That's an excellent and very practical question. It gets right to the heart of what makes a great outdoor bench. The short answer is: with proper materials and construction, rotting should not be an issue. We engineer our wooden benches specifically to handle the elements.
Firstly, not all wood is created equal for outdoor use. We primarily use naturally durable hardwoods like teak, shorea, or eucalyptus, or high-quality, pressure-treated pine. Pressure treatment is a process that forces preservatives deep into the wood cells, creating a barrier against moisture, fungi, and insects that cause rot. For our hardwoods, their natural oils provide incredible water resistance.
Secondly, construction is key. We use techniques like sealed joinery—where connections are treated with waterproof adhesive—and raised feet to prevent water from pooling underneath. All screw holes are pre-drilled and sealed.
Finally, many of our benches come with a protective finish, such as a penetrating oil or UV-resistant sealant. This finish needs occasional reapplication (every 1-2 years), which is simple maintenance that dramatically extends the bench's life. Water will bead up and roll off a well-sealed surface.
So, while any wood exposed to weather requires some care, rotting is a non-issue for our benches when they are properly cared for. They are built to weather the storms and provide a dry, stable seat for many years to come.