This is an excellent and very practical question! The direct answer is yes, most sturdy outdoor benches can be bolted directly into concrete, and this is often the most secure and permanent installation method. You generally do not need a special base if you are installing onto a solid, poured concrete slab or footing.
However, doing it correctly requires the right hardware and technique. You cannot use standard screws. You will need concrete-specific anchors, typically expansion bolts (like sleeve anchors or wedge anchors) or concrete screws (Tapcon screws). The process involves marking your drill points, using a hammer drill with a masonry bit to create clean holes, clearing all dust from those holes, then inserting and tightening the anchors that secure the bench's mounting brackets.
A special base or pedestal might be necessary in a few scenarios: if your concrete surface is severely cracked or unstable, if you need to raise the bench height significantly, or if you are installing on pavers or gravel instead of solid concrete. For most standard patio installations, direct bolting into sound concrete using proper masonry anchors provides a incredibly strong and lasting result. Always check the bench manufacturer's instructions for any specific mounting recommendations they provide.