What material is used for a park bench?

A park bench is a convenient spot for visitors to rest and enjoy their surroundings. If you are the project manager designing a park or community space, you want the visitors to feel welcome and comfortable sitting on the benches. Finding park benches with a sturdy, rust-free material that will last for many years and still look good is ideal for your community landscaping project.

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There are park benches available in many materials. Let’s look at the options and compare the pros and cons of each to determine the best material for outdoor park benches.

Five most common types of park benches

1. Wooden Benches
2. Aluminum Benches
3. Recycled Plastic Benches
4. Metal Benches with Thermoplastic Coating
5. Concrete Benches

Wooden Benches

Benches made of wood are the cheapest option in the group. They give a natural look to match a surrounding with trees and mulch. When you first install a wooden bench, they are beautiful and comfortable for park visitors.

Through time, stain and paint on wood begins to fade and requires upkeep or more frequent replacement to stay in a welcoming condition.

Aluminum Benches

Aluminum is a lightweight metal, making aluminum benches easy to install or move. They cost a little more than wood benches and have a longer life. The biggest issue with aluminum benches is the inevitable oxidation which may cause the finish to wear and chip. Aluminum park benches are not a good choice for areas with harsh weather conditions. Communities with snow, beachside parks, and anywhere there is extreme heat or cold would be best to avoid the aluminum material seating.

Recycled Plastic Benches

Benches made of Recycled Plastic are an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and durable option. They are moderate in price and have many different layout options: backless benches, commercial park benches, benches with arms, memorial benches, and ADA-compliant park benches. The 100% Recycled HDPE plastic benches have a solid color molded throughout with a UV protectant so that the color stays vibrant and won’t get damaged by the sun. HDPE recycled plastic materials are molded into different styles for you to choose from.

Recycled Plastic Bench Styles

The recycled plastic park bench is perfect for maintenance-free community seating. This bench material resists moisture, rot, mold, and insects.

Metal Benches with Thermoplastic Coating

A solution to weathering on metal benches is to apply a thick thermoplastic coating to the metal to protect it from natural elements. These coatings make the metal beaches durable and longer lasting. These metal benches are also lower maintenance and keep color. They are a heavier option and more costly than aluminum benches. The standard waffle-like texture and rigid material are not as comfortable to sit on as the other bench types. They also have a less natural aesthetic and are usually used in park playgrounds to match brightly colored equipment.

Concrete Benches

Concrete benches are highly durable and have a minimalist look. The cement material is customizable in different colors and textures to provide a higher-end look. Concrete seating is not as comfortable as other bench types. There are many styles of concrete benches, and the cost varies depending on how simple or ornate you would like them to be. Concrete benches would match well at parks with fountains or other concrete structures. The biggest drawback to this material is the weight. Concrete is bulky and heavy which is costly to ship. 

Outdoor Park Benches - Comparison Chart

Benefits

Wooden Benches

Aluminum Benches

Recycled Plastic Benches

Metal Benches with Coating

Concrete Benches

Cost Range

$100 - $1000

$150 - $1200

$280 - $1250

$350 - $2000

$350 - $4000

Easy To Install

X

X

X

Durability

X

X

X

Rust/Wear Free

X

X

Fade Resistant

X

X

X

Low Maintenance

X

X

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X

Eco-Friendly

X

X

X

Aesthetic

X

X

X

Style Options

X

X

Recycled plastic is the best and most eco-friendly material for outdoor park benches. This durable material is affordable and holds up in any climate. If you are planning a commercial landscaping project that requires outdoor furnishings, Signature Streetscapes is happy to help provide a quote. We offer recycled plastic furnishings including benches, picnic tables, and trash receptacles.

Outdoor benches are a great addition to any garden or patio area. They provide a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. 

However, choosing the right material for your outdoor bench is crucial. The material you choose will determine the durability and maintenance required of your bench. 

This article discusses the different materials that can be used for outdoor benches and which one is the best for the job.

Wooden Benches

Wooden benches are a popular choice for outdoor seating. They are classic, durable, and provide a natural look that blends well with the environment. 

However, not all types of wood are suitable for outdoor use. Some woods are prone to rotting and insect damage, especially when exposed to moisture and humidity.

The best types of wood for outdoor benches are teak, cedar, and redwood. These woods are naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weather damage. They also have a beautiful natural appearance that gets better with age. 

However, wooden benches require regular maintenance to keep their appearance and durability. They need to be treated with a protective sealant or oil to prevent weather damage and discoloration.

Metal Benches

Metal benches are another popular option for outdoor seating. They are strong, durable, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. 

Metal benches come in various finishes, including powder-coated steel, aluminum, and wrought iron. Each finish has its advantages and disadvantages.

Powder-coated steel benches are the most common type of metal benches. They are affordable, durable, and can come in various colors. However, they can be prone to rusting if the powder coating is damaged.

Aluminum benches are lightweight, rust-resistant, and require minimal maintenance. They are perfect for humid or coastal areas where rust is a concern. However, they can be more expensive than other metal benches.

Wrought iron benches are classic and elegant. They are strong and durable and can last for years with proper maintenance. However, they are heavy and can be more expensive than other metal benches.

Plastic Benches

Plastic benches are a low-maintenance and affordable option for outdoor seating. They are lightweight, durable, and can come in various colors and styles. 

Plastic benches are resistant to weather damage, fading, and rusting. They are also easy to clean and require minimal maintenance.

However, plastic benches have some disadvantages. They are not as strong as metal or wooden benches and can become brittle over time. 

They also have a synthetic appearance that may not blend well with natural surroundings.

Concrete Benches

Concrete benches are a popular choice for public spaces due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use, making them perfect for areas with high traffic. 

Concrete benches can also come in various styles and finishes, such as polished, stamped, or stained, to fit any design aesthetic. They can also be customized with patterns or engravings to add a unique touch to the space.

Despite the advantages of concrete benches, they also have some disadvantages. One of the major drawbacks of concrete benches is their weight, which makes them difficult to move. 

This can make them unsuitable for smaller gardens or patios where flexibility is needed. Concrete can also be cold and uncomfortable to sit on during cooler months, which can be a significant concern in areas with colder climates.

To address these drawbacks, some concrete benches can be designed with cushions or other materials that provide additional comfort. They can be combined with other materials, such as wood or metal, to add a more natural or decorative look to the space. 

Despite the drawbacks, concrete benches remain a popular choice for many public spaces and can provide years of durable and low-maintenance seating.

Conclusion

Choosing the right material for your outdoor bench depends on various factors, including the environment, maintenance required, and personal preference. Consider these factors when choosing the best material for your outdoor bench. 

With the right choice, your outdoor bench can provide years of comfort and beauty to your garden or patio area.

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