Buying a good garden bench makes just as much sense as putting money into a table and chairs.

It's the most practical piece of furniture you can have in the garden. Think of the ways it can be used: bring it to the table for extra seating when eating outdoors, place it at the end of the garden and create a quiet reading spot or - if it's long enough - lie out and sunbath.

A three or four-seater chair is probably a better way to describe this garden bench on the left from Roches Stores. Made from hardwood, it costs €279.95.

Apart from the reasonable price, it's heavy, solid and thanks to a simple design, should fit easily with whatever furniture you already have. Roches also sells single chairs to match for €150.

Roches Stores, Henry Street, Dublin 2

Tel 01 6789888 for other stores