URBAN BENCHES

It's a common concern for city planners and park visitors alike: are those inviting urban benches secretly vulnerable to insect damage? The good news is that modern public seating has evolved significantly in its resistance to pests. Today's benches are typically constructed from materials that insects simply can't digest or damage. Aluminum and steel frames provide a solid foundation that's completely impervious to termites and other wood-boring insects. For the seating slats, many municipalities now opt for composite wood materials that combine plastic and wood fibers – creating a surface that looks like natural wood but lacks the cellulose that insects feed on. Even when using traditional hardwood, many cities treat it with pressurized chemicals that make it resistant to infestation. This strategic material selection means urban benches can withstand years of exposure without succumbing to the kind of insect damage that would compromise their structural integrity or require frequent replacement. The result is durable public furniture that maintains both its aesthetic appeal and safety standards while minimizing long-term maintenance costs for cities.