When we lose someone dear, it’s natural for us to desire a place we can visit to honour them, reflecting on the cherished times we once shared.
A memorial bench, whether it’s located somewhere private or public, is a popular choice for those looking to create a memorial dedicated to their loved one, ensuring their memory lives on.
In this article, we’ll go through how much you can expect to pay for a memorial bench, along with the other associated costs that may arise.
How much is a memorial bench UK?
The price of a memorial bench will vary, depending on the retailer you choose. So, we can’t speak for other retailers, but here at Cotswold Teak, our memorial benches range from £878.67 to £1,172.
Although there are plenty of options on the market, It’s essential to consider the materials used to create a memorial bench, especially if you would like the quality to last for years to come.
At Cotswold Teak, our memorial benches are handcrafted from solid teak, one of the most durable types of timber.
A memorial bench that is of premium quality may be more costly to start with, but they offer enhanced durability and can preserve its pristine condition for much longer than the average memorial bench.
Hardwood variations are renowned for being the preferred type of timber for memorial benches, ideal for those who want to create a functional, visually appealing memorial space that can be used for decades.
For example, if your local authority supplies memorial benches to those applying for one, you’ll likely receive a hardwood bench. This isn’t only to follow safety regulations, but also because a hardwood bench will maintain its quality and appearance with minimal maintenance.
How much does a memorial bench plaque cost?
The cost of a memorial plaque will depend on several factors, such as the retailer you choose, the quality of the materials used to create the plaque, and whether you would like to personalise the memorial bench plaque.
For example, at Cotswold Teak, our memorial bench plaques start from £179.00. Alternatively, it's also worth noting that if you select one of our memorial benches, we will provide you with a quality plaque that can be personalised free of charge.
Does it cost to have a memorial bench in a public place?
In short, yes. However, how much it will cost will ultimately depend on your local council and where exactly you would like to place the memorial bench.
It’s impossible to provide a generalised cost to expect, as this factor can vary significantly depending on where you’re located in the UK. It’s also worth mentioning that some memorial bench spots may be more expensive than others. For example, it may be more expensive to place a memorial bench in a park that’s in a popular, centralised location.
If you have a particular public location in mind, reaching out to your local authority would be your best course of action. They will work with you to ensure that your wishes are adhered to and provide you with accurate information regarding their specific pricing structures.
If your loved one had a favourite public spot, then, of course, seeking permission to place a memorial bench with your local council would be a great way to honour their memory.
However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly route, more control over how the memorial is displayed, or you’re simply wanting to create a place where you can pay your respects in a more intimate setting, you wouldn’t be alone in choosing to add a memorial bench to your private outdoor space.
For more information on how to put a memorial bench in a public place, click here to read our complete guide.
Does it cost less to install a memorial bench in a public setting if I supply the bench?
Yes, the overall cost of a memorial bench installation in a public setting will be less expensive if you were to supply the memorial bench. However, we encourage you to talk to the relevant local authority regarding this before committing to a purchase.
This is because some councils may have specific guidance and procedures which do not allow the option for you to supply the bench yourself. Of course, this isn’t always the case, however, it’s best to check before committing to a purchase.
Are there additional costs associated with choosing a specific public location?
As we mentioned earlier, sometimes, local councils may charge more for premium locations that are more centralised, simply due to high demand. However, this isn’t always the case.
If your loved one had a favourite spot that's slightly more obscure or isn’t known for being a common place for memorial benches, there usually aren’t any additional costs associated with seeking permission from the local council. However, if you would like to place a memorial bench in a residential area, your local authority may need to request permission from those who live within a certain proximity. This is usually done by sending out a letter to those concerned to seek consent.
Who is responsible for memorial bench maintenance in a public setting?
Generally speaking, the majority of councils will take full responsibility for the general upkeep of the memorial bench once it’s been installed, and this shouldn’t be an ongoing additional cost to you.
The majority of local authorities and councils in the UK will include a maintenance charge within your one-off fee, depending on how long you have chosen to secure the memorial bench location. However, to ensure this is the case for you, we encourage you to seek information from your local council.
Premium memorial benches at Cotswold Teak
If you’re looking for a quality memorial bench to pay tribute to a loved one, we offer a superb range here at Cotswold Teak.
Our memorial benches are built to last, made from the finest solid teak on the market, to ensure that we’re providing our customers with a place to visit and pay their respects for many years to come.
See below for a few examples of the memorial benches and memorial plaques we have available.
Bronze Personalised Memorial Plaque
Our Bronze Personalised Memorial Plaque is compatible with a range of our memorial benches, designed to be a thoughtful addition to a memorial bench dedicated to a loved one who has passed away.
Made from premium materials, our memorial plaque allows for complete personalisation of the inscriptions, providing you with the opportunity to honour their memory authentically, as you will have full control of the message that is shared.
Windsor 4 Seater Teak Memorial Bench
A perfect example of a beautiful memorial bench is our Windsor 4 Seater Teak Memorial Bench.
Our Windsor Memorial Bench has a traditional appearance, handcrafted from the finest solid teak, to ensure our customers receive a low-maintenance feature without compromising on beauty, longevity, and durability. In addition, the joints of this memorial bench option are dowelled to further improve the structural integrity.
Ideal for both public and private settings, our Windsor Memorial Bench will offer space for up to 4 people, designed to be a comfortable seating area to honour a loved one who has passed.
Our Windsor Memorial Bench also includes a thick quartz memorial plaque, which you will be able to personalise before purchasing.
See below for the dimensions of our Windsor 4 Seater Memorial Bench.
- Bench length: 180cm.
- Bench height: 92cm.
- Bench depth: 66cm.
Please note that our memorial benches are handcrafted, which may cause dimensions to slightly vary.