That's an excellent question, and it gets to the heart of choosing the right material for public spaces. When comparing our aluminum park benches to traditional cast iron ones, the differences in weight and durability are significant and directly impact installation, longevity, and maintenance.
Let's start with weight. Aluminum benches are remarkably lightweight compared to their cast iron counterparts. A typical aluminum bench might weigh 50-70 pounds, while a similar-sized cast iron bench can easily exceed 200-300 pounds. This makes aluminum benches far easier to transport, handle, and install. You often don't need heavy machinery or a large crew, reducing installation time and cost. Cast iron's substantial weight, while feeling incredibly solid, adds complexity and expense to logistics and setup.
Now, on to durability – which is where the story gets interesting. While cast iron is famously strong and heavy, it has a critical vulnerability: rust. Unless it has a exceptionally thick, high-quality powder-coated finish, cast iron is prone to corrosion when its coating chips or scratches. Over time, exposure to rain and humidity can cause it to rust, compromising its structural integrity and appearance, requiring frequent touch-ups or full restoration.
Our aluminum benches, particularly those made from marine-grade or extruded aluminum alloys, are inherently corrosion-resistant. They won't rust. The finish, typically a durable powder coating applied to the raw metal, bonds exceptionally well and is less likely to chip. This means an aluminum bench maintains its look for decades with minimal upkeep—often just an occasional wash with soap and water. Its durability lies in its resilience against the elements.
In terms of structural strength, modern aluminum alloys are engineered for high strength-to-weight ratios. They can easily withstand the demands of public use without the brittleness sometimes associated with cast iron, which can crack or fracture under severe impact.
So, in summary: Choose cast iron for a classic, heavyweight aesthetic where permanent, monumental installation is planned and ongoing maintenance is acceptable. Choose aluminum for superior long-term durability, minimal maintenance, easier installation, and a modern, lasting solution that won't succumb to rust. For most public parks, commercial spaces, and institutions looking for a cost-effective, long-life product, aluminum provides a decisive advantage in the balance of weight and true, weather-resistant durability.