We know that in areas with harsh, icy winters, road salt and chemical deicers are a fact of life. They keep sidewalks safe, but they can be brutal on outdoor furniture. So, how do our benches hold up? Let me walk you through the design choices that make a real difference.
First, we focus on material selection. For our metal benches, we never use plain steel. Instead, we choose marine-grade aluminum or hot-dipped galvanized steel. Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer that resists salt corrosion, while galvanized steel is coated in a thick layer of zinc that acts as a sacrificial barrier—salt eats the zinc before it can reach the steel underneath.
For wooden benches, we use pressure-treated lumber or naturally dense hardwoods like black locust or ipe. These woods have low moisture absorption and natural oils that help repel salt. On top of that, we apply a UV-stable, water-repellent sealant with anti-corrosion additives. We recommend reapplying this sealant every two years, especially before winter.
Our powder-coating process is another key factor. We apply a multi-layer, anti-static powder coat that is baked on at over 400°F. This creates a tough, chip-resistant shell. Even if the surface gets scratched, the underlying galvanized or aluminum structure remains protected. We test these coatings in a salt spray chamber for over 1,000 hours to simulate years of winter exposure.
Design also plays a role. We avoid crevices and flat surfaces where salt slush can pool. Our bench slats have a slight slope, and our frame junctions are welded smooth rather than bolted, eliminating hidden pockets for salt to collect. Drainage holes are added to all hollow sections.
Finally, we provide clear care instructions. In winter, we recommend rinsing benches with a garden hose on the rare mild day above freezing—just water, no harsh cleaners. If you do that once or twice during the season, it removes the concentrated salt residue that can cause long-term damage.
In short, we don’t just guess that our benches can handle salt. We engineer them for it, test them against it, and give you the tools to keep them looking great for many winters to come.