Landscape designs are incomplete without thoughtfully designed benches that offer both comfort and character to outdoor spaces. Ensuring outdoor seating provides relaxation while aligning with surrounding architectural elements depends not only on furniture design but also on material selection.
Understanding the different types of materials typically used for constructing outdoor benches will help you make a more informed decision when choosing the right option for your outdoor space.
Steel Vs Granite Vs Timber Benches
The most common material types used for outdoor seating and landscape furniture in the UAE are steel, granite, and wood or timber. While all these material types offer durable solutions for street furniture, deciding which one will suit your architectural design and meet user expectations depends on overall aesthetics, the surrounding environment, and the level of maintenance you are prepared to manage.
Steel Bench Tops
Steel is commonly used for outdoor bench tops and for plates and pipe structures. From sleek modern designs to contemporary creations, outdoor street furniture in steel can set the standards for your landscape aesthetics while offering durability and long-lasting performance. At Bluestream, the leading manufacturer of street furniture in the UAE, we design durable steel furniture for outdoor spaces. Our comprehensive material range includes:
- Mild steel
- Galvanized steel
- Corten steel
- Stainless steel
When to Choose Steel for Outdoor Benches
Metals like steel can withstand harsh weather conditions and prolonged outdoor use. Galvanized steel coated with zinc prevents corrosion and rust, preventing material chipping and ensuring durable outdoor solutions. Further, stainless steel materials for benches are also heat and fire-resistant. Metal benches are low-maintenance, offering long-lasting solutions for outdoor seating.
Choose Steel material for street furniture in the UAE when you need maximum durability and high stability with modern, sleek aesthetics. For public parks and recreational spaces where high footfall is expected, steel benches make a durable and more sustainable choice.
Timber Bench Tops for Street Furniture
Another type of material commonly used for outdoor seating is wood-constructed benches. Wood benches offer aesthetic appeal while providing warmth and comfort. Customizable designs and natural grains make wood bench tops capable of complementing any landscape architecture. Again, the different types of timber material for outdoor furniture make it a versatile solution for street furniture.
- Iroko wood
- Red Meranti
- Coconut Palm Wood
- Bamboo wood
- Wood Plastic Composite
- High-Pressure Laminate
When to Choose Wood for Your Outdoor Seating Designs
Hardwoods such as Iroko contain natural oils that make them resistant to insects, decay, and harsh weather conditions. This makes them ideal for street furniture solutions. Most designers prefer wood finish benches, which naturally blend with supporting architectural elements in landscape designs.
At Bluestream, we believe in sustainable practices. All our wood resources are sourced through valid certifications that ensure responsible forestry. Choose timber for street furniture when you prioritize natural beauty and long-term investment in community projects. Timber benches offer warmth and natural appeal, complementing resort and residential landscape designs.
Stone Street Furniture
Apart from metal and wood-based bench-tops, stone is another natural element that is revolutionizing the way we address landscape designs. Natural stone benches from granite offer creative variety with unique colors and surface textures. With minimal maintenance, stone benches can last for decades.
When to Choose Stone for Outdoor Seating Solutions
Granite is a natural, hard, and dense stone that offers exceptional durability, withstanding daily wear and tear without structural failure. Highly resistant to harsh UV rays and coastal weather conditions, granite is ideal for public furniture. Low maintenance, natural aesthetic appeal, and vandal resistance are what make granite benches a popular choice among designers and urban landscape contractors.
For hot and humid conditions in countries like the UAE, granite benches are most commonly preferred because they can withstand UV rays without fading or warping.
Factors to Consider Before Selecting Material Type
Before selecting the right material type for outdoor street furniture, it is important to consider influencing factors such as:
- Climate conditions
- Expected foot traffic
- Maintenance requirements
- Integration with supporting architectural designs
- Installation
- Sustainability
- Durability
While steel, timber, and stone benches are all highly durable, material selection is based on project type and typical environments.
Bluestream: Durable Street Furniture for Modern Outdoor Landscapes.
At Bluestream, we manufacture street furniture in steel, wood, and natural stone, providing durable solutions for clients across the UAE and the GCC. Our manufacturing processes ensure sustainable production practices while maintaining the highest standards in quality. We can trace back every product we manufacture at Bluestream, ensuring transparency in every action and transaction.
From manufacturing street furniture to designing urban livable communities, we manufacture quality products designed to meet expectations and support dynamic social interactions.
Contact Bluestream for turnkey urban designs and bespoke street furniture in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which material is best for outdoor park benches?
Steel and granite are highly durable for outdoor benches in UAE, withstanding harsh weather conditions and heavy use. Designers use certain wood materials, such as Iroko, for outdoor street furniture due to their highly durable properties.
Are timber park benches suitable for outdoor environments?
Yes, timber or wood park benches are suitable for all types of outdoor environments. However, you must treat and maintain wood to ensure durability.
How do I determine the best material for a park bench?
Choosing the right material for a park bench depends on several factors, such as outdoor environment, supporting architectural elements, expected usage, and maintenance levels.
