Absolutely! The days of worrying about splintered wooden bench seats in our parks and city squares are thankfully fading. Modern urban design prioritizes public safety, durability, and low maintenance, leading to a host of superior, splinter-free materials.
The most common and effective alternative is recycled plastic lumber, often made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This material is incredibly durable, resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage, and never forms dangerous splinters. It can be molded to mimic the look of wood grain without any of the drawbacks.
Another excellent choice is powder-coated metal. Aluminum or steel benches with a thick, baked-on powder coating provide a smooth, impervious surface that is virtually indestructible and completely splinter-proof. For a more natural aesthetic, composite materials—blends of wood fibers and plastics—offer the visual warmth of wood with enhanced durability and a splinter-free finish.
Concrete benches with smooth, troweled or polished seats are also a permanent, vandal-resistant option. Furthermore, innovative treatments like thermally modified wood alter the cellular structure of timber, significantly improving its dimensional stability and resistance to decay, thereby minimizing the risk of splintering over traditional untreated wood.
Cities worldwide are adopting these materials to create public seating that is not only safer and more comfortable but also longer-lasting and easier to maintain, ensuring our public spaces remain welcoming for everyone.