That's an excellent and very practical question! Anyone who has ever tried to move one knows that concrete garden benches are seriously heavy. Unlike asking about a chair, the answer here isn't a simple number, as the weight can vary dramatically. Generally, you can expect most standard, single-piece concrete garden benches to weigh anywhere from 150 to over 500 pounds (68 to 227 kilograms).
Let's break down what creates this huge range. A small, simple backless slab bench might come in around 150-250 lbs. A more common, classic park-style bench with a backrest and armrests typically falls in the 300-450 lb range. Then you have the truly heavy-duty, ornate, or extra-large benches that can easily exceed 500 lbs, sometimes reaching 700 lbs or more.
Several key factors determine the final weight:
* Size & Design: This is the biggest factor. A longer, wider, and taller bench uses more material. Intricate, solid designs are much heavier than those with open patterns or hollow legs.
* Concrete Mix & Construction: Is it solid poured concrete? That's the heaviest. Many modern benches use a lighter aggregate mix or are cast with hollow cores to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
* Inclusions: Some benches have steel reinforcement bars (rebar) inside, adding both strength and weight. Others may have integrated stone or glass aggregates.
So, why does the weight matter? First, for placement and safety. A 400-pound bench needs a permanent, level spot on a solid patio, concrete slab, or compacted gravel base. It's not something you'll rearrange on a whim. Second, for delivery and installation. You'll almost certainly need a team of people or a motorized cart to move it. Always check the product's shipping weight before purchasing and plan accordingly.
In short, while a typical concrete bench feels immovably heavy to a person, their weight is a spectrum. Always plan for the heaviest scenario, ensure your base can support it, and get help for moving. That substantial heft is exactly what makes them so durable, stable, and resistant to theft or wind!