Great question—this is one of the most common things people ask when they are choosing outdoor seating for a park, campus, streetscape, or trail. The short answer is that we offer both. We have park benches with armrests, and we also have open slat benches without armrests. The right choice really depends on how and where the bench will be used.
If you are looking for a bench that gives people a little extra support, our armrest models are a great option. Armrests give older adults and people with limited mobility a place to push off when standing up. They also create a clearer sense of personal space, which can be helpful in busier public areas. In some locations, a center armrest is used to gently discourage people from lying down across the full length of the bench. We offer both end armrests and center armrest configurations on many commercial park benches.
Open slat benches are just as popular, especially for parks, plazas, and greenways where you want a clean, modern look. Without armrests, the seating surface stays open and accessible from any point. That makes it easier for someone with a caregiver, a parent sitting next to a stroller, or a person who simply wants to shift positions freely. Open slat designs also drain rainwater quickly, are easy to wipe down, and have fewer hardware pieces to maintain over time.
Material wise, most of our benches are built around a powder-coated steel or aluminum frame. The seat and back slats can be wood, recycled plastic, or metal depending on the model. Wood has a classic park look and stays cooler in direct sun. Recycled plastic resists moisture, insects, and graffiti. Metal slats are extremely durable and often used in high-traffic urban settings. Many models can be specified with or without armrests, so you are not locked into one style.
If you are still deciding, think about the main users. A bench near a senior center, medical office, or transit stop usually benefits from armrests. A bench along an open trail, in front of a playground, or in a sculpture garden may feel more inviting as an open slat bench. Some projects mix both styles across the site—armrests near entrances and open slats in relaxed gathering areas.
So to directly answer your question: yes, we have armrest benches, and yes, we have open slat benches. If you tell us a little about your location, expected use, and budget, we can point you toward the models that will hold up best and look right for the space.