A Guide to Our Outdoor Furniture: Part 3, Semi Bespoke Benches
Posted on July 07, 2025
In the realm of handcrafted furniture, the terms "standard" and "bespoke" are frequently employed. While the distinction may be clear to manufacturers, the nuances of "bespoke" can sometimes be lost in translation. This blog post aims to illuminate the various levels of customisation available, particularly within the context of high-quality, hand-built furniture.
Following on from our previous discussions:
A Guide to Our Outdoor Furniture: Part2, Our Standard Range
this week we shine a spotlight on our Semi Bespoke option.
Delving into Semi-Bespoke: Tailoring to Your Needs
The semi-bespoke approach represents a significant portion of our work. It involves taking our standard range products and making alterations to suit individual requirements. These modifications can range from minor adjustments to more substantial changes.
Over the years, we have accommodated a wide array of semi-bespoke requests. A simple modification might involve altering the seat height of a chair to provide optimal comfort for the user. We have also crafted many benches with different shaped top rails, different designed arm rests and incorporated additional features, such as attached cup tables.
Adaptations for Specific Purposes: In one instance, we modified a York bench to accommodate a full-size cast resin-bronze figure, adjusting almost all dimensions to ensure a perfect fit.
Functional Enhancements: A recent customer requested a Waveform bench fitted with small, unobtrusive wheels to facilitate easy movement. This modification transformed a sturdy, stationary piece into a mobile seating solution.
What follows is a few examples of how we customised an existing standard range bench to meet our customers' requirements.
The Customised Mendip:
This recent project involved the creation of a 4ft (1.20m) Mendip memorial bench, commissioned for a private customer in Derbyshire. The design brief included modifications to allow for an intricate engraved emblem / crest.
The core of the design modification centred on the top rail. It was reshaped with a central disc, a feature incorporated to accommodate the emblem on the top rail in a manner that was both effective and easily visible from a distance. The addition of the disc was instrumental in achieving this. It provided the necessary surface area to recreate the emblem at a size that would ensure prominence and visibility, thereby honouring the commemorative intent.
Danny's bench - A customised York bench with flat arms
This custom York bench showcases a unique design, distinguished by flat arms and a curved top rail. The most striking feature is the name "DANNY", prominently inset into the backrest in large letters. This personalisation transforms the bench into a distinctive focal point.
The bench's construction deviates from standard offerings, employing chunkier and thicker timbers. This choice enhances durability and creates a more robust piece. The use of substantial materials reflects a commitment to longevity and enduring quality.
More info on Danny's Bench can be found here.
The Scarborough bench modified into various curved benches
The Scarborough bench, known for its classic design, has been reimagined with a curved silhouette, offering a bespoke seating solution. This modification, characterised by the subtle arc of its seat and backrest slats, caters to customers seeking a personalised touch.
The curved design elevates the standard bench, transforming it into a statement piece. This bespoke approach allows for customisation, ensuring the bench complements its surroundings and meets specific aesthetic preferences.
Click on the pictures to enlarge
The degree of curvature varies, providing flexibility in design. Examples range from a pronounced crescent shape to a more gently curved profile, similar to the London bench. This adaptability makes the curved Scarborough bench suitable for various spaces and design schemes. The curved bench offers a unique blend of functionality and style, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking a customised seating solution.
The Modified Knaresborough
The modified Knaresborough bench represents a prime example of a semi-bespoke service. This approach allows for a harmonious blend of established design and individual client needs. The bench retains the core aesthetic qualities of the original Knaresborough design, while incorporating specific modifications to suit particular requirements.
One notable alteration is the elongated backrest. This adjustment transforms the bench's profile, creating a more imposing and regal appearance, akin to a throne. This modification demonstrates the flexibility of the semi-bespoke process, allowing for significant aesthetic changes while maintaining the foundational design elements.
The Customised Curved York
The York bench, a key element within our standard product offerings, exemplifies a remarkable ability to evolve and adapt. Its fundamental design has served as a springboard for a diverse range of iterations, with a particularly notable trajectory in the development of curved seating solutions.
The initial modification of the York bench involved the introduction of a gentle curvature. This refined version of the original design achieved significant success and was eventually incorporated into our standard range under the name of the Richmond bench. This strategic integration underscores the positive reception and practical benefits of the curved configuration.
Click on the pictures to enlarge
Building upon this foundation, further advancements have yielded the creation of larger, more dramatically curved benches. Each of these developments retains the essential characteristics of the original York design, thereby demonstrating its inherent versatility and lasting appeal. These iterations showcase the enduring potential of a well-conceived framework to accommodate a wide spectrum of functional and aesthetic requirements.
Rounding Up
The semi-bespoke method offers a balance between the benefits of standardised design and the advantages of personalisation. Clients can leverage the inherent qualities of a proven design, while still influencing the final product to align with their individual preferences and the specific environment in which the bench will be placed. This approach results in a piece that is both recognisable and uniquely tailored.
Take a look at our standard range of benches and if there is any customisation you would like to see then give us a call on 01482 887921
