FAQ
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. Please give us a call if you can’t find the answer you are looking for.
- About Us
- Aluminium Notice Boards
- Anchors
- Bins
- Children's Picnic Tables
- Deliveries & Returns
- Game Tables - Cat Page
- Ground Fixings
- Installations
- Lecterns & Interpretation Boards
- Memorial Plaques - Cat Page
- Memorials
- Oak Benches - Cat Page
- Outdoor Litter Bins
- Outdoor Picnic Tables
- Picnic Tables
- Plastic Planters - Cat Page
- Recycled Plastic Seat & Benches
- Spares & Parts
- Steel Seats
- Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Tables
Our recycled plastic picnic tables with benches offer an excellent addition to playgrounds or outdoor recreational areas. Constructed from recycled plastic with stainless steel fittings, each table has a 25-year guarantee against rot, splintering, and decay.
An important benefit of outdoor game tables is their dual functionality as picnic tables when not in use for games. This versatility allows individuals to enjoy meals and then transition to outdoor games. Introducing game tables encourages prolonged stays at parks or outdoors, providing an added attraction.
Yes, all our picnic tables can have a memorial or commemorative plaque fixed to them to remember a loved one.
The benches are versatile, suitable for placement on both hard and soft ground, and can be securely fixed using ground fixing kits, if you wish. These kits come complete with bolts, screws, brackets, and anchors, providing everything needed to secure benches and seats firmly. They offer a dependable solution to discourage theft and prevent accidental tipping or unwanted movement of outdoor furniture.
Yes, we believe in offering our customers the best choice. We can provide a range of games tailored to your unique preferences and requirements on request.
Yes, we can add feet for aesthetic purposes or to assist with moving using a pallet truck.
Our largest planters, the blockade and tree planter both come with feet as standard to assist with unloading.
For all others, please send us a message for a quotation.
The capacity of our recycled plastic planters can be found on the retrospective product pages.
Yes, send us a message with your requirements and we can make you a bespoke planters.
Please note: The maximum length available on our recycled plastic planters is 200cm long, and the narrowest width possible is 30cm from front to back.
There’s no need to fit any additional holes in the base of our recycled plastic planters. The construction of these planters allows water to drain.
Yes, we are able to adjust existing designs to tailor them to your requirements or make custom furniture to perfectly fit in with your landscaping ideas and goals.
We are committed to using responsibly sourced wood. Through FSC certification, we guarantee that our wood is sourced from meticulously managed forests, thereby reducing our environmental footprint and upholding the integrity of our products’ aesthetics.
Direct engraving is similar to wood carving and presents a classic and refined appearance. Carefully carved in to the surface of the wood it provides a permanent memorial. On the other hand, brass and stainless and cast plaques offer a contemporary and sleek design, elevating the elegance of your memorial bench with a sense of enduring quality and resilience. We can advise you about the best solution to meet your requirements.
Our oak benches should last between 10-20 years, without any maintenance. Making them a durable and long-lasting furniture investment.
Yes, even with treatment, our oak benches will naturally develop a beautiful patina as they age, enhancing their rustic charm and character. This ageing process is a hallmark of solid wood furniture and adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Over time, oak furniture will eventually weather to a silver colour. But, in particular wet situations the oak will first blacken as water reacts with the naturally occurring tannin in the wood. Tung oil helps prevent this as well as enhance the wood’s natural grain appearance while providing weather protection.
Every oak bench in our inventory is constructed from the highest grade (QPA) of green oak. We proudly present a diverse selection of solid raw oak benches, all meticulously crafted to the highest standards and finest quality. Our range encompasses various styles, all constructed from solid oak. We prioritise affordability without compromising on quality, ensuring that our products offer the best value for your investment.
The benches can be placed on hard or soft ground and fixed using ground fixing kits. These ready-made kits include bolts, screws, brackets, and anchors, ideal for securing benches and seats firmly in place. They serve as a reliable solution to deter theft, prevent accidental tipping, or unwanted relocation of outdoor furniture.
