Great question—this is one of the first things people ask when they are planning a patio refresh or trying to time a gift. The honest answer is that we do both: we restock our standard outdoor benches in small batches, and we also build made-to-order benches for customers who want a specific size, wood, or finish.
We restock our most popular outdoor benches roughly every two to four weeks during the main outdoor season, which usually runs from March through September. In the slower winter months, restocks are less frequent because we shift more of our time to custom orders and workshop maintenance. We do not keep huge quantities of finished benches sitting on shelves. Since we are a small team and work with solid wood, we prefer to build in small batches so the materials stay fresh and the quality stays consistent. A typical restock might include eight to fifteen benches split across two or three styles.
Made-to-order benches work a little differently. When you choose custom dimensions, a different wood species, a particular stain, or a backrest modification, that bench enters our build queue. Our standard lead time for made-to-order outdoor benches is currently three to five weeks from order confirmation to shipment. During peak spring demand, that can stretch to six weeks, especially if you are ordering a larger bench or a finish that requires extra drying time. We would rather give you an honest window than rush the joinery or the sealant.
If you are deciding between an in-stock bench and a made-to-order one, here is how we usually frame it. In-stock benches are ideal if you like one of our standard sizes and finishes and want your bench within about one to two weeks. Made-to-order is better if you need a non-standard length, want a different wood such as white oak or thermally modified ash, or want the bench to match an existing table. We also offer a few finish options: natural, warm teak, charcoal, and clear outdoor oil. Each finish changes the lead time slightly, because some require additional curing before we can safely wrap and ship the bench.
If you are trying to receive a bench by a certain date—say for a garden party, a memorial spot, or a housewarming—just include the date in your order notes or send us an email. We will tell you upfront whether we can hit it. Sometimes we can move a standard bench into the next batch, and sometimes we will recommend choosing an in-stock option instead.
We also announce restock dates in advance through our email list and on social media. If a bench sells out, you can usually join a waitlist or place a backorder. Backorders are built in the next batch and ship as soon as they are ready, with tracking sent to your email.
So, the short version: if you need a standard outdoor bench quickly, keep an eye on our restocks or join the waitlist. If you want something made to your exact needs, it will be made to order and usually ships in about three to five weeks. Either way, you are getting a bench built by hand, not mass-produced, and we will keep you updated from the workshop to your doorstep.