Generally speaking, a greenhouse bench should be constructed of a durable and lightweight material that will resist the humid environment inside the greenhouse. Some other features to consider are the size and height of the bench, storage space and the surface of the bench. Maintenance requirements should be considered as well, as some materials require more maintenance than others. Additional features or accessories such as built-in heating are also available.
Wood is the traditional choice for greenhouse benches, but is not very lightweight and can be high maintenance. A wooden bench made from cedar, locust, redwood or teak, however, will not decay and is well suited to the humidity inside a greenhouse. Benches constructed from pine tend to rot easily and are susceptible to insect damage. If you choose a pine bench you should use a sealant to protect the wood.
Aluminum greenhouse benches are the best choice when low maintenance is a must. These benches are lightweight and very sturdy. Plastic benches need little maintenance but are not as durable as aluminum benches. Concrete benches should only be used when you are sure they will not have to be moved around, as they can be bulky and heavy.
Space is limited in a greenhouse, so the size of your benches is another important consideration. Multi-tiered benches, or benches at different heights can help accommodate plants of different sizes. Lower shelves are useful for storage and help save space by allowing containers and tools to be stored underneath the bench. If you start out with just one bench, it is best to choose one that is counter level, to ensure ease of use.
Some greenhouse benches have slatted surfaces that allow for water drainage and easy cleanup. Wooden benches often provide this feature. Look for slats that are at least 4 inches (about 10 cm) wide with spaces of at least 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) between them. Some benches feature mesh surfaces, and these are a good choice when air circulation is a concern.
You should consider any added features such as built-in heating, built-in planting beds, or built-in sinks. These features can improve the efficiency and function of your greenhouse benches. Built-in heating, for example, is much more efficient at delivering heat to the plants, and can cut down on heating costs overall.