No, all our heavy duty benches and stools are delivered already assembled with the exception of the chunky oak bench, which arrives in two halves.
Yes, for orders of 10 bins or more we can provide a discounted price. Please contact us for a tailored quotation.
Yes, many of our outdoor litter bins are made from recycled materials and are designed with sustainability in mind.
Yes, all our litter bins can be hot-dipped galvanised. Galvanized structures are known for their durable surface finish achieved through hot-dip galvanizing. This preserves the integrity of the litter bin and extends the service life. Hot dipped galvanised litter bins are expected to last up to 25 years by the sea.
We offer outdoor litter bins from 35 litre up to 360 litre. The largest capacity can be achieved using our Wheelistat – an immovable post to prevent vandals or weather moving your bin – combined with a 360 litre wheelie bin.
No, but our bins are designed for quick and easy installation to hard or soft ground by using expanding bolts or our soft ground anchors. Installation into soft ground should be fast and straightforward and can be completed with using our tools on loan. Each bin comes with clear installation instructions, and our team is available to provide assistance if needed.
Yes, they can. They can be mounted using our Earth Anchor ground fixing system or with a FastDek base. FastDek serves as an ideal alternative to traditional concrete pads. Installed in just 25 per cent of the time, it requires less excavation, generates less waste, and eliminates the need to wait for concrete curing. Supplied fully assembled, all you need to do is level the ground, lay the FastDek, and secure it with the provided ground anchor.
Our outdoor litter bins are made from a variety of durable materials, including steel, plastic, and recycled materials. Each material offers different advantages such as strength, weather resistance, and sustainability. They are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and sunlight. They are constructed with weatherproof materials and finishes to ensure long-term durability and functionality.
Yes, we do! We value our partnerships with schools, trusts, and local authorities. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements, and we’ll be happy to provide competitive pricing for bulk orders.
Oak is a low-maintenance wood, and left to naturally weather it will eventually take on a dark silver colour. This can slowed and controlled to ensure an even colour change with the addition of an oiled finish. Specifically, Tung Oil.
Absolutely! We understand the importance of creating a cohesive outdoor environment. Contact our team, and we’ll be delighted to discuss customization options, including dimensions, finishes, and any special requirements to match your unique vision.
Oak stands out as an exceptional choice for outdoor seating due to its natural resistance to decay and insects. Unlike some softer woods, oak can withstand the elements and maintain its integrity over the years, ensuring a long-lasting investment.
Yes, tell us what you need and how many and we will put our saw to good use.
We always try to hold stock of our most popular products such as the recycled plastic tables and planters. But its always best to email your requirements to ensure that we haven’t sold out.
Yes, once we have informed you that your items are ready you can collect them and save on delivery.
We currently don’t have a showroom, but we stock plently of items and there is often a required item on the factory floor. Call us and we can arrange for the desired product to be viewed.
Legacy! The name Earth Anchors has stuck since the company’s inception because we use to solely design and make ground fixing anchors. These were primarily used by BT to hold down their telegraph poles using a cable tension system. We still sell anchors, but smaller ones for fixing down picnic tables, bins, benches and the occasional guide wire for a tree or mast.
All of out memorial plaques now only take several days to make. Even the cast aluminium and cast bronze can be with you in as little as 10 days.
You can add the memorial plaque you want to your basket with the text that you would like written on it and add the item of furniture you wish to ad it to.
Or, you can drop us an email and we will send you a quotation and a mock-up of how it will look.
The cast bronze, aluminium and stainless-steel memorial plaques are maintenance free. Obviously, dirt may need periodically cleaning off. But otherwise they require nothing more. Brass plaques unfortunately will need frequent polishing to keep them looking fresh and bright using the appropriate cleaner.
