When designing the ideal bench for your needs, you should consider many factors. From style, size, color and other preferences to durability, functionality and maintenance requirements, you need to make many decisions to choose the best type of bench. One of the most important decisions to look at when designing your bench is the type of material to construct it from, with the classic three choices being recycled plastic, metal or wood.
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This outdoor furniture materials guide compares your bench material options, detailing the benefits of each one for outdoor furnishings. Our guide also walks you through some of the critical factors to consider when choosing bench material, as well as some frequently asked questions about outdoor benches to help you land on the right choice.
Outdoor furnishings, including park or public benches, need to be durable so they can stand up to repeated use, weather and other concerns. To design the best bench possible for your requirements, you must choose the right bench material that will give you the look and longevity you desire.
To choose the correct bench material, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each material type. By knowing your priorities for bench material, you can narrow down the perfect option for your outdoor benches.
The primary outdoor bench materials to choose from are recycled plastic, metal and wood.
For organizations looking to meet sustainability objectives, recycled plastic is a good bench material option that aligns with an eco-friendly mission. Recycled plastic is a versatile material that can be molded to suit virtually any style or function. Here are the primary traits of recycled plastic as a bench material:
Whether you&#;re looking for a polished, glossy look or a style that adds character, metal possesses the properties that make it an excellent material choice for benches. Metal can be fabricated in many different shapes and styles and from a variety of metal types. Consider the following attributes of metal bench material:
Wood is the most traditional outdoor bench material, typically used in parks or on private grounds. These are the main characteristics of wood bench material:
Since all three bench materials types &#; recycled plastic, metal and wood &#; provide durability, comfort and aesthetic benefits, it can be challenging to choose which material is right for your needs. When selecting bench material, it&#;s important to consider the application of the bench, the geographical region and the amount of traffic the bench will get. Finally, there&#;s also a financial consideration. Bench materials can vary widely in cost, depending on many factors, including size, quantity and style.
When choosing your bench material, consider these six factors to help you make your decision.
When deciding which bench material is suitable for your setting, consider your climate and the common weather patterns your region experiences. You want to select a material that is most resistant to the type of weather it will encounter.
For example, moderate climates experience very mild temperature changes throughout the year, making all three materials a viable choice. However, extreme climates that experience bitter winters and humid summers may need to avoid wood or plan to weatherproof the material regularly. Because wood retains moisture, it shrinks during the winter and expands again when the weather heats up. Without properly air-proofing the material, the bench will be prone to warping, splitting or cracking as the relative humidity changes.
Both metal and recycled plastics may provide better weather resistance if the bench is directly exposed to the elements. Wood benches are better for sheltered locations to prevent visible wear.
To ensure your outdoor benches maintain their appearance and last as long as possible, you will need a strategy for regularly cleaning and repairing them. Certain bench materials are easier to clean and repair than others. The easiest way to clean outdoor furnishings is to use a pressure washer. This will eliminate built-up dirt and grime efficiently. However, pressure washing is best done safely on recycled plastic or metal benches, which can easily withstand the powerful streams of water.
Wooden benches are best washed by hand. If the bench&#;s protective sealant is wearing off, and you use a pressure washer, water can seep into the material&#;s pores, eventually leading to warping. This makes wooden benches more laborious to keep clean, which may be a primary concern if you&#;re managing a large quantity of them.
All three bench types can be repaired, depending on the nature of the damage. From loose bolts to broken slats, each bench material can be dismantled and restored as needed.
While comfort is a subjective measurement, some universal criteria exist to examine how well your guests may enjoy sitting on your outdoor benches. Some factors to consider when deciding on comfort level include:
Along with durability, maintenance and comfort, appearance is an essential factor in how to choose bench material. Outdoor benches come in many different styles, so you can create a cohesive look with your existing hardscaping. You want your benches to appear inviting, offering a place for your guests to rest comfortably.
