In pursuit of a place to 'get benched' from the demands of life on the other side of the front door, we typically look for a quiet, serene, and green place where we can leisurely ponder the mysteries of life or at least the next vacation. A little gardening in a secluded area creates the setting for the restorative powers of nature, and while weeding is fleeting and blooms are good for a season, the seat of our deepest thoughts should be firmly planted on the lasting foundation of a concrete bench.

Concrete has been around since the Babylonians and benches weren't far behind. Today concrete benches are used in commercial, public, and private settings all over the world and their popularity continues to grow. Among the big advantages of concrete is durability and versatility. A concrete bench won't last forever, but a few hundred years should probably suffice. The selection of sizes, styles, textures, and colors is practically endless and limited only by the imagination.

Concrete benches are structurally superior and can be built in just about any shape desired. Virtually indestructible with steel reinforcement, they can withstand gale force winds, rain, snow and the occasional spill with ease. The sheer weight of a outdoor bench is one of its best security features. Due to the structural stability of concrete, shapes are no problem and benches may be rectangular, curved, round, angled or one of a kind custom designed. Edges can be squared, rounded or beveled.

There are a variety of textures available to accommodate just about any personal preferences a shopper may request. From the look and feel of rocky slabs to exposed aggregate or a marble like finish, concrete can be mixed and molded to complement the surroundings or the customer's fancy.

While many manufacturers have a selection of colors to choose from, new colors are constantly being introduced so that matching or accenting an existing color scheme should be no problem. Color is usually added to the concrete mix which means the dye is permeated all the way through. This is a great advantage as time passes and the inevitable nicks and scratches miraculously appear out of nowhere. If you have children, you are already familiar with this phenomenon.

On many occasions, concrete outdoor benches have served as memorials to people, places or events for the benefit of passersby, or as a remembrance for family and friends. The unique permanence of concrete compared to other materials lends itself to recording history and memorializing loved ones. Concrete benches also make an excellent billboard for advertisers.

Placing a beautifully designed concrete bench in a garden setting creates a sanctuary for the soul where we can sit quietly, regain our perspective, recharge our batteries, and take a little time to enjoy this one way ticket to our destiny.