Solid Oak Garden Bench

Solid Oak Garden Bench - The May.
A solid Scottish oak bench made for outdoor living
 
The May is our take on the traditional oak beam bench: simple, substantial and designed to become part of the landscape around it.
 
Made from sustainably sourced Scottish oak, each bench is individually crafted in our workshop in East Lothian. We leave the timber's natural character at the heart of the design, allowing knots, grain variation and the marks of the tree to become part of what makes every bench unique.
 
At 1200mm long, the May is generously proportioned for two people, making it equally at home beside a firepit, on a patio, beneath a tree or overlooking the garden.
 
This listing is for one May bench. The benches can also be combined with additional benches and cube seats to create a complete firepit seating arrangement.
 
Designed around the character of the timber
We wanted the May to feel like a piece of timber rather than a piece of mass-produced garden furniture.
 
The chunky oak construction gives the bench its distinctive, almost architectural appearance, while carefully considered details make it practical to live with. The feet are traditionally dovetailed into the main body of the bench, creating a strong and durable joint as well as a subtle piece of craftsmanship that is visible from the side.
 
Integrated handles make the substantial bench easier to manoeuvre, while the proportions of the seat have been designed to provide a comfortable place to sit and linger outdoors.
 
No two pieces of Scottish oak are identical, so every May has its own combination of grain, knots, colour and character.
 
Scottish oak, made in Scotland
We believe that good outdoor furniture starts with good timber.
 
We source Scottish hardwood wherever possible, selecting logs for their structural qualities and the character they can bring to a finished piece. Using timber with a known provenance allows us to make the most of the material available to us rather than treating wood as an interchangeable commodity.
 
The May is made by hand in our workshop in East Lothian, Scotland. We combine traditional woodworking techniques with modern precision to create furniture that is built to last and intended to age gracefully outdoors.
 
Made for life outside
Oak is particularly well suited to outdoor furniture. Left to weather naturally, it will gradually develop a beautiful silver-grey patina as it responds to sunlight and the elements.
 
We can also supply the May with an exterior oil finish where you would prefer to retain more of the original colour of the oak.
 
Like any solid timber furniture used outdoors, the appearance of the wood will change over time. We see this as part of the appeal: the bench develops a history of its own rather than remaining permanently fixed in its original condition.
 
Create your own firepit seating
The May was originally designed as part of a relaxed firepit setting, where several benches can be arranged around a central fire.
 
Combine two or more May benches with our matching oak cube seats to create a flexible outdoor seating area for gatherings, meals or evenings around the fire.
 
If you have a particular space or layout in mind, get in touch. We can discuss different bench lengths, configurations and finishes to create something suited specifically to your garden.
 
Dimensions
Length: 1200mm
Width: 350mm
Height: 400mm
This listing is for one bench.
 
Because each bench is made individually from solid oak, dimensions and timber character may vary very slightly from piece to piece.
Delivery & lead time
 
Our typical lead time is 6–8 weeks, although this can vary depending on current workshop capacity and timber availability. We will confirm the expected lead time when you order.
 
Free delivery in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
 
Pallet delivery can be arranged elsewhere in the UK. Please contact us before ordering so that we can confirm the delivery cost and the most suitable method for your location.
 
White-glove delivery and positioning can also be discussed for larger projects or particularly challenging access.
 
Bespoke options
The May is available as shown, but we are also happy to discuss bespoke versions for individual gardens and projects.
 
We can explore different dimensions, quantities, finishes and seating configurations depending on what you need.
 
If you have a particular space, firepit or garden project in mind, get in touch before ordering and we can talk through the possibilities.
 
About Field & Thorn
Field & Thorn Woodcraft Co. is a Scottish furniture workshop based in East Lothian.
 
We make considered indoor and outdoor furniture from responsibly sourced timber and other carefully selected materials. Our approach is simple: make fewer things, make them properly, and create furniture that people will want to keep for many years.
 
Our outdoor furniture is designed not simply to fill a space, but to encourage people to spend more time outside. Eating, talking, relaxing and enjoying the changing seasons around them.