Bench (furniture)

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For metonymic and other uses see Bench (metonymy) and Bench

A bench is a piece of furniture, which mostly offers several persons seating. As a rule, benches are made of wood, but one can also find stone benches and benches made of synthetic materials. Many benches have arm rests. In public areas, benches are often donated by persons or associations, which may then be indicated on it, e.g. by a small copper plaque.

[edit] Different types of benches

• the bench seat is a traditional seat installed in automobiles, featuring a continuous pad running the full width of the cabin.
• a punishment bench is used to have a punishee lie (and often be tied) down on for the administration of a corporal punishment, after which it may be specifically named, e.g. caning bench

Often benches are simply called after the place they are used, regardless whether this implies a specific design

• Garden benches are very similar to public park benches set outdoors, but the former offer usually only two or three -, the latter mostly up to five persons sitting places.
• Picnic tables, or catering buffet tables have long benches as well as a table. These tables may have table legs which are collapsible, in order to expedite transport and storage.
• Church pews inside places of worship are equipped with an additional kneeling bench.

Various types of benches are specifically designed for and/or named after specific uses, such as:

• a Bench (weight training) is used for fitness exercises, such as the bench press which is named after its use of a bench
• a Communion bench is not used as a seat
• Piano benches offer usually one person seating and are height adjustable.
• Swing seats are independently movable, suspended benches, used for play or as a relaxing porch swing.
• Tête-à-tête: a two-seater with the seats pointing in opposite directions, thus almost facing each other.
• A friendship bench in a school playground is where a child can go when they want someone to talk to.

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