That's an excellent question, and it gets to the heart of why many cities are choosing recycled plastic lumber. The texture is a unique and intentional blend of familiarity and innovation.
Compared to traditional wood, a high-quality recycled plastic bench feels consistently smooth and uniform to the touch. You won't encounter the splinters, cracks, or rough grain patches that often develop in weathered wood. The surface is intentionally molded to mimic the visual appearance of wood grain, but under your hand, it has a dense, slightly yielding solidity rather than the fibrous feel of natural timber.
In direct sun, it may feel warmer than untreated wood, similar to a composite deck board, but it doesn't retain heat like metal. In cool weather, it feels less cold than stone or concrete. The biggest textural difference is its remarkable consistency; it feels the same in year one as it will in year ten—no rotting, no warping, and no sanding required.
Ultimately, the texture offers a practical, low-maintenance comfort. It's designed not to snag clothing, is easy to clean, and provides a reliably even seating surface. While it lacks the organic, variable warmth of fresh-cut wood, it replaces it with a durable, inclusive, and always-ready comfort that stands up to the demands of any urban environment.