Absolutely, you can customize the height of an outdoor bench for a very short person, and it is one of the most practical comfort upgrades you can make. Standard outdoor benches usually have a seat height between 17 and 19 inches. For someone under about 5 feet tall, that often means feet dangle, the front edge digs into the thighs, and sitting becomes tiring after a few minutes. Lowering the bench solves that.
Start by finding the right seat height. Have the person sit on a firm chair with their feet flat on the floor and knees bent at about 90 degrees. Measure from the floor to the underside of their knee or the top of a comfortable seat. Most very short adults find an outdoor bench height around 14 to 16 inches works well, but the measurement is more important than the number. Write that down.
If you have a wooden bench with straight legs, the easiest fix is to trim the legs. Turn the bench upside down on a stable surface. Decide how much to remove. For example, if the current height is 18 inches and the target is 15 inches, remove 3 inches. Mark all four legs at the same distance, using a square and tape to keep the line even. Cut with a miter saw or circular saw. Cut slowly and keep the blade straight. After cutting, sand the ends smooth and reseal them with exterior paint, stain, or wood sealer so they do not absorb moisture.
For a metal bench, use a pipe cutter or an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc. Clamp the bench securely, wear eye protection, and deburr the cut ends with a metal file. Add rubber or plastic leg caps to protect the floor and prevent rust.
Another flexible option is to install adjustable bench legs or threaded furniture glides. You can find adjustable legs at hardware stores or online. Remove the old legs and attach the new ones, or add adjustable feet to the existing legs. This gives you a range of height settings, which is useful if the bench is shared by people of different heights or if you want to fine-tune the final height later.
If the bench has a curved or built-in base, cutting may not be practical. In that case, you can remove the legs entirely and build a shorter wooden base, or mount the bench top on low landscape blocks, bricks, or a custom platform frame. Just make sure the new support is level, weather-resistant, and stable enough for the people who will use it.
Avoid the temptation to fix the problem with a thick cushion. A cushion adds height, which makes the issue worse for a shorter person. If you want cushioning, use a very thin cushion or none at all. You can also add a small footrest in front of the bench, but lowering the bench is usually better because it lets the person sit back and use the backrest comfortably.
After you lower the bench, test it. The person should be able to sit all the way back, place both feet flat on the ground, and have about a fist-width of space between the front edge of the bench and the back of the knee. There should be no pressure or pinching under the thighs. If the height is still off, adjust in small increments, about half an inch at a time, until it feels natural.
Finally, check the bench for stability. Push down on each corner and sit on it from different angles. Make sure all legs are even and no wobble develops. If you cut legs, recheck the fasteners and seals after a few weeks outdoors. With the right height, a customized bench feels safer, more comfortable, and much more welcoming for a very short person.