If ordered with another piece of furniture from Earth Anchors, we will assume your memorial plaque is to be attached to that item but will always call to confirm. It will therefore be delivered to at the same time and on a pallet. If ordered on its own, plaques take between 5-10days to arrive via a courier.
All our memorial plaques are supplied with screws. Allowing you to surface mount your plaque to a wall, bench, table, planter, or grave headstone. Thicker plaques are recessed in. we can recess in the thinner plaques but must be requested.
The prices shown are for plaques 150 x 50mm. This is our most common size and will accommodate for approximately 60 characters. Don’t feel limited to this size as we can do nearly any size up to 400mm square. Here are some of the recent size memorial plaques we’ve undertaken; 70 x 30mm, 100 x 50mm, 150 x 65mm, 200 x 50mm, 200 x 150mm, 300 x 300mm, 300 x 400mm.
Your outdoor lectern or interpretation board can be either landscape or portrait. It doesn’t change the price. Just let us know which layout you require when ordering.
Yes, we offer an in-house design service to transform your text and imagery in to stunning layouts.
Yes. The printed artwork is changeable on all our outdoor lecterns and interpretation boards. But if you plan on changing it frequently, we recommend using the aluminium lectern, as its design allows for a quick and easy swap.
Our interpretation display panels are a 3mm solid piece of aluminium. We use solid aluminium instead of aluminium composite board, because it needs pass through an industrial oven at 200℃ without distorting or melting to bake the printed artwork on and add the scratch resistant coating.
No. Unfortunately the Perspex cover is likely to trap condensation. Instead, we use toughened prints which have a clear plastic coating baked over the artwork for the scratch resistance and to bring out the print colours.
The phrase “outdoor lectern” and “outdoor interpretation board” are quite interchangeable and are similar items. They both contain a printed display with information about the local area. However, a lectern display contains the artwork at an angle of 45 degrees so that you can look over it while reading. Whereas the interpretation board can be at 45 degrees or vertical on posts or a wall.
Also, when we refer to an “interpretation panel”, we are talking about the printed artwork only.
Yes, in this instance we recommend requesting a quotation for the lectern as there will be a small saving in the purchase cost.
You can order our standard lectern through our website. However, if you have a more specific design in mind. Contact our sales team using the contact box below & we can help.
We can also offer written quotations and can accept purchase orders.
All our steel seats and benches come with holes for bolting to a hard standing. For fixing to a soft standing such as grass you will need to use our large ground anchors which pass through the leg tube to form a permeant fixture.
Alternatively our seats can be used with a FastDek base as a substitute for a concrete pad.
We have a selection of standard colours for out steel seats and benches which are available at no extra cost. For something more bespoke you can choose from one of the 200 different colours found in the RAL Classic colour range.
Yes, all our steel seats with backrests can have armrests fitted.
Our Forest-Saver, Parklane and Frigate seat can have up to 4 armrests. If you order a seat with two armrests, they are fitted one at either end, unless otherwise requested.
Unlike a spiral ground anchor ours are non-removable once in the ground and have a much higher pull out strength. This is because the barb (which holds it down) is at the tip of the anchor approx. 50cm below ground, where the soil is heavily compacted.
Our EA2 kit is the starter kit which comes with a set of reusable installation tools. You will only need a single EA2 kit and from there you can install multiple EA1 Kits.
The tools allow you to hammer the anchor in to the ground without damaging the top of the anchor or accidently driving out the fluke too early.
You will still need a hammer and screwdriver to fit these kits.
Of course! Its imperative that all outdoor furniture in public spaces is safely fixing to the ground to prevent it from theft, accidental tipping or unwanted repositioning.
For timber and plastic furniture our EA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8 are suitable depending on the ground type. For cast iron and steel seats our EA6 kit has a plate that can be drilled to match non Earth Anchors products and bolted on.
