Great question. In my experience, the answer is usually yes, but it depends on how your bench is designed. If the slats are properly spaced with a small gap between them, like a quarter-inch or so, water drains through easily. That’s the ideal setup. But I’ve seen plenty of benches where the slats are too tight or even flush against each other. When that happens, rainwater just sits on the surface, forming pools that can lead to warping, rot, or mildew over time.
I actually looked at my own patio bench last week after a heavy rain. The slats are spaced about three-eighths of an inch apart, and the water disappeared within minutes. No standing puddles, no damp spots. Meanwhile, a friend has a cheaper bench where the slats are almost touching. After a storm, it takes hours for that bench to dry, and there are always little puddles between the slats. It’s a hassle.
If you’re worried about pooling, check if your bench has a slight slope. Even a two-degree angle helps water run off instead of sitting still. Also, look at the slat material. Cedar and teak have natural oils, so they handle some moisture better, but still, gaps matter most. For an older bench where the gaps are too narrow, you could use a spacer or even carefully sand down the edges to create room. But don’t go overboard—too much space might be uncomfortable for sitting.
A quick tip: after a rain, run your hand over the slats. If you feel any moisture left after an hour, the drainage isn’t enough. Another trick is to tilt the bench slightly by placing it on angled pads. That’s a quick fix I’ve used for a backyard project.
If your bench already pools water, a simple solution is adding a few rubber pads under the feet to raise the back edge slightly. This encourages water to flow forward off the slats. Remember, the goal is to let air circulate and moisture escape. So, yes, spaced slats are much better, but if yours aren’t, small adjustments can stop the pooling. Good luck!