When choosing bench material, decide on your overall aesthetic. For a more natural look, wood or wood and metal combinations offer a charming rustic style. With metal being such a versatile material, it can create benches that look modern and practical or traditional and refined. Likewise, recycled plastic is another versatile bench material, which can be designed as synthetic wood, recreating the more raw look of a true wooden bench.
When considering materials, it&#;s vital to reflect on the functionality of the bench and whether it will be stationary or moveable. Movable benches, such as those in campgrounds or private gardens, should be made from lighter-weight materials, such as softwoods, plastic or aluminum.
When you need your bench to remain stationary to keep your space tidy and safe while preventing theft, it&#;s better to have a sturdier, heavier material that can be secured to the ground and provide a more substantial presence. Metals and hard plastics tend to be preferred in high-traffic areas, such as retail centers, shopping malls, and public transit stations. They can be built with solid framing and be bolted to or embedded in the ground.
When choosing your bench material, your budget is a crucial factor. Numerous factors determine the price of a bench and which bench material you can afford. Wood can be expensive, particularly if you&#;re seeking a specific species. If you need many benches, this can potentially make wood an even less affordable option.
Recycled plastic is a readily available and popular material that makes it a budget-friendly option, particularly for retail centers, malls and other businesses that use several benches. Metal benches are more expensive to purchase upfront, but their longevity and low maintenance costs make them an affordable long-term option.
With the above factors in mind, you may still need help considering what aspects of a bench will meet your specific needs. Benches can serve a wide variety of purposes and can be found in a range of spaces, from highly trafficked public locations to private properties. By asking yourself who will be using the bench and where it will be located, you can fully assess your bench material needs and make the wisest decision and investment.
When shopping for benches, ask yourself the following questions to help you consider the functionality and location of your bench as well as the type and amount of traffic your bench will accommodate.
The first question to ask yourself when deciding on bench material is who will be using the bench the most. If your benches are located in highly trafficked areas, then you&#;ll get a broad range of people using your outdoor furnishings. From older adults to young children and their parents to everyone in between, the bench needs to be functional for all. Recycled plastic and metal can both withstand this level of heavy use.
For benches on private property, such as on the grounds of condos or office buildings, the traffic will be much lighter than in public areas. Therefore, if you prefer wood for your bench, private grounds are the right setting for this material due to its limited use.
Once you understand the type of traffic and wear your bench will undergo, you should determine your budget before making any further decisions. When budgeting for your upcoming investment in outdoor benches, consider the following factors that determine the cost of benches:
When choosing your bench material, it&#;s also important to consider the purpose of the bench and what function it will serve. This will help you determine the best type of material for the bench&#;s primary use, the style of the bench and how big it should be.
Here are some examples of different ways that benches are used in different spaces:
There may also be a special purpose for the bench, such as to honor a loved one. Memorial benches are a way to add beauty and sentimentality to outdoor spaces while remembering someone who enjoyed the space. They&#;re also a way to offer a generous donation to a local park, charity or other cause on behalf of a departed loved one.
Since different bench materials require varying degrees of ongoing maintenance, it&#;s crucial to assess the level of care you can perform. All benches need to be inspected and maintained to some degree. Benches left improperly maintained can become safety hazards that can harm children and adults.
If you desire a bench that is as low-maintenance as possible, then you&#;ll want to opt for the most durable material and style available. Recycled plastic benches are designed to be a low-maintenance option, requiring minimal ongoing care. Solid plastic benches are much less likely to warp, crack or split compared to wood.
Metal is also another lower maintenance material, although it will need to be refinished periodically to prevent corrosion. Wood benches require more ongoing maintenance, which could be less of a concern if only a small number of them are maintained.
Finally, the last question to ask yourself is which style you prefer. Wood and metal benches are two different styles. Wood benches are generally placed in natural settings surrounded by trees and vegetation, such as parks and gardens. Metal benches are more aesthetically cohesive when placed in urban spaces, including shopping malls, plazas, and other public places.
