Yes, absolutely! The slats on most modern urban benches are designed to be replaced individually when they become damaged. This modular approach makes perfect sense for public furniture that endures constant use and exposure to the elements. Instead of replacing the entire bench structure, which is often a heavy and expensive steel or concrete frame, you can simply swap out the broken wooden, plastic, or composite slat.
Here’s a closer look at how it works and what you need to know.
Typically, the slats are attached to the bench's main frame with bolts or specialized fasteners. If a slat gets cracked, severely warped, or covered in graffiti, maintenance crews can remove the fasteners, take out the damaged piece, and install a new, identical slat. This process is cost-effective, reduces waste, and gets the bench back in service quickly.
Before attempting a replacement, it's crucial to identify the bench model and the specific slat required. Municipalities often have suppliers for original parts to ensure a perfect fit. For a DIY repair on a private bench, you would need to match the slat's material, dimensions, and the hole pattern for the fasteners.
So, the next time you see a damaged bench, know that a simple, targeted repair is often the most practical and sustainable solution to restore it for everyone's enjoyment.