Great question—and it’s one of the most common things people ask before ordering an outdoor bench. The honest answer is: it depends on the bench.
Some of our outdoor benches do come with pre-drilled holes in the feet or base specifically for bolting down. These are usually noted in the product listing as “pre-drilled mounting holes” or “anchoring holes included.” If you see that, you can usually bolt the bench down right out of the box, as long as your fastener size matches the hole diameter.
However, many outdoor benches do not come pre-drilled. This is not a defect—it’s actually because there is no universal bolt pattern for every patio, deck, concrete pad, or paver surface. A pre-drilled hole that doesn’t line up with your surface or anchor system can be more annoying than helpful. Solid feet give you the flexibility to mark and drill exactly where you need the bolts to go.
If your bench is not pre-drilled, don’t worry: drilling it yourself is a simple DIY job. Here’s how to do it safely:
1. Place the bench exactly where you want it.
2. Mark through the mounting feet or base plates with a pencil or marker.
3. Move the bench and choose the right drill bit. For wood decking, use a wood bit; for concrete or pavers, use a masonry bit.
4. Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your bolts or lag screws.
5. For concrete or masonry, tap in the appropriate anchors.
6. Set the bench back in place and drive exterior-grade bolts, lag screws, or concrete anchors through the feet.
Use stainless steel or coated exterior fasteners so they won’t rust or stain the bench. If the bench will be in a windy area, public space, or anywhere people may lean on it, bolting it down is absolutely worth the effort.
The short version: don’t assume every outdoor bench is ready to bolt down straight out of the box. Check the product listing for pre-drilled mounting holes. If they’re not included, you can drill your own in about 15–30 minutes with basic tools. And if you’re ever unsure about a specific model, reach out to support before ordering—we can confirm the hole spacing or recommend the best anchoring method for your surface.