If you’ve ever sat on one of our street benches and wondered about the little details holding them together, here’s the straightforward answer: all bolts used on our street benches are made of stainless steel—specifically, grade 304 or 316 stainless steel, depending on the coastal proximity (316 offers higher corrosion resistance for saltwater environments).
You might ask, “Why not just use regular steel bolts?” Good question. Regular steel—often called carbon steel—would rust within months in outdoor conditions. Rain, humidity, and even morning dew cause oxidation, which leads to unsightly orange streaks and, worse, weakened structural integrity over time. Stainless steel, on the other hand, contains chromium that forms a protective passive layer, preventing rust even after years of exposure.
In practical terms:
- Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel bolts withstand rain, snow, and sun without degrading.
- Safety: No risk of bolt failure due to rust, keeping benches stable.
- Aesthetics: No rusty stains bleeding onto the wood or metal frame.
One exception: some budget or temporary installations might use zinc-plated regular steel bolts (these are cheaper but less durable). However, for permanent street furniture, we specify stainless steel to ensure they last 10–15 years with minimal maintenance.
So next time you sit down, rest assured—those bolts aren’t just holding the bench together; they’re engineered to resist the elements.