Yes—and the trick is to stop looking at solid, flat seats. A bench that stays dry after a storm usually has an open, slatted or perforated seat surface so water can drain straight through instead of pooling. Look for gaps between aluminum, powder-coated steel, or composite slats; metal mesh seats; or perforated steel panels. A slight slope or crown in the seat profile also helps water run off. Avoid solid wood, solid stone, or any deep concave seat with no drainage path.
If you’re shopping or spec’ing, search for terms like “slatted metal bench,” “perforated metal bench,” “quick-dry outdoor bench,” or “drainage bench seat.” In general, spacing around 5–10 mm between slats is enough to let rain through while staying comfortable for seating. Rounded seat edges also help water sheet off instead of clinging.
Good starting points are powder-coated steel slat benches, aluminum slat benches with open gaps, thermoplastic-coated steel mesh benches, or any product labeled as having positive drainage or a self-draining bench. If you can, check the side profile and underside—if water has a clear path down and out, you’ve found the right bench.