I'm refinishing a bench that we bought from home depot about 5 years ago. The wood planks and inserts have begun to peel from weather and time. I've disassembled it, sanded it all down, and am ready to stain or paint it. Any suggestions on what to put on it that will last and stand up to the elements. Looking for a "wood finish" to put on it. Thanks...

I think any of the Miniwax products are excellent and I think they have an outdoor version to their stain line.

I agree that the Minwax products are excellent. However, since this is a bench that people are going to be using, I personally would lean towards priming and applying two or three coats of paint in order to protect the wood as much as possible. I would also use a paint that is a gloss finish. It would stand up to the elements better that way, if it is painted. Just my personal preference.

I'm refinishing a bench that we bought from home depot about 5 years ago. The wood planks and inserts have begun to peel from weather and time. I've disassembled it, sanded it all down, and am ready to stain or paint it. Any suggestions on what to put on it that will last and stand up to the elements. Looking for a "wood finish" to put on it. Thanks...
Great sugestions, (Minwax or prime and paint.) For outdoor wood furniture I have had great luck by first making sure all the old paint has been removed as you mentioned. After sanding let it weather for 2 weeks. Keep it covered outside if rain is predicted. After 2 weeks use a semi transparent oil based stain as used to stain decks. After another 2 to 3 days use as directed a 2 part epoxy sealer. This product is sold as a "rot repair" sealer and is a bit spendy. The 2 part products will give you extreme protection for many years. Which ever method you go with I bet it'll turn out great.