That’s a great question, and you’re not alone in worrying about splinters on a wooden street bench. Nobody wants to sit down to enjoy a sunny afternoon only to end up with a painful splinter. The good news is: yes, we absolutely treat the wood to prevent that. In fact, splinter prevention is one of our top priorities when installing or maintaining outdoor wooden benches.
The process starts with choosing the right type of wood. We typically use hardwoods like teak, ipe, or cedar, which are naturally more resistant to splintering than softer woods. But even these need proper treatment. Before a bench ever sees public use, we sand every surface thoroughly—first with coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges, then with fine-grit sandpaper to create a silky-smooth finish. This step alone eliminates most potential splinters.
After sanding, we apply a high-quality outdoor wood sealer or marine-grade varnish. This seals the wood fibers together, reducing the chance of them lifting and forming splinters over time. For extra protection, we sometimes use a penetrating oil finish (like tung oil or teak oil) that soaks into the wood, hardening the surface from within. We also round over all sharp corners and edges with a router or by hand, so there are no jagged spots.
However, because wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with weather changes, periodic maintenance is key. We inspect benches seasonally, re-sand any rough patches, and reapply sealant as needed. If a bench does develop a splinter, we address it immediately.
So, rest assured: we treat the wood to make street benches as splinter-free as possible. But to keep them that way, we rely on a combination of smart material choice, careful crafting, and ongoing care. If you ever spot a bench that needs attention, let us know—we take safety and comfort seriously.