That's an excellent question, and it gets to the heart of why many parks and public spaces are making the switch. In terms of pure longevity, recycled plastic benches consistently outperform traditional wood benches, often by decades.
Here’s the direct comparison: A high-quality wooden bench, even with pressure treatment and regular maintenance, typically lasts 10-15 years before showing significant rot, splintering, or structural weakness. In contrast, a bench made from 100% recycled plastic lumber is engineered to last 50 years or more. The difference lies in the material's inherent properties.
Wood is organic and biodegradable—which is its weakness in outdoor settings. It absorbs moisture, leading to rot, warping, and mold. It's vulnerable to insects like termites and requires regular staining, sealing, or painting to prolong its life.
Recycled plastic benches are essentially immune to these issues. They are:
* Rot, Rust, and Splinter-Proof: No moisture absorption means no rotting or cracking.
* Insect-Proof: Termites and other pests simply can't digest plastic.
* Extremely Low-Maintenance: They never need painting, sealing, or staining. A simple wash keeps them looking new.
* Structurally Durable: They won't warp or splinter, providing a consistently safe seating surface year after year.
While wood has a classic aesthetic, it fades and grays unless maintained. Recycled plastic retains its color throughout the material, so it doesn't require refinishing. The initial investment is often higher than basic wood, but the dramatically lower lifetime cost—virtually zero maintenance and no replacement for decades—makes it a more economical and sustainable choice long-term.
So, for longevity, resilience, and hassle-free durability, recycled plastic benches are the clear winner, turning waste into a lasting community asset.