URBAN BENCHES

Yes, you absolutely can customize the spacing between slats on a park bench to prevent litter from falling through, and it’s actually a smart design choice for public spaces. Most standard park benches have gaps between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch (12–19 mm) for drainage and airflow, but those gaps are wide enough for small trash like bottle caps, candy wrappers, or cigarette butts to slip through. If you’re ordering a custom bench from a manufacturer, you can usually specify a tighter gap—often as small as 1/4 inch (6 mm) or even less—while still allowing water to drain. Just keep in mind that going too tight can trap leaves and dirt, so a gap around 3/8 inch (9–10 mm) is a good sweet spot for litter prevention without sacrificing drainage. You’ll also want to consider the material: wood slats can be routed with narrow channels underneath to help water escape, while metal or recycled plastic slats are easier to set at precise, consistent gaps. If you’re retrofitting an existing bench, you can replace the original slats with wider boards or add thin spacer strips between them to close up the gaps. Always check with your local parks department or bench supplier first, because some municipalities have accessibility or safety codes that set minimum gap sizes to prevent small fingers from getting pinched. In most cases, though, customizing slat spacing is a simple, low-cost way to keep your park bench looking clean and reduce litter buildup underneath.