Metal benches with a thermoplastic coating and expanded steel surface are an effective way to deter vandals

Metal benches are one way park and facility managers can fight back against vandalism committed by idle teens during the summer months.

Many parks and recreation departments across the country face this challenge every year. When school is out some teens decide to occupy their time by defacing or destroying park outdoor furniture.

Take Ashland, Ohio for example.

That park system faces an onslaught on a regular basis.

Nearly every week the park crew pulls a picnic table out of a creek (perhaps it's time to add concrete picnic tables. They have to be installed with a forklift).

Then the crew spends time cleaning up and repairing wooden benches. These acts of vandalism have negative consequences for any parks and recreation department or also for facility managers at malls or restaurants with outdoor seating.

For one, the graffiti and ugly drawings must be removed immediately. Most times the drawings and text are highly offensive (that's how teens apparently get their kicks) and need immediate attention so senior citizens and families with children are not exposed to this nonsense.

Metal benches with expanded metal seats and backs are easy to clean and maintain

Secondly, when city crews change direction from their planned work schedule, that means other projects are put on hold. The grass won't be cut. The trees won't be trimmed. The sidewalks won't be cleared.

In those instances, the public might think the parks and recreation departments is not doing its job. They are, but they have to spend regular maintenance time cleaning up someone else's mess. Then when you factor in rain and other disruptions, a regular maintenance schedule can be set back for weeks.

Third, the negative affect of vandalism is that the crew also cannot spend as much time in making improvements as they would like. Every devoted park manager has a plan to add some pizzazz to their parks every year whether it's installing new park benches, picnic tables or swing sets. Those projects also get delayed.

Finally, there's the cost involved. Perhaps the park benches are so badly vandalized they need to be replaced. Or, the crew must work to remove ugly remarks.

As one park manager said, "Everything takes city time and money."

"Vandalism should be a line in everybody's budget with money in it," he said.  "But we don't budget for that (vandalism). If you spend five or six thousand over the course of a year, that's money you could have probably used somewhere else."

Metal benches are one solution

One way to deter graffiti artists is to not give them a public canvas to paint on. (Or create a program like the Wynwood Walls neighborhood in Miami, Fla. City officials for that area designate walls where graffiti artists are not only allowed to paint, but encouraged to paint. This has resulted in the creation of one of the most popular destinations in South Florida.).

Installing thermoplastic metal benches is one alternative.

These hardy park benches are coated with a thick plastic polymer. The metal benches are entirely dipped into a hot batch of thermoplastic. The liquid is then able to reach into all the corners and crevices of the metal bench for a complete coating. There are no runs or drips.

Once dried, the thick rubberized coating is practically indestructible.

Backless metal bench with thermoplastic coating

Here's why:

1. These metal benches are impervious to the elements. Rain, snow and ice just roll off the finish. Mold or mildew will not collect on the surface.

The finish also has an amazing adhesion rate which sticks to the metal. This prevents the steel from being exposed to air and corroding or turning into rust.

2. Another great benefit of thermoplastic metal benches is the ability to retain their color. There are a number of vibrant colors that can be ordered for these benches and once they brighten up your landscape, you certainly don't want them fading or peeling. The best way to avoid this is with a thermoplastic park bench.

The coating is actually resistant to UV rays and fading. That's why they come with 5-year warranties.

3. That thick rubberized coating is perfect for thwarting the bad intentions of graffiti artists. Thermoplastic is a great deterrent against spray paint. The paint won't penetrate the surface. Therefore, it can easily be cleaned off with a common industrial cleaner.

4. Thermoplastic is also resistant to cutting. For deep cuts, a common industrial heating tool can melt the plastic surrounding the cut and close it.

5. Another option is to order metal benches with expanded metal seats and backs. The expanded metal is perforated, so there isn't a solid surface for a person to spray paint. Half of that surface just consists of holes. You can't paint air. And you can't carve your name into an open space.

Sure, many people prefer the look of traditional wood benches. They were always in harmony with a space surrounded by trees and grass.

But it seems as though vandals have stepped up their game. And it's almost a tradition at parks today that every summer some bored teenagers are going to destroy and deface park site furnishings because they have nothing better to do.

The result is just like the broken windows program in New York. While graffiti may seem harmless, it does have a negative affect on the overall appearance and perception of public spaces. In addition, citizens report that they don't feel safe if they see walls and benches defaced by criminals.

Many cities are now fighting back by adding park vandalism to their CrimeStoppers programs. They are hoping to get tips from local citizens when they see someone doing damage to park amenities, restrooms or outdoor furniture.

As we said, another way to fight back is by adding these heavily-coated metal benches and metal picnic tables. With advancements in manufacturing technology, these durable park furnishings are designed to thwart those with ill intent.

Teens will be teens, especially in the summer months. Hopefully by adding metal benches, they will see their efforts at mischief are unsuccessful and move onto something else, preferably a more positive endeavor.