As there are various factors that could determine your choice of bench material, including durability, comfort, and cost considerations, it is essential that you carefully weigh all options when making this important decision.
Plastic benches made from thicker materials may prove more durable over time than their thin plastic counterparts, which may deform due to heat and use.
Concrete and wooden benches tend to be quite heavy, making them hard for children to access.
Aesthetics: Concrete vs. Wooden Benches
Benches are long, flat seats designed to sit at ground level and offer space for one or more people to relax and take advantage of the outdoors. Most benches are constructed out of wood; however, concrete and wooden benches also exist and each type offers its own distinctive aesthetic and feel - it's important to consider both style and function when selecting an outdoor bench for your space.
Concrete and Wooden Benches can make an ideal addition to contemporary and modern settings alike, as well as rustic or natural gardens. Available in various shades such as dark grays and even blue hues reminiscent of limestone or natural stones, concrete garden benches often come carved, etched or sandblasted for special effects and textures.
For a classic garden bench design, wood garden benches offer many possibilities. Carved, sanded and painted designs can all help achieve the desired aesthetic; or left untreated for an unfinished or natural appeal. Furthermore, water-resistant finishes may ensure these weatherproof benches stand the test of time.
Wooden benches may not be as substantial or comfortable to sit on for extended periods than concrete benches; additionally, they are susceptible to rot and other damage if neglected; moisture damage and heat damage are also risks when not protected from direct sunlight.
Plastic or composite-wood benches are lighter than their concrete counterparts, making them better suited to situations in which they might need to be moved frequently. Yet they remain heavier than aluminum benches which may be used temporarily due to their lighter weight. Aluminum benches are sometimes installed and bolted down in temporary locations due to theft prevention measures or weather impacts; similar bolting techniques are used on wood benches when installed permanently in temporary spots like parks. Stainless steel benches offer another durable choice and can either be finished for an urban or stadium aesthetic, or left raw as bleacher-esque bleacher-style bleacher seats.
Durability: Maintenance Comparison
Benches are an increasingly popular seating choice in outdoor seating areas, particularly where people wait for transportation or simply enjoy nature. Benches also serve multiple other purposes including dining, meeting, studying and sports/games playback - each purpose calling for consideration of its durability and maintenance needs when choosing its material type.
Concrete benches are an economical, high-grade choice for public spaces such as parks. Available in an assortment of styles and stamped or stained to meet any design aesthetic, they require little more than an occasional soap and water wash for maintenance purposes. Unfortunately, sitting on them in cold climates may be cold and uncomfortable and hard on your back without support.
Metal benches are another widely-used material for benches, offering an array of style choices spanning traditional elegance to contemporary modernism. Metal is strong and sturdy enough for high traffic areas while requiring little upkeep or maintenance - however it may become cold or uncomfortably hard to sit on after extended use if unsupported or insulated sufficiently. Metal may also rust over time, leaving it susceptible to corrosion and other environmental damages.
Wood benches are an elegant and timeless choice for many outdoor settings, offering a natural, warm aesthetic. Most species of wood are resilient against weathering effects; however prolonged exposure to rain and sun may hasten its wear and tear faster than other materials. Therefore, wooden benches should be kept out of direct sunlight or rain whenever possible to preserve both appearance and durability.
Synthetic and recycled plastics make an excellent bench material choice, as they replicate the look of wood without its wear and tear. Furthermore, this option makes an economical statement at parks or businesses that need multiple benches at once; Polly Products recycled plastic outdoor bench offers one such example with its solid plank of durable HDPE #2 plastic with UV protection that looks exactly like real wood graining.
Comfort: Seating Experience Analysis
As well as their aesthetic qualities, concrete and wood benches must also consider comfort as a key factor. A bench provides a place for people to stop and rest; in many ways it serves as an outdoor version of a living room sofa; it's where people gather to watch sunsets or chat with one another - an integral component in creating social communities outdoors.
Though concrete benches are popular choices in public spaces due to their durability and low maintenance needs, they may not always provide comfortable seating solutions. Concrete's hardness may cause strain on back and leg muscles when sitting for prolonged periods, while cold weather climates could bring additional concerns when using this material.
Good news - concrete benches can be modified to improve comfort! Simply adding cushioning can make sitting on it for extended periods more bearable. Furthermore, the addition of steel reinforcement in concrete benches may help lessen harshness of its seating surface and lessen discomfort during extended stays on it.
Wooden benches may offer more comfort than their concrete counterparts due to their flexible nature and give. While wooden seats and slats may be more susceptible to weather-related damage than concrete ones, repairs and replacement are generally much simpler with wooden benches than with concrete ones. They're also better-suited to areas that experience heavy traffic volumes.
Plastic benches have come a long way since their early versions that disintegrated under sunlight, bleaching out over time and crumbling under use. Now made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood and designed to mimic natural materials. Polycarbonate provides long life cycle durability with less need for upkeep or replacement costs; however thin materials of some plastics may deform with heat exposure and use.
Expert practitioners interviewed for this project all acknowledged the significance of identifying and understanding consumer needs. While they possess all of the knowledge, skills, and experience to assess an individual for seating and mobility needs evaluation, success cannot be achieved without understanding their goals, desires, and limitations.
Sustainability: Environmental Impact Assessment
Considering the environmental impact of any bench you buy is of utmost importance, and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an effective method for doing this. An EIA evaluates both positive and negative repercussions from any plan, policy, program or project to help decision makers decide whether or not to move forward with it.
Like concrete benches, wooden ones are typically portable and can easily be moved around. Unfortunately, however, their weight still makes them susceptible to movement or tipping in certain instances and damage can come from weather or people if secured properly. In order to ensure long-term use and durability of wooden benches it should be treated with preservative or an exterior stain coating to prolong their longevity.
Plastic benches have come a long way since their early versions that bleached and crumbled under direct sunlight, yet can still deform over time due to heat or wear or thin material construction. Nowadays, most commonly used wood-plastic composite provides natural aesthetic while being UV protected and wear resistant - an increasingly popular material choice in bench design today.
Both concrete and wood benches can withstand some extreme temperatures, yet both can be affected by moisture and insects. If this is a concern for you, a waterproof sealant has been applied to concrete benches as an extra safeguard.
Finding the ideal bench for your outdoor space may seem a daunting task, but taking the time to ask the necessary questions and find one that meets both comfort and durability requirements can result in finding an investment piece that is both comfortable and durable. Just be mindful that any suitable benches must blend into their surrounding landscaping as well as fit with your personal aesthetic - protecting it by applying protective stain may prevent unexpected repair bills!