Great question—and one we don’t take lightly. The short answer is no: our park benches are not treated with chemicals that should harm pets once the finish has fully cured. We specifically avoid older, high-risk treatments like creosote, pentachlorophenol, and pressure-treated wood that contains arsenic or chromium. Instead, we use a water-based, low-VOC wood preservative and sealant that soaks into the wood fibers to protect against rot, moisture, and insects. It’s formulated without heavy metals or high-VOC solvents, which means it doesn’t leave a toxic film on the surface or release strong fumes after installation.
We choose this type of treatment because it creates a non-leaching surface. When the bench is dry and installed, normal contact—paws, bare skin, a quick sniff, or even an occasional lick—isn’t something to panic about. That said, if a bench is brand new, we recommend letting it cure outdoors for a few days before allowing pets to use it regularly. Curing lets any residual water or low-level odor evaporate completely, leaving the wood stable and inert. Our maintenance routine also avoids harsh chemical cleaners. We typically clean benches with mild soap and water, and we reapply the same pet-safe sealant as needed, never switching to industrial wood treatments that could introduce unnecessary risk.
Some of our wood benches are finished with natural oils like linseed or tung oil. These are widely considered pet-friendly once cured, but they need proper drying time to harden. The only real caution we give pet owners is about chewing. Even a non-toxic finish doesn’t make a wooden bench edible. If your dog is a determined chewer, it’s always smart to redirect that behavior, because splinters or swallowed wood pieces can cause issues regardless of the chemical treatment.
For normal everyday use—sitting beside you, sniffing the slats, or posing for a photo—our benches are designed to be safe for people and pets. We believe public outdoor furniture should invite everyone to relax, and that includes the four-legged members of the family. If you ever want to know the exact product data sheet for a specific bench, we’re happy to share it. Transparency is part of keeping pets safe.