That's an excellent question, and it gets to the heart of why many homeowners and municipalities are switching to recycled plastic lumber. Let's break down the comparison directly.
On Splintering: A Clear Winner
Wood, especially when weathered, is notorious for splintering. This isn't just an annoyance; it's a safety hazard, particularly for children, pets, and in public spaces where bare skin is common. Our recycled plastic benches present a fundamental advantage here: they are completely splinter-free. The material is solid through and through, with no grain to separate or tear. You can run your hand across it in shorts without a second thought. This makes them the unequivocally safer choice for pool decks, playgrounds, and family gardens.
On Maintenance: A Night-and-Day Difference
This is where the comparison becomes stark. Wood demands continuous upkeep to maintain its appearance and integrity. It requires annual or bi-annual sealing, staining, or painting to fight off moisture, UV damage, and mold. Left untreated, it grays, cracks, and rots.
Recycled plastic benches, in contrast, are virtually maintenance-free. There is no need for sealing, staining, or painting—ever. They are inherently resistant to moisture, insects, and rot. A simple rinse with a hose or a wipe-down with mild soap is all that's needed to keep them looking new for decades. They won't warp, crack, or splinter, and their color is molded throughout the material, so it won't fade or peel like surface paint or stain on wood.
The Trade-off and Long-Term Value
The initial cost for a high-quality recycled plastic bench can be higher than a basic wooden one. However, when you factor in the lifetime cost—eliminating annual sealants, labor for maintenance, and replacement costs due to rot—plastic benches often prove more economical over 10+ years. They offer consistent beauty and safety with zero hassle.
In summary, if your priorities are ultimate safety, zero ongoing maintenance, and long-term durability, recycled plastic benches are a superior choice. Wood offers a classic look but comes with the recurring burden of care and inherent splinter risk. For a truly worry-free outdoor space, recycled plastic is the modern, practical solution.