That's an excellent and practical question! The arrival state of a park bench depends heavily on who ordered it, the materials it's made from, and the logistics involved. Generally, you'll encounter two main scenarios: fully assembled delivery and flat-pack (knock-down or KD) delivery.
For commercial or municipal park projects, benches made of heavy materials like cast iron, welded steel, or solid stone are typically delivered fully assembled. Their immense weight and integrated structure make disassembly impractical. They are shipped on pallets or in crates, often requiring a forklift or multiple people to unload and install. The primary advantage is immediate usability and superior long-term durability, as the bench is constructed as a single, solid unit.
Conversely, many modern park benches, especially those made from durable hardwood (like ipe or oak) or powder-coated aluminum, are often shipped as flat-pack kits. This is done for significant cost savings on shipping, as it drastically reduces volume and weight. It also minimizes the risk of damage during transit. These kits include all pre-cut, pre-drilled, and pre-finished parts, along with stainless steel or galvanized hardware for assembly. While this requires on-site labor (usually 30-60 minutes with basic tools), it allows for easier handling and transport to the final location within the park.
So, which is better? It's a trade-off. Fully assembled benches offer robustness and zero assembly hassle but come with higher shipping costs and access challenges. Flat-pack benches are cost-effective to ship and easier to maneuver into tight spaces but require time and effort to put together. When specifying or purchasing, always check the product details or with the supplier to understand the delivery format, ensuring you have the right tools and manpower ready for installation day.