That's an excellent question, and one we hear often! The feel of our recycled plastic benches is quite distinct from traditional wood, and many find it a superior experience for public spaces.
In terms of pure tactile sensation, recycled plastic offers a consistently smooth, solid, and uniform surface. You won't encounter the rough grain, potential splinters, or uneven weathering common with wood. It feels cool to the touch initially, similar to wood in the shade, but it warms comfortably in the sun without becoming excessively hot like metal. The material has a slight give or flexibility, providing a firm yet not unforgiving seat—it’s more forgiving than hardwoods like teak.
Comparatively, wood has a classic, natural texture that many love. However, that feel changes dramatically over time. New, well-sanded wood feels smooth, but as it weathers, it can become rough, cracked, or warped. The feel becomes inconsistent board-to-board. Our plastic benches maintain their smooth, splinter-free feel for decades, regardless of rain, sun, or snow. They are also impervious to moisture, so they never feel damp or promote mold growth like wood sometimes can.
Ultimately, while wood offers a traditional aesthetic, our recycled plastic benches provide a reliably comfortable, low-maintenance, and consistently pleasant feel year after year. It’s a clean, modern, and practical comfort that supports both people and the planet.