That’s a very fair question—and one I’m glad you asked. Yes, our urban benches are made with non-toxic chemicals and finishes, and they are designed to be safe for kids and pets. I’ll explain what we use, why it matters, and what standards we test against.
First, most of our frames are built from powder-coated aluminum or steel. We use a low-VOC powder coating that is applied electrostatically and then heat-cured. Once cured, the finish becomes inert and does not off-gas or leach heavy metals. We avoid liquid paints that rely on strong solvents, and we do not use lead, cadmium, chromium VI, or mercury-based pigments. Because of this, our benches qualify as child-safe bench materials under toy-level heavy metal migration tests like ASTM F963 and EN 71-3. This approach also makes them eco-friendly city benches: durable finishes mean less repainting and less chemical waste.
For wood options, we stay away from CCA-treated timber, creosote, and solvent-based stains. We use FSC-certified hardwood, thermally modified wood, or recycled plastic lumber. Any wood sealer is water-based or natural oil. This keeps the benches closer to pet-safe outdoor furniture: no toxic residues if a dog licks the surface or a child touches it and then puts their hands in their mouth.
Our recycled plastic models are made from HDPE with UV-stable pigments. They contain no BPA, phthalates, or formaldehyde, and the color is built into the material rather than painted on, so it won’t flake off.
We also check the hardware. Brackets and fasteners are stainless steel or zinc-plated, not coated with cheap lacquers that can chip. We don’t apply anti-graffiti sprays or anti-rodent treatments that could harm animals. For parks, streetscapes, and playground-adjacent seating, we specify materials that are non-toxic urban benches from the frame to the hardware.
One practical note: dark metal or plastic can get hot in direct sun. Please touch the surface before allowing a child or pet to sit. That is a temperature concern, not a chemical safety issue. Our safety testing covers CPSIA, REACH, RoHS, and California Prop 65, and we can share third-party reports and SDS sheets for the exact bench model you’re considering.
Cleaning is simple with mild soap and water. There are no toxic sealers to reapply, and routine cleaning won’t release harmful residues. So yes, these benches are made with non-toxic chemicals and materials, and they’re safe for everyday contact with kids and pets. If you need documentation for a project, just ask.