metal benches Metal benches provide a durable, low maintenance, customized option for landscape architects

People have become familiar with wooden park benches since the first bench was built, but with the advent of contemporary metal benches there are many more options that any landscape designer will appreciate.

Advancements in manufacturing have now transformed metal benches from ugly, rusting sheets of steel to vibrant, super-durable, easy-to-clean benches that are low maintenance and can withstand any type of weather thrown at it.

One of the main reasons why metal benches are a smart choice is due to advances with coated benches. There are coatings out there now, like SealGuard offered by The Park and Facilities Catalog with a 5-year warranty, that are just about bulletproof.

These thick, thermoplastic coatings can repel paint and prevent rust and corrosion from the elements. What's also amazing is that these finishes resist UV rays, so the coated bench can retain its lustrous original color for many years to come. That's why these products are preferred choices when it comes to park benches or commercial benches at malls and shopping centers. They can withstand harsh weather, constant use by the public and even abuse by vandals.

Color is another key advantage over wood. With metal benches, there is a tremendous array of colors available in either a powder coating or thermoplastic.

These are not just your dull black or browns. These are bright, welcoming colors such as light blue, dark blue, orange, burgundy. yellow or a  host of other colors. For some metal park benches, custom colors can be created.

How to apply the properties of metal benches for a landscape

steel benches Steel benches are an excellent choice when it comes to resisting UV rays and harsh weather while still providing that elegant look of traditional park benches

First of all, you can literally place a metal bench anywhere. With the right coating, you will never have to worry about mold, mildew or fungus.

Place the bench near water. Or place it in the shade under a tree. Locate it below a flowered trellis. Perhaps stick a metal park bench in the middle of a hedge or over a flower bed. Nothing will affect it.

Then there's the issue of sunlight which is dreadful on outdoor site furnishings. Since a bench is out in the sun 365 days a year, those powerful UV rays will take its toll. A wooden park bench has a tough time surviving. Sunlight will literally beat up the wood (in combination with ice and rain). In a warm or hot climate, a wooden park bench doesn't stand a chance. It will splinter. Fade. Deteriorate and eventually fall apart.

That's not the case with a metal bench, especially one with a tough SealGuard coating. The coating actually repels those harmful rays. The vibrant colors will retain their glossy shine by about 90%.

Salt is another enemy for site furnishings. If you are in a heavy winter area, salt from highway trucks can break down a bench. Same with coastal regions and salt air.

But a metal bench with the right coating, such as SealGuard, has a non-porous surface which is impervious to salt and even seawater.

As we said a big benefit of a metal bench is the ability to choose different colors. A landscape designer can have fun with this attribute.

For example, take a green area, perhaps with hedges, and put in a bench with a contrasting color, say yellow, and really make it pop on the landscape.

A bright hued bench will also stand out in a bleak winter environment and add some excitement to an otherwise dreary environment.

Or perhaps you want to do the opposite and have a bench that blends into the surrounding environment. That option is available as well.

You can also match a bench to a town or school colors.

Metal benches are virtually maintenance free

Here's another great benefit for landscapers. Metal benches are probably one of the easiest benches when it comes to maintenance. Many new designs such as strap metal, expanded metal or perforated steel don't allow water or dirt to pool up on a bench. The benches are just as strong as traditional benches, but they have openings that allow for dirt, rain and snow to fall right through.

There is no need to sand or refinish these benches. Again, if you have the right coating, these metal benches won't crack, chip or peel so the finish is virtually indestructible. They never need refinishing.

metal park benches Metal park benches with a perforated design are easy to clean and virtually resistant to graffiti and vandalism

That tough coating is also a blessing when it comes to vandals armed with cans of spray paint. SealGuard is impervious to paint, so graffiti actually can't adhere to the metal. Any paint or chalk or stain, etc., can be easily wiped off with standard cleaning materials.

Metal benches come in plenty of varieties. For example, The Park and Facilities Catalog has metal strap benches such as the elegant Plaza and Park Avenue series that resemble traditional wooden benches, but come with all the benefits of metal benches with durable coatings.

As you can see, metal benches can add a whole new design element to your landscape. There is a large variety of colors and those colors, with the right coating, will last a few long time. Use their special properties to accent your landscape. Metal benches don't require much maintenance and they will become a lively, reliable source of comfort in any location for decades. Looking for the right type of outdoor bench - metal park benches are the answer.

Note: The Park and Facilities Catalog has a ParkExpress program than can ship metal benches in just 1-3 days so call us if you need it quick.