When selecting wood for urban benches that can withstand decades of public use and harsh weather, one type consistently outperforms all others: Ipe wood. Also known as Brazilian Walnut, Ipe is an incredibly dense tropical hardwood renowned for its exceptional durability and natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture. Its Janka hardness rating—a measure of wood's resistance to wear and denting—is among the highest of any lumber used for outdoor furniture, making it nearly impervious to the scratches and scuffs of daily public use.
While other woods like Teak and Western Red Cedar offer good longevity, they simply don't match Ipe's legendary resilience. A properly maintained Ipe bench can easily last 25 to 50 years, often outliving the structural frames supporting it. This longevity comes from the wood's tight grain and natural oils that repel water without chemical treatment. The initial investment in Ipe is higher, but its minimal maintenance requirements and extraordinary service life make it the most cost-effective choice for municipalities and urban planners seeking truly permanent public seating solutions that combine beauty with unmatched endurance.