Yes, absolutely. Many outdoor benches are specifically designed with features that discourage skateboarding, a practice often referred to as "skate-deterrent" or "skate-proof" design. This isn't just a myth—it's a common aspect of urban planning and furniture design.
The most common techniques include:
1. Special Edges (Angled or Beveled): Standard flat bench edges are perfect for grinding and sliding. To combat this, manufacturers create benches with sharply angled or beveled edges. Instead of a flat, square lip, the edge is sloped at a steep angle (like 45 degrees or more). This makes it impossible for a skateboard truck to lock onto the edge for a grind.
2. Armrests and Center Dividers: This is the most classic deterrent. Instead of a long, uninterrupted seat, the bench is broken into individual seats with prominent armrests. These armrests prevent long grinds and also make it difficult to perform slides as the rider would constantly hit a metal or wood barrier.
3. Rails and Obstacles: Some benches incorporate metal rails or bars that are not part of the main seating area. These rails might be placed at the base of the bench or along the front edge. They aren't for sitting; their sole purpose is to catch the wheels or deck of a skateboard, making any trick impossible or highly risky.
4. Knobs or Studs: You’ll occasionally see small, raised metal knobs or studs embedded along the edges of a bench. These create an uneven, bumpy surface that is impossible to slide or grind on safely.
5. Textured or Rough Surfaces: Benches with a highly textured surface (like rough concrete or a distinct stone finish) are difficult to slide on. The friction is too high, quickly slowing down a board and making tricks unpleasant.
6. Integrated Planters or Bump-Outs: Sometimes a bench isn't just a bench. It’s connected to a planter, a trash can, or a decorative wall. These extrusions break up the usable surface for skating and create "dead zones" where a skateboard can’t roll.
A Friendly Note on "Hostile Architecture":
It's worth knowing that this type of design is often called "hostile architecture." While it solves the problem of skateboarding, it can also make benches less comfortable for other users, like people who are homeless and might need to lie down. The goal is usually to create shared spaces that work for everyone, but it’s a balance. So yes, if you’re a skater, you’ll find many benches are purpose-built to outsmart your board.