Thank you for your excellent question about our standard urban benches! It's a common and important consideration for planners and community managers. The direct answer is: it depends entirely on the specific bench model you select, but yes, for many of our standard lines, armrests are designed as modular, optional components.
Our design philosophy centers on flexibility and meeting diverse public space needs. For many of our contemporary bench collections, the armrests are not permanently welded. Instead, they are engineered as bolt-on or insertable units. This means they can typically be added post-purchase if the bench frame has the pre-drilled mounting points or sleeves. Conversely, if you order a bench with armrests but later decide a cleaner, more open seating style is preferable, they can often be removed by detaching the fastening hardware.
Why is this modularity beneficial? Firstly, it allows for adaptation. A bench in a busy transit hub might benefit from the user comfort and subtle space division that armrests provide. The same bench model in a public park might function better without them, allowing for more flexible lounging or for a caregiver to sit closely beside a child. Secondly, it addresses important accessibility and social considerations. While armrests can aid in sitting down and standing up for some individuals, fixed central armrests on otherwise long benches can intentionally or unintentionally discourage lying down, a feature some urban managers specify.
The process is straightforward. If you are considering a new purchase, simply specify your preference for "with armrests" or "without armrests" when ordering. Our team will ensure you receive the correct configuration. For modifying existing benches, we recommend contacting our support team with the bench's model number. We can then confirm compatibility and provide the appropriate installation kit or removal instructions. We strongly advise against unguided modification, as it could affect the structural warranty.
In short, we believe public furniture should serve the community's evolving needs. The ability to customize features like armrests is a key part of that commitment, helping you create a more functional and welcoming urban environment.