Selecting appropriately sized outdoor benches for your plaza requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure both comfort and functionality. First, measure your available space to determine how many benches you can accommodate without obstructing pedestrian pathways. Standard commercial benches typically range from 4 to 8 feet in length, with 6-foot benches being the most versatile for public spaces.
Consider your expected user capacity - a 6-foot bench comfortably seats 3-4 adults, while a 4-foot version accommodates 2-3 people. For high-traffic areas, multiple smaller benches often work better than fewer large ones, as they allow for flexible seating arrangements and better traffic flow.
Don't forget to account for proper clearance space. Leave at least 3-4 feet behind benches for walking space, and 6-8 feet in front for wheelchair accessibility and comfortable circulation. The bench depth is equally important - 24-30 inches provides adequate seating comfort without occupying excessive space.
Height matters too. Standard bench heights of 17-20 inches work for most applications, but consider your primary users. Elderly-friendly benches might require slightly higher seating (20-22 inches) for easier sitting and standing. Always test different sizes if possible, and remember that mixing various bench sizes can create more dynamic and inclusive public spaces that serve diverse needs throughout your plaza.