Yes. We offer a sign channel modification to all our aluminium noticeboards. This allows the notice board to be affixed to existing post or railings using stainless sign fixing clips. When purchasing, don’t forget to tell us the size of the posts, or the type of rails so that we can supply you with the correct brackets.
Not sure if it’s going to work? Contact us and send an image of your desired location and preference on notice board and we can advise.
While aluminium notice boards are lightweight and durable, making them easy to move and install, one of their most significant benefits is their resistance to vandalism. The strong aluminium frame makes and shatter-proof polycarbonate window is highly resistant to vandalism.
In addition, aluminium notice boards are equipped with lockable door, giving you an extra layer of security. Whatever the setting, aluminium is an excellent choice for durability and peace of mind.
In the worst case, spare locks and doors are possible to purchase and easy to fit.
All aluminium notice boards come as standard with keys to ensure the safety of your information. The type of lock will depend on the size and design of the notice board. A dual-door notice board uses a slightly different lock and key than our single-door notice boards.
For notice boards in areas with a strong community, we can modify the lock to not require a key but still remain lockable and weather-proof. Either way, all aluminium notice boards are equipped with some form of lock to keep your information safe and secure.
Yes. Aluminium notice boards are an excellent choice for outdoor use, as they are weather-proof and have a seal that protects the notices and posters inside from getting wet. The aluminium is also resistant to rust, so you can be confident that your notice board will last for many years.
There are many different styles of aluminium notice boards available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Whether you need a small board for a few notices or a large board for a range of different posters, you will be able to find an aluminium notice board that is perfect for you.
At Earth Anchors, we are proud to offer recycled plastic children’s picnic tables that are highly sustainable. The recycled plastic used to make the picnic tables is diverted from landfill, reducing our reliance on natural resources while keeping furniture waste out of the environment.
These recycled plastic picnic tables are not only a durable outdoor seating option, but they also promote a responsible lifestyle that helps minimise the global waste stream while still delivering an excellent product. Our quality products are made from socially responsible, ethical material.
Yes, children’s picnic tables are commonly used in commercial settings, such as restaurants, cafes, schools, and daycare centres. These tables provide a comfortable and safe space for kids to eat and play, making them a valuable addition to any business that caters to families with young children.
Yes, children’s picnic tables are easy to clean and maintain. The recycled plastic children’s picnic tables can simply be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap, and due to their no absorbant nature, they are resistant to stains. That’s why they come with a 25-year guarantee.
Yes, there’s no reason why our children’s picnic tables can’t be used indoors as well as outside. The tables are made of recycled plastic, a weather-resistant material that can withstand the elements, making them perfect for any outdoor setting, but would also be suitable for an indoor or undercover play area.
Yes, children’s picnic tables are designed to be safe and sturdy for kids to use. The tables are made of durable materials and have been tested to ensure that they can withstand the weight and movement of little ones.
Yes! wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Not only do they provide wheelchair users with a comfortable experience, but wheelchair-accessible picnic tables also ensure pushchairs have plenty of space at the table too.
With a variety of shapes and sizes available, most pushchair models can fit comfortably at wheelchair-accessible picnic tables — and there’s usually room to spare! So if you’re planning on entertaining wheelchair users or guests with pushchairs, rest assured that wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are your ideal choice.
In cold or wet weather, you may need to take some additional steps to ensure the accessibility and comfort of wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. For example, you may need to clear snow or ice from the area around the table to make sure the user can easily roll up to it. You may also need to add a waterproof cover or canopy to the table to protect the user from rain or snow. Finally, you may want to consider providing additional heat or shelter for the user to ensure their comfort and safety in cold or wet weather.
Always think about the location. Ask yourself, can a wheelchair safely and easily get to this table? If its going to go on grass a concrete base, large enough to accommodate the table and wheelchair needs to be laid. Alternatively our fastdek base can be used instead of a concrete base to create a hard standing.
Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are tables that are designed to be used by people in wheelchairs. These tables typically have special features, including spaces along the picnic bench that allows wheelchair or pushchair access, making them easier to use for people with disabilities.
If you’re looking to personalise a recycled plastic bench in memory of a loved one or special event, we offer the option to add an engraved inscription or plaque with our memorial benches . Plus, we’ll send you a mock-up of how it will look before it’s made. Choosing recycled plastic not only honours your loved one or event in a unique way but also helps support sustainable practices.
Regarding recycled plastic seating and benches, there is no need to worry about the unsightly and painful splinters or cracks that can develop with traditional wood furniture. Recycled plastic park benches and recycled plastic bench materials are durable and long-lasting, and they also never require painting or staining. And unlike wood, recycled plastic material will never rot due to outside elements like moisture or insects. So not only are recycled plastic options a more environmentally-friendly choice, but they also provide added peace of mind for parks, schools, and other outdoor spaces needing reliable seating solutions.
Recycled plastic seating, such as recycled plastic park benches or recycled plastic benches, is made from a blend of plastic waste such as hay bale wrapping or drinks bottle manufacturing. Used plastics are collected, sorted, washed, and processed into plastic lumber, which is then used in the manufacturing process to create recycled plastic seating products. Not only does using recycled plastics reduce waste and support sustainability efforts, but it also ensures that our seating products have a long lifespan and can potentially be recycled again at the end of their use. So not only are recycled plastic seating products environmentally friendly, but they are also a practical choice for outdoor spaces.
You certainly can! We offer a range of custom colour and finish options to choose from, so you can tailor your outdoor table to fit the aesthetic of your outdoor space. Give yourself the flexibility to choose whichever size and colour suits you best.
Absolutely, yes. Nowadays, outdoor picnic tables, particularly heavy-duty picnic tables that are designed for outdoor use, are favorites of public spaces and commercial projects all around. Whether it’s a school playground, city park or outdoor restaurant patio, outdoor picnic tables bring a classic outdoor charm and also provide seating comfort and durability.
Made from weather-resistant materials, they are designed to look good season after season without any need for extra maintenance. And in addition to robustness, those outdoor picnic tables provide plenty of seating with the least space consumption.
Schools and parks benefit greatly from outdoor picnic table seating, with custom options available such as height-appropriate school picnic tables. So go ahead and invest in the outdoor picnic table of your choice to equip your commercial or public space with practicality and style at the same time!
It’s important to consider how many people you’ll be seating and how often the table will be used. For large outdoor spaces that need to accommodate a lot of people, heavy-duty models are usually best suited for the task. On the other hand, if you need outdoor picnic tables mostly on a seasonal basis, maybe for outdoor events or school picnics, smaller, more lightweight tables may meet your needs.
It’s important to also consider size when choosing an outdoor picnic table. Measure the allotted area where the outdoor picnic table will be placed and make sure to select one that will fit comfortably within the space while providing enough room for people to move around freely.
The most common materials used to make outdoor picnic tables include steel, wood, stainless steel and recycled plastic. Outdoor picnic tables play a vital role in outdoor entertainment as they provide a gathering space that can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor elements.
Yes. Every customer for a commemorative product is provided a draft layout showing how the plaque or bench engraving will look before its sent to production. At this moment you can make changes to the design and layout.
We require all customers to provide approval on the draft before it can be produced.
We have over 100 different fonts to choose from. Most common choices are Arial, Times new roman and Comic sans. These are all available in bold and italic.
Not at all. You can add a memorial inscription to anything on our website. Whether it’s an engraving on a table, a plaque on a planter, or a donation message on a dog bin.
All our benches are designed to be maintenance free. If left untouched, the iroko and teak will eventually weather to a soft silver colour. If you want to keep them looking fresh they will need an application of teak oil every year. We can apply the first coat in the factory for you.
Our recycled plastic benches require nothing other than a clean to get any built-up grime off every few years.
