That's an excellent question, and one we hear often. The short answer is that recycled plastic benches consistently outperform both traditional wood and metal in long-term durability and ease of maintenance, while offering unique environmental benefits. Let's break down the comparison.
First, consider wood. While beautiful, wood is porous and organic. It absorbs moisture, leading to warping, cracking, and rot over time. It requires regular staining, sealing, or painting to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. Insects like termites can also be a problem. A wooden bench often looks its best in the first few years but becomes a high-maintenance project.
Metal benches, particularly powder-coated aluminum or steel, are strong and initially low-maintenance. However, they are prone to scratching, and if the coating is compromised, they will rust and corrode. They can become extremely hot in the sun or uncomfortably cold in winter. Their finish can fade or chip, requiring touch-ups or complete refinishing.
Now, look at recycled plastic benches (often called plastic lumber). They are engineered for the outdoors. The material is non-porous, so it won't absorb water, eliminating rot, mold, and mildew. It's impervious to insects. Unlike wood, it won't splinter, crack, or warp under normal weather conditions. Compared to metal, it won't rust, corrode, or lose its color through chipping. The color is molded throughout the entire profile, so scratches are far less noticeable.
In terms of upkeep, recycled plastic benches win decisively. They require no painting, staining, or sealing. A simple occasional wash with soap and water is all that's needed to keep them looking new for decades. They are also more consistent in temperature than metal.
From a sustainability angle, our benches give post-consumer plastic waste a second life, diverting it from landfills and oceans. While both wood (if sustainably sourced) and metal (if recycled) have green credentials, recycled plastic offers a direct solution to the plastic pollution crisis.
So, how do they hold up? Exceptionally well. While the initial investment might be higher than some wood or metal options, the total cost of ownership is lower due to their decades-long lifespan and near-zero maintenance. You get a bench that retains its looks, structural integrity, and comfort through sun, rain, and snow, year after year, with almost no effort on your part.