY "feet." Use large, flat stones, concrete blocks, or even plastic deck blocks designed for this purpose. Place them under each leg, ensuring they are level. Another great trick is to use perforated plastic or metal "ground protector" pads commonly used under grill legs; they work wonders for bench legs too.
If sinking is severe, consider installing permanent footings. Dig holes deeper than the frost line, pour a concrete base, and set post anchors into the wet concrete. Once cured, you can attach wooden bench legs directly to these stable anchors. This method is ideal for heavy benches in areas with very soft ground or freeze-thaw cycles.
Regular maintenance helps. In wet seasons, temporarily move benches to a paved area if possible. Check their level periodically and add a shovel of gravel under any leg that starts to dip. With these simple steps, you can enjoy your outdoor seating without the sinking feeling