Recycled plastic offers flexibility in styling. It can be made to look like wood, metal or any other finish, so you can get the ideal style you like while benefiting from the other features this material offers.
Creating the perfect outdoor bench for your guests is a great investment to add more functionality to your outdoor spaces and provide an area to rest and wait comfortably. High-quality outdoor benches enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property and increase its value as well. Choosing a suitable bench material preserves this investment, providing a durable, long-lasting product for many people to enjoy for years to come.
For all of your outdoor bench needs, choose Wabash Valley Site Furnishings. Whether you&#;re looking for a single memorial bench or an entire outdoor furnishing solution for large public spaces, Wabash Valley Furnishings can help you select the right bench for your project. Browse our outdoor benches and make the selections you need to find the right bench material, size, and color for you. Our recycled plastic benches are made for longevity and minimal maintenance, preventing warping and retaining durability. Contact us today to learn more about our options on our line of outdoor benches.
An outdoor bench can upgrade a garden, yard, patio, park, retail center or other business and give your guests a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It&#;s the perfect time to help others gather with friends and family and spend quality time in an outdoor space.
Placing benches in an area is a great way to make it more inviting and charming. There is a wide selection of benches to choose from, so doing your research ahead of time will help you choose the one that&#;s best for you, your space and your guests.
A good outdoor bench should be comfortable and sturdy as well as enhance the beauty of the area around it. This means your decision depends on more than just the bench. You&#;ll need to consider the location, space, material, design and color. Discover tips for choosing outdoor benches below to select the right one for your needs.
There are many things to consider when choosing the perfect outdoor bench for your space. One bench may be better suited for a garden with just one or two people sitting on it once every couple of days. Another would be best for a crowded mall where many people want a place to relax. You can easily narrow down your choices by determining the following factors:
First, where do you want to place the bench? Consider the purpose of the bench and the style that would best fit its surroundings. For instance, your bench may be going in:
The location will play a part in all the factors of your outdoor bench choice. Note that you may also need to install multiple benches in an area to make it the most comfortable. Place the bench among tall shrubs or trees to give it more privacy. Or place your bench in an open area to connect a spread-out garden space. If people will only be sitting on the bench for a few minutes, a backless bench is enough to serve its purpose.
In addition to the location, you will also have to consider how much space you have for the bench. Is it a large space that requires a larger bench? How many people should the bench be able to seat? Benches commonly come in either 4- or 6-foot lengths. If desired, you can also get ones in 8-, 10- and 15-foot lengths.
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The size of the bench shouldn&#;t look too small or too large for the space around it. If you&#;re placing multiple benches, think about if you want a few large ones or many small ones spread out over the area. Also, make sure there is room to walk around the bench comfortably.
The next thing to consider is the material of the bench. You can choose from wood, metal, wicker, plastic and concrete materials. For an outdoor bench, the material is essential as it contributes to:
There are many styles of benches, and you&#;ll need to find one that suits your aesthetic and complements your outdoor space. There are wooden, porch-style, English garden, straight, curved, backless and arch-back benches and plenty more. It&#;ll be easy to find one that suits your aesthetics, but it will take a bit of consideration.
Curved benches are great for corners or for sitting around a fire. Should it look traditional or contemporary? Benches are also often separated by the pattern on the bench, such as horizontal, perforated, diamond and more. Browse the different styles to get to know what you&#;d like in your space.
The design will also play a part in how comfortable the bench is. Consider features like arms or a curved seat if you&#;re looking for comfort, while flat seats and no arms will offer a more simplistic design. Benches with a back that is slightly angled back will also be more comfortable and create an eye-catching addition. You can also add mildew-resistant outdoor cushions to a bench to add comfort and style.
Lastly, choose a color that matches your outdoor aesthetic. Whether you&#;re looking for browns, grays, reds, greens or blues, many of our benches have multiple options. Check out the different options for the Covington Collection for examples of the many options at Wabash Valley Furnishings. You&#;ll find that most benches have multiple color and configuration options to fit your needs.
