Metal Wood or Plastic? A Park Bench Perfect for You!

Metal Wood or Plastic? A Park Bench Perfect for You

When you want to choose one or more park benches for a residential or commercial property, you have several materials to choose from, including plastic, wood and metal. Each one of these materials has benefits, but there is also a downside to the materials. Here are the pros and cons for each type of park bench.

The Pros and Cons of Wooden Park Benches

Wooden park benches are the most common variety because wood has been the most easily available material for many years. People have used an assortment of wood such as oak, cherry or walnut to make park benches for at least a hundred years. Wood benches create a natural ambience at a home or business by blending in with the surrounding outdoor environment. In addition, you can stain or paint the benches in any color. However, there are some cons about wood benches, including that the wood can become warped from moisture. This means that you must apply protective substances to the wooden bench about once a year. Despite the protective substances, the wood on the benches can develop algae growth or insects such as ants and termites can infest the materials. Wooden benches are available in different sizes. Unfortunately, wooden benches are lightweight enough to blow away in a strong wind, and it is easy for someone to steal these items from public areas at businesses or from a home's porch.

The Pros and Cons of Metal Benches

Today, you may want to buy a metal bench because these items are less expensive than wood. The manufacturers who make these benches often create slats and armrests that resemble different types of wood, and until you sit on the bench, you won't know that it is metal. One of the worst things about metal benches is that the items can attract lightening strikes, making the seating more dangerous. Alternatively, metal benches can look decorative with elaborate scrollwork with abstract designs or words on the back of the bench. When you have a metal bench, it can rust from the moisture of rain or snow, so it is essential to spray it with a protective substance. Some metal benches are lightweight and flimsy, but you can also find heavier benches that probably won't blow away in strong winds.

The Pros and Cons of Plastic Benches

If you are on a tight budget, then plastic benches are a great choice. These items are made in different colors and sizes, so you can find a style that looks great on your patio. Restaurants that have outdoor seating often have plastic benches because it is easier to move the items from one place to another. It is simple to wash plastic benches with a garden hose, and you can tip the furniture over so that the items dry quickly. You won't need to apply a protective finish to the plastic to prevent damage from moisture, but the plastic may fade and degrade from the heat or the light from the sun.