That's an excellent question, and it gets to the heart of why people choose recycled plastic furniture. The feel is surprisingly different from both traditional wood and metal, and often becomes its biggest selling point once experienced.
Let's start with the most common comparison: wood. A wooden bench has a classic, natural feel. It can be smooth or grainy, and it's generally a good insulator, meaning it doesn't get extremely hot or cold quickly. However, its feel changes drastically with weather—it can become rough, splinter, or feel damp. Our recycled plastic benches are engineered to mimic the *positive* aspects of wood. The surface is consistently smooth to the touch, without any risk of splinters. It has a slight give or flexibility that feels solid yet not unyieldingly hard, similar to a dense hardwood. You won't feel the raw grain of wood, but you get a uniform, comfortable texture that stays that way for years without sanding or sealing.
Now, compared to metal, the difference is stark. Metal benches are often unforgiving—hard, cold to the touch, and can become scorching hot in sun or painfully cold in winter. The feel of recycled plastic is far more forgiving. It is a much better thermal insulator. In direct sun, it warms but rarely reaches scalding temperatures. In cold weather, it feels noticeably less frigid than metal, allowing for longer seating comfort. The material also lacks that metallic "clang" or rigidity; it has a dampened, solid feel that absorbs vibration rather than echoing it.
In terms of underhand feel (the structure), recycled plastic benches lack the hollow "ring" of thin tubular metal or the potential wobble of untreated wood joints. They feel substantial and hefty, instilling a sense of durability. The texture is often slightly matte or softly textured, providing grip and resisting that slippery feel you can get on wet painted metal or polished wood.
Ultimately, the feel of a recycled plastic bench is best described as consistently comfortable and user-friendly. It sacrifices the authentic, variable grain of wood for a reliably smooth, splinter-free surface. It abandons the harsh, temperature-conductive nature of metal for a more temperate, forgiving touch. It offers a modern, low-maintenance feel that prioritizes long-term comfort and practicality over traditional material authenticity. For public spaces, parks, or a busy backyard, that consistent and comfortable feel is a major advantage.