Absolutely! One of the key advantages of well-made wooden park benches is that individual seat slats (or boards) can often be replaced if they crack or become damaged, without needing to replace the entire bench. This is a common and cost-effective repair for municipal parks, schools, and homeowners.
Typically, the damaged slat is carefully removed by unscrewing or unbolting it from the bench's underlying support frame. A new slat, ideally made from the same type of durable, weather-resistant wood (like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated timber), is then cut to match the exact dimensions and pre-drilled for hardware. It's secured into place using corrosion-resistant screws or bolts. For a perfect match, the new wood may be stained or sealed to blend with the existing bench.
However, success depends on the bench's construction. Benches with modular, individually fastened slats are easiest to repair. Benches where the seat is a single, solid piece or is intricately joined would require more extensive restoration. Regular maintenance like sealing the wood can prevent cracking and extend the life of all the slats. So, if a slat cracks, don't retire the whole bench—consult a carpenter or maintenance professional for a replacement that can make it good as new.