Yes—if you want easy pressure-washer cleanup, put material and shape first. I’d skip rough wood and ornate metal. Instead look for:
- Recycled plastic/HDPE lumber or composite slats: smooth, non-porous, and safe at 1,200–1,800 psi.
- Powder-coated steel or aluminum frames: rust-resistant with a slick finish that rinses clean.
- Flat or slightly contoured slats with open gaps between them so water and debris fall through.
- Flush or recessed stainless hardware, not exposed bolts with little crevices.
- A frame with clearance underneath so you can angle the wand under the seat.
A bench like a commercial recycled-plastic park bench with open slats is basically built for this. Avoid rough cedar, unsealed teak, textured recycled planks, and scrolly wrought iron.
When pressure washing:
- Use a 25° or 40° nozzle and stay 12–18 inches away.
- Keep it around 1,200–1,800 psi; higher can etch plastic or strip powder coating.
- Work top-down and angle the spray slightly downward so you don’t force water into bolt holes.
- Use mild dish soap or car-wash soap on mildew, but avoid harsh chemicals on coated metal.
That combo makes cleanup quick: spray, rinse, let it dry. No scrubbing, no sealing.