Great question—this is one of the first things we check when buying or building outdoor furniture, so we’re glad you asked.
The short answer: yes, our outdoor benches are assembled with stainless steel bolts as standard. Specifically, we use 304-grade stainless steel for most models and 316 marine-grade stainless steel for coastal or high-moisture environments. That means the fasteners will not rust like cheap zinc-plated or black oxide steel bolts, and they won’t leave ugly orange streaks running down the wood after a few rainy seasons.
But let’s be honest: “stainless” does not mean completely stain-proof in every possible condition. If you live right on the ocean with constant salt spray, even 316 stainless can develop light surface tea staining over time. That’s not the same as destructive red rust, and it can usually be wiped away with fresh water and a soft cloth. The structural integrity stays intact.
We also avoid mixing metals where we can. For example, we pair stainless bolts with stainless barrel nuts, washers, and inserts. That prevents galvanic corrosion, which is the hidden culprit when a “stainless” bolt is screwed into a mild steel fitting—it still rusts at the contact point and looks awful after a season or two.
For the wood or composite parts, we pre-drill and seal around hardware during assembly. This keeps water from pooling inside the holes and reduces seasonal expansion cracks around the bolt heads. Externally, the bolts are either brushed stainless or powder-coated to match the bench frame, so they blend in rather than standing out as shiny silver dots.
If you want the best long-term appearance, here are a few simple habits:
- Hose down the bench a couple of times per season, especially under the seat and around brackets.
- If you notice salt or dirt buildup around a bolt head, wipe it with fresh water.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or pressure washing directly at the hardware.
- Check the bolts once a year for tightness; wood expands and contracts, and a loose bolt can let water sit in the hole.
So will they rust and look ugly after a few seasons? With our standard stainless steel hardware, no—not in the way people usually mean. You may see normal weathering of the wood or composite, but the bolts should stay clean, solid, and visually quiet for years. And if you are in an extreme coastal environment, we recommend stepping up to our marine-grade hardware package for extra peace of mind.
That’s the honest answer: yes, we use stainless steel bolts, and we choose the grade and finish based on where the bench will live. If you’re replacing hardware on an older bench or comparing brands, look for 304 or 316 stainless rather than “stainless-look” or zinc-coated bolts—those are the ones that turn ugly fast.
Hope that helps! If you have a specific model or location in mind, let us know and we can point you to the right hardware spec.