If you&#;re not sure what color would look best, pick a neutral color, like white, gray, black or any shade of brown. These colors will go well with any outdoor color scheme. You can always spruce up the color scheme by adding decorative outdoor cushions, which you can easily swap out if your exterior design changes.
The material of the bench will determine its look, durability and how much maintenance will be required. Choosing a poor material could mean the bench won&#;t last long. The bench will have to withstand rain, humidity, snow, ice, mold, mildew, rot, insects, sun exposure, extreme temperatures and high winds, depending on your location. Look into the possible outdoor bench materials below to see what would work for your space.
For a natural-looking addition to your outdoor space, choose wood as the bench material. Wood benches always look attractive and classic. Choosing a bench made from good quality wood will ensure your bench is durable and long-lasting. Look for benches made with heartwood lumber with a consistent grain. Or select a bench made from lightweight wood if you expect to move the bench around.
Most wooden benches will require regular maintenance, so you&#;ll have to consider the time and money it takes to maintain them. You may need to seal the benches regularly with stain or outdoor paint, for instance.
Good woods for an outdoor bench include cedar, pine or teak. Natural cedar and pine often become gray with age unless sealed or painted. They can last for years if maintained properly.
Teak is a perfect choice for outdoor benches because of its high oil content that makes it resist rot and insects. Teak is very weather-resistant and can last for at least 50 years, meaning it can be more of an upfront investment. You could also select oak, but note that it is often a high-maintenance wood that requires regular treatment.
Metal is another good choice of bench material that comes with a very different appearance than wood. The metal is often formed into decorative swirls or designs but can also come in straight, contemporary styles. Metal benches typically come in:
Most metal benches are coated and water-resistant, so they won&#;t require much maintenance. These benches are also designed to prevent warping, splintering and general wear. However, you may have to tighten the screws every once in a while. If the bench is powder-coated, it may eventually need an inspection to see if it needs refinishing.
Wicker benches can offer beachy, tropical feels, perfect for adding a relaxing and natural touch to your outdoor space. The woven look adds texture to your exterior, while the variety of warm, natural brown shades will tie in with your surrounding landscaping and architecture.
Normal, plant-based wicker is not a good choice for an outdoor bench because it is easily damaged by moisture. However, resin wicker or synthetic wicker is a good option. You&#;ll get the same woven appearance with none of the drawbacks. It&#;s recyclable, easy to clean and lightweight. It&#;s important to choose one that is low-maintenance and weather-resistant. HDPE wicker is typically better quality than PVC wicker.
Plastic is a versatile and durable option for benches. It comes in many colors and patterns and can look like different materials. Plastic benches are also fade-resistant because the color is intrinsic to the material.
If you are looking for a natural-looking option, you can find a synthetic wood bench that looks like natural wood but is easier to maintain. Note that these benches are more lightweight, so they should be mounted in case of high winds. Plastic benches are made to be UV-protected, fade-resistant and wear-resistant. This material can be cheaper than many of the others.
Concrete benches are very durable and excel at resisting wear. They can be rebar-reinforced for an even longer lifetime. Their heavy weight means they are nearly impossible to move, so you will not have to have them bolted down. Concrete benches typically offer sleek lines, meaning they&#;re good for minimalist or modern outdoor spaces.
Keep in mind that concrete is very hard and will absorb heat, which makes it a less comfortable option. But if your bench will go somewhere for guests to stop and sit for a few minutes, comfort isn&#;t as high of a priority.
You&#;ll want to choose design features that enhance the appearance of the bench&#;s surroundings. Browse different bench styles to find the design you like the most. You can filter benches on our website by different categories to find your favorite and what suits your needs. Many of our benches have multiple options, so when choosing an outdoor bench, you should consider:
First, you are able to view benches from our Heritage or Urbanscape product lines. Heritage is a line of plastisol-coated outdoor furniture, and Urbanscape is a line of powder-coated furnishings.
