When you’re thinking about placing several street benches in a public area, it’s not just about making them look neat. Social distancing is still a real concern for many communities, especially when people want to sit, rest, or chat outdoors. So, how much space should you actually leave between benches?
Based on public health guidelines (like those from the CDC and WHO), the general rule is to keep at least 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) of distance between the edges of two benches. This ensures that people seated on different benches are far enough apart to reduce the risk of airborne transmission. But here’s the thing: that’s a baseline number. In real life, you might want to add extra space.
Why? Because people aren’t perfectly still. They lean, stretch, or place bags beside them. Also, benches often face each other in parks or along sidewalks, which means you need to account for the distance between the back of one bench and the front of another. In those cases, increasing the gap to 8–10 feet (2.4–3 meters) is safer and more comfortable.
Another practical tip: consider the orientation. If benches are placed back-to-back, the 6-foot rule can still work as long as the bench backs are tall enough to block direct airflow (like a solid partition). For side-by-side benches, measure from the armrest or the outer edge of the seat. And if you’re designing a row of benches along a path, stagger them slightly so people don’t face each other directly—that can reduce the need for extra spacing.
Don’t forget about foot traffic. Leave at least 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 meters) of clear walkway space between benches and any walls or planters so people can move safely.
In short: 6–10 feet is your sweet spot, depending on bench design and positioning. Always check local health guidelines, because some cities have specific rules. And when in doubt, go bigger. A little extra space never hurts when it comes to keeping everyone safe and comfortable.