That's an excellent question, and it gets to the heart of why people choose recycled plastic furniture. The feel is quite distinct from both traditional wood and metal, offering a unique blend of benefits.
Compared to wood, recycled plastic benches have a consistently smooth, solid feel. There are no splinters, cracks, or rough grain to worry about. While they don't replicate the exact warm, organic texture of natural timber, high-quality recycled plastic boards often have a subtle textured finish that provides gentle grip and a pleasant, uniform surface. You won't experience the temperature extremes of metal; plastic stays much more neutral, feeling cool in the shade but never becoming searingly hot or painfully cold to the touch like bare metal can.
In terms of firmness, they are more forgiving than metal but firmer than an untreated, weathered wooden plank. They offer a supportive feel that doesn't sag or warp over time. Unlike wood, they never feel damp or spongy, even after rain. The overall sensation is one of durable, low-maintenance comfort—you can sit down without a second thought, in any weather, and enjoy a clean, stable, and surprisingly comfortable seat that prioritizes practical longevity and eco-friendly peace of mind over replicating a purely natural feel.