When selecting outdoor benches for public spaces, parks, or your own backyard, dealing with scorching hot surfaces is a real concern. Nobody wants to sit on a bench that feels like a griddle in the summer sun. So, which materials offer the best combination of durability and heat resistance?
The best materials for outdoor benches that won't get too hot are typically light-colored woods, certain recycled plastics, and aluminum. These materials have natural properties or finishes that reflect, rather than absorb, solar radiation, keeping them cooler to the touch.
Let's break down the top contenders:
1. Wood: A classic and excellent choice. Wood is a natural insulator and does not conduct heat well. Light-colored woods like Ipe, Cedar, or Teak are particularly effective. Their light hues reflect sunlight, and even when they warm up, they rarely reach the extreme temperatures of metal or dark plastics. The natural grain also provides texture that minimizes direct contact with the skin. The main consideration is maintenance, as wood requires periodic sealing or oiling to preserve its appearance.
2. Recycled Plastic Lumber (HDPE): This is a fantastic modern solution. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) benches are made from recycled materials and are highly resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. Crucially, they can be manufactured in light colors, such as tan or grey, which significantly reduces heat absorption. While dark-colored plastic can get very hot, a light-colored HDPE bench will remain surprisingly cool and comfortable.
3. Aluminum: Specifically, aluminum with a textured or slatted design. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, but its secret weapon is that it cools down very quickly. A bench with thin, spaced-apart aluminum slats has minimal surface area for the sun to heat, and any heat it does absorb is quickly dissipated. Furthermore, air can circulate between the slats, preventing heat buildup. Always opt for a light, matte finish over a dark, glossy one.
Materials to Generally Avoid for Hot, Sunny Areas:
* Solid, Dark Metals: Cast iron or steel benches, especially in dark colors, are famous for becoming unbearably hot. They absorb and retain heat extremely effectively.
* Solid, Dark Plastics: Similar to metal, these can become hot enough to be uncomfortable or even unsafe.
Pro-Tip for Any Material: The single most effective strategy, regardless of material, is to provide shade. Placing a bench under a tree, a pergola, or a shade structure is the ultimate way to ensure it remains a comfortable and inviting place to sit, even on the hottest days.
By choosing light-colored wood, recycled plastic, or slatted aluminum, and prioritizing shaded locations, you can ensure your outdoor benches are always welcoming, not warning.