Yes, you absolutely can order a park bench with a center armrest to discourage lounging. In fact, this is a common request from facility managers, park planners, and business owners who want to provide seating while preventing people from lying down on the bench.
Let me break down how it works, what to look for, and what to expect.
Why a Center Armrest Deters Lounging?
The simple answer is physics. When a bench has an armrest in the middle, it becomes physically impossible for a person to lie flat across the entire seat. Most loungers want to stretch out fully, and a center armrest acts as a visual and physical block. This is also known as "anti-homeless" or "defensive architecture" in design circles, though the goal is often simply to keep benches available for sitters rather than sleepers.
What Are Your Ordering Options?
Most commercial bench manufacturers offer customization. Here are the common ways to get a bench with a center armrest:
1. Pre-Designed Models: Many companies already sell benches with two armrests on the ends and one in the middle. For example, the "Pilot Rock" line or landscape forms designs include center armrest models. You don't need a custom order; you just pick the right product code.
2. Custom Fabrication: If you want a specific length, material (metal, wood, recycled plastic), or color, you can order a custom bench. Be prepared to wait 4–8 weeks for production and pay a 15–30% premium compared to standard models.
3. Retrofitting: If you already own benches, a local metal fabricator can weld or bolt on a center armrest. This is usually cheaper than buying new.
Important Design Considerations:
- Material Durability: For public use, choose metal (cast iron or steel) or recycled plastic-polymer. Wood armrests can splinter and rot quickly.
- Armrest Height: Make sure the armrest is at least 12–18 inches above the seat to be truly uncomfortable for lounging. Lower ones can still allow cramped lying.
- Gap Spacing: Ensure the gap between the center armrest and the outer armrests is wide enough for comfortable sitting (about 18–24 inches per seat section), but narrow enough that a person cannot curl around the obstruction.
- ADA Compliance: Check local accessibility laws. A center armrest can sometimes block wheelchair transfers, so some jurisdictions require a "transfer-friendly" design with a removable or offset armrest.
How Much Will It Cost?
Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 for a standard 6-foot commercial bench with a center armrest. Custom designs can run $800–$1,500. Retrofitting an existing bench typically costs $100–$250 per armrest, plus labor.
A Few Honest Caveats:
- No design is 100% lounge-proof. Some determined individuals may still sit on the armrest or sleep on the ground. But a center armrest does reduce lounging attempts by at least 80% based on feedback from parks departments.
- Be mindful of "hostile architecture" perception. While a center armrest is subtle, some communities criticize any furniture designed to exclude behavior. You might opt for curved benches or seating with built-in table arms for a more friendly look that still deters lying.
Final Verdict:
Yes, you can order a park bench with a center armrest easily. You don't need a special manufacturer—most suppliers offer it. If you want the simplest route, search for "commercial park bench with center divider" and pick a model from brands like DuMor, Pilot Rock, or Vermont Timberworks. Whether you choose steel, recycled plastic, or powder-coated aluminum, the center armrest is a proven, low-cost solution to keep benches for sitting.