Great question—bird droppings are one of those unavoidable outdoor messes, but the right street bench design can make cleanup a quick rinse instead of a scrubbing session. For easy maintenance, I'd focus on three things: smooth, non-porous materials; open or slatted profiles that don't trap moisture or debris; and durable factory coatings that resist staining and corrosion.
Material-wise, my top recommendation is powder-coated steel or aluminum. A thick, gloss or semi-gloss powder coat creates a slick surface that bird droppings can't soak into, so a hose or damp cloth usually takes care of it. Aluminum is especially good near coastal areas because it won't rust. Stainless steel is another solid choice if your budget allows—it is extremely easy to wipe down and stands up to harsh cleaners, though it can show water spots if not finished properly.
Recycled plastic lumber is also worth a look. It is dense and non-porous, so droppings sit on the surface instead of penetrating, and it does not need painting or sealing. Look for UV-stabilized, solid-profile boards rather than wood-plastic composites with rough textures.
Design details make a huge difference. Avoid benches with lots of grooves, bolt recesses, or textured wood grain, because those catch mess. Instead, choose flat-slat or contoured-slat designs with gaps between slats. The gaps let rain wash debris through and prevent puddling. Also check that end caps and brackets are smooth, capped, or welded cleanly so there are no hiding spots.
If you are buying from a commercial site furniture line, good places to start are Maglin's powder-coated steel benches, Landscape Forms' metal slat collections, or Streetlife's durable coated steel systems. You don't necessarily need a bird-specific product—just spec a smooth powder coat in a mid-to-light color to reduce heat and make droppings visible for spot cleaning. Avoid matte or sandy anti-graffiti textures if easy washing is your priority, since they can grip residue.
For ongoing maintenance, a mild detergent and soft brush or low-pressure washer are usually enough. If your site has heavy bird pressure, consider adding a nearby deterrent like a feeder relocation or small spikes on adjacent ledges, but keep the bench itself simple and open.
That should give you a bench that hoses off in under a minute after a messy day.