Yes, councils have dedicated departments that handle commemorative seat enquiries. We work closely with a large number of councils and can advised how best to get a seat in a park.
Contact us and we can provide more information on who to contact.
You can buy direct from our website, choose a bench, your commemorative option and wording then pay. Once we receive this order we send you a draft layout for you to approve and can advise an estimated delivery time.
Alternatively, contact our team and tell them about what you are looking for and we will be able to advise you of the available options. If you wish to have a plaque on your bench we can design it for you and seek your approval before it is made. There are various mounting options available.
We can only ship the following items to the US when purchased through the website.
All EA kits (EA1 to EA9)
Costs can be found using the Calculate Shipping feature.
Shipping costs can be found using the Calculate Shipping box on the cart page. This will only work once you have added the item to your cart and entered a valid postcode.
Prices are valid to any location in the UK.
If in doubt, please give us a call.
Most of our ground fixing kits are very straight forwards to install. It often involves attaching the metal bracket to a table leg using the screws provided and then either hammering an anchor in or drilling down through the bracket to fit a bolt or rawl plug.
Installation instructs are provided in each kit, or you can find them here. For our EA1 & 2 kits you can watch the video to see how to install and how they work.
Dimensions for an appropriate-sized concrete pad for your piece of furniture can be found at the bottom of the product description.
Alternatively, use a FastDek for rapid deployment of a picnic table without the mess and fuss of using digging and mixing concrete.
We offer a comprehensive installation service in the southeast on all of our products. Ask for a quotation to find out how much it will be.
Looking to have a bin repainted? We can do pyrolytic cleaning and repainting on our Sentinel, Big Ben and Bensham 82 & 145Ltr.
A cheaper alternative than replacing an existing bin and we can also offer a repair service if necessary.
Bins are returned looking like new with all new hinges, locks and liners.
Most bin spares can be found under “bin spares”, these include keys, liners, locks and lids. If you cant find it on that page you will need to speak to us to arrange a spare component. But don’t worry, nearly everything is replacable.
All of our tables are meant for public spaces, so they have been designed for minimal upkeep. Recycled plastic and stainless steel have no maintenance requirements at all. Painted steel tables should have any surface damage patched to help prolong the lifespan of the paint. We can supply colour matched paint on request.
All of our picnic tables are delivered in kit form (with the exception of the Monolith) and require some light assembly work. For detailed knowledge of what is involved, visit our installations page so you can be ready for your table delivery.
Returns can be arranged via email or phone calls. If the item is free of damages or defects you may be liable to a collection fee.
Personalised products cannot be returned.
When we refer to “Anchors” we are talking about a mounting method which is a steel tube, with a point, that you drive into the ground with a slide hammer. Allowing the rapid installation of our furniture in grass or mud, without the need for concrete or digging.
It’s our own system (hence the company name) which we designed originally for anchoring BT pylons. This evolved to be shrunk down so it is compatible with a range of seats, benches, tables and bins.
Lead times can vary depending on the product, order size, personalisation, and season. On average we aim to fulfill your order or part of it within 4 weeks. Although we stock a large number of finished products, we offer so many colours and options that some items are kept unpainted or flat packed.
A good rule of thumb is, the smaller the item, the quicker it will be despatched. For a precise lead time, please contact us.
Yes – Please contact us & we will send out any replacement part you need.
From your delivery date we are happy to accept any returns within 14 days.
Please note the item will need to be returned in it’s original packaging (including a pallet if your item arrived on one).
No – You can secure your product to soft ground by using a ground anchor kits or FastDeks
Our tables will accept parasols up to 47mm wide. If you would like this to be larger, please contact us.
We split the ground into two categories, “hard” and “soft” ground. We define “soft” as grass or soil and “hard” as concrete, tarmac, paving slabs or bricks.
From there we’ve made a selection of kits for multiple scenarios to ensure you can always fix your item of furniture down.
