For most commercial-grade street benches, a metal bench is cheaper upfront than a comparable wooden bench. In practice, a basic 6-foot powder-coated steel bench often costs between $350 and $800, while a similarly sized wooden bench made from weather-resistant hardwood like teak or ipe commonly runs $600 to $1,500 or more. That puts the typical metal street bench price 20% to 40% below the wooden street bench price, though the gap can swing the other way depending on materials.
The biggest factor is the material itself. Wooden street benches are not all priced the same. Pressure-treated pine can be cheap at $250 to $500, but it warps, splinters, and rots faster outdoors, so it is rare in public street furniture. Cedar and shorea sit in the mid-range, roughly $400 to $900. Teak and ipe are the premium options for wood outdoor benches because their dense grain and natural oils resist rot and insects. That durability pushes their price to $800 to $2,000 or more for a 6-foot bench.
Metal benches have a wider entry-level range. Powder-coated steel is the workhorse of budget-friendly street furniture, typically $300 to $700. Aluminum costs more but is rust-resistant and lightweight, usually $500 to $1,000. Cast iron is heavier and more decorative, often $700 to $1,800. Stainless steel sits at the high end, around $900 to $2,500, especially in coastal environments where corrosion resistance matters.
However, upfront cost is only part of the picture. Wood needs regular sealing, staining, or oiling every one to three years if you want to keep its original color. If you let it weather naturally, teak turns silver-gray and can last decades, but softer woods may crack or rot without care. Metal requires less routine maintenance: an occasional wash and touch-up paint on scratches. In coastal or de-icing-salt areas, even powder-coated steel can rust at joints or the base. Aluminum and stainless resist corrosion better, but they cost more initially.
Installation and shipping also affect the final bill. Dense hardwood benches are heavy, while metal benches range from lightweight aluminum to very heavy cast iron. Surface mounting on concrete requires anchors, labor, and possibly a mounting kit. In-ground installation adds concrete footings and labor. These costs are usually similar for both materials, but they can erase a small price difference.
So which is cheaper overall? If you compare standard commercial models, a metal street bench usually wins on initial cost. A powder-coated steel bench will almost always be less expensive than teak or ipe. But if you compare cheap wood like pine to premium metal like stainless steel, the wooden bench may cost less. Over a 10 to 15 year lifespan, metal often has lower maintenance cost, but a high-quality teak bench can last just as long with seasonal care. For most buyers, the practical wood vs metal bench cost difference is a 20% to 40% premium for durable hardwood over powder-coated steel.
If you want the warm look of wood without the upkeep, recycled plastic lumber benches are a wildcard. They are made to look like painted wood, often cost $500 to $1,200, and require almost no maintenance. They are not solid wood, but they compete directly with both materials on appearance and long-term value.