Plastisol is a type of liquid PVC that is applied and cured, which creates a hard substance that is extremely durable and resistant against scratches and dents. It&#;s also made to be resistant to chemicals, moisture and UV damage. Benches coated with plastisol tend to feel a bit rubberized, adding to the comfort and reducing vibrations. Plastisol-coated furniture is designed to be low maintenance because the coating can withstand all environmental conditions. Plastisol can also be colored to add to the style of the bench. For example, our Buddy Bench takes advantage of plastisol and is the perfect addition to parks and other outdoor areas.
Powder coating is a spray process that creates a thick layer that smoothly adheres to surfaces. It&#;s made to resist peeling and the effects of weather exposure, so it&#;s perfect for outdoor furniture. Powder coatings can be matte or shiny and come in many different colors. This coating will help your outdoor bench look new for longer.
If you find a special collection you like, you can also choose to only view products from that collection. This will help if you choose to buy other site amenities that complement your bench. We have over 20 different collections, so one is sure to have the features you&#;re looking for. Consider City Limits for colorful benches with unique lines, Covington for classic styles, Green Valley for recycled plastic lumber, or explore our range of other options.
The mount determines how your bench is installed, and you can choose from inground, portable, surface or gullwing:
You&#;ll have to decide if you want the bench to be moveable or select the flexible portable/surface mount. If the location has bad weather, such as flooding or high winds, choose a sturdy option. But you can select a portable option if you want to store the benches away during certain times of the year.
The pattern of the bench plays a huge part in its style. Our categories of bench patterns include:
Many of our benches can come in different patterns. Remember to try to pick a pattern that enhances the area around the bench and complements lines in your landscaping and architecture.
Remember, you&#;ll need to pick a size that will look appropriate in the space you&#;re placing it in. You can filter the benches on our website to show 4-foot, 6-foot, 8-foot, 10-foot or 15-foot benches. If you need to fill an area with benches, consider if you need a couple of large benches or many smaller ones. Many smaller benches can suit a variety of families and visitors, while a larger bench works well for areas that welcome large groups of people.
If you&#;re looking for a specific style, filter your options by that style. You can filter our benches by the following styles:
Some benches can come in multiple styles. Each bench also has different color options, so consider what colors would go best with the setting of the bench. Think of the colors of the plants that grow around it or the color of its architectural surroundings. You can also use your brand&#;s colors if the benches are for your business.
Considering the purpose, style and material of the bench are your main choices, but there are many factors to think about. You may want to have a commemorative bench that honors a loved one or special event with an engraved plate. These benches serve a memorial purpose instead of simply being a place to sit.
Also, consider the maintenance required for a bench. Most wooden benches need treatment after six or 12 months, which requires purchasing a stain or varnish and taking the time to apply it. Medium-maintenance woods like beech or mahogany require oiling once or twice a year. Low-maintenance wooden benches, like teak, typically only require basic maintenance to maintain their color.
You&#;ll also have to consider your budget. The material and size will have some of the greatest impacts on your budget. When choosing a material, also consider the maintenance costs, which include your time. Benches made with high-quality materials will cost more upfront but could save you money when it comes to how long they last and how little maintenance is required.
We design our outdoor furnishings and site amenities for durability and minimal maintenance. Our wide selection of outdoor benches also have various configuration and color options, so you can be sure to find one that fits your style and space. We are a leader in the commercial outdoor furniture industry and have been for over 30 years.
If you&#;d like to make a bulk order for your outdoor project, we will work with you to create one that fits your specifications, design and budget. With cutting-edge technology, we offer efficient turnaround times, ensuring you get a bench for your space quickly without compromising on quality or construction.
Wabash Valley Site Furnishings offers a variety of functional and high-quality outdoor site amenities, including benches, waste bins, picnic tables, chairs, planters, umbrellas, grills, bike racks and more. For inspiration for your next outdoor project, take a look at our gallery of outdoor amenities. To inquire about our product offerings or bulk orders, please reach out to a sales representative today.
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