Great question—this is one of the most common trade-offs when furnishing a small community garden. Both wood and recycled plastic can work beautifully, but the better choice really depends on how much maintenance your volunteers are willing to take on and the look you want for the space.
Wood benches, especially those made from naturally rot-resistant species like cedar, redwood, or FSC-certified teak, offer a warm, classic garden feel. They tend to have a lower upfront cost in many areas, and they can be repaired or refinished if they get scratched or weathered. The downside? Wood needs regular care. You’ll need to clean, sand, and reseal or stain the benches every year or two, especially if your garden is damp or shaded. Wood can also splinter, warp, or attract insects over time. If your community garden has a dedicated maintenance crew or volunteers who enjoy upkeep, wood is a lovely choice.
Recycled plastic benches, on the other hand, are extremely durable and low-maintenance. They won’t rot, splinter, or need painting or sealing. Most are made from post-consumer HDPE, such as milk jugs and detergent bottles, so they keep plastic waste out of landfills and can often be recycled again at the end of their life. They are heavier and very resistant to weather, graffiti, and occasional rough use. The main drawbacks are that some people find the look less natural, and the upfront cost can be higher than basic wood. Recycled plastic can also get hot in direct sun and may show scratches, though many products have textured finishes that hide marks well.
For a small community garden, I usually lean toward recycled plastic if the bench will be exposed to weather year-round and you want a “set it and forget it” option. Choose a bench with a recycled content percentage you can verify, stainless steel or coated hardware, and a design that allows airflow or drainage. If you prefer a natural aesthetic and have volunteers who can commit to yearly upkeep, choose a durable wood like cedar or FSC-certified hardwood, and install it with stainless steel fasteners to avoid rust stains.
A practical middle path is to buy one recycled plastic bench for high-traffic or shaded damp areas and one wooden bench for a sunny focal point. That way the garden gets visual warmth and long-term durability where it matters most.