Outdoor furniture is a great way to decorate your balcony or patio. It adds beauty to your home and provides a soothing escape outside in the evening. However, buying furniture can be confusing, as there are so many options to choose from in the market. So, we thought, why not provide you with a review so you can select which of the five would be the best eco-friendly park bench for you? You know precisely what you want when you buy an outdoor bench or furniture.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Look for a 100% Recycled Eco-Friendly Park Bench?
Many companies are now turning towards environmentally friendly products that help protect the world we know. That is why companies spend more money recycling used plastics and manufacturing benches with that material. Here are some benefits of using a 100% recycled eco-friendly park bench or furniture –
1. More Versatile and Eco Friendly
Did you know people around the globe use 500 billion plastic bags every year? These bags do not get absorbed by the soil or do not evaporate. They stay for many years and pollute the environment.
Now, regarding an eco-friendly park bench, these furniture pieces are made from used plastic materials, and one bench is equal to 2000 plastic bottles. That means we have been recycling and eliminating the pollutants of our earth for many years.
2. Low Maintenance Costs
When manufacturers make a bench or furniture from recycled plastics, they are not just providing a short solution to the environment; they are also providing us with something that will last a long time with little to no maintenance.
Eco-friendly benches are made from recycled plastics—almost 2000 to be exact—and are very easy to clean. The colour does not fade, and it does not hold any water, making it longer-lasting furniture with low maintenance.
3. Extreme Weather Resistant
These recycled benches are weather-resistant, made from waste plastic, so they are stronger, durable, and do not catch rust when the weather changes. It is one step closer to solving environmental issues and looks and lasts a very long time, even in harsh weather.
Buying Tips:
- Make sure the bench is durable to avoid frequent replacements.
- Check how much weight it can uphold.
- The material should be eco-friendly. The coloring should not affect the environment.
- If you need frequent movement, choose a lightweight bench.
- Check how many people can sit on this bench.
- The colouring should be good enough so that it does not fade away, remaining outdoors.
- Don’t fall for the design; check the quality first.
- Finally, check if they are pre-assembled or need to be assembled. Pre-assembled benches are appropriate if you wish to keep them in a fixed place. However, if you need frequent movements, opt for non-assembled benches.
Best Outdoor Eco-Friendly Park Bench That Leaves No Mark on the Environment
1. Plow & Hearth German-Made, Weatherproof Resin 3-seat Garden Bench
#1 Strength: Eco-friendly recycled plastic material used for construction.
#1 Weakness: Some buyers complain about the packaging.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 26.5″D x 59″W x 31.5″H
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Green
- Size: Large
- Price: Check the Current Price on Amazon
Product Features
- Minimal maintenance required for this bench.
- Commercial quality bench with three back supports.
- Extremely versatile making it suitable for park, yard, garden, pool, pond, dock, deck or anywhere outdoors.
- All hardware for installation provided with the product.
- Long lasting and weather resistant.
- Can hold 500 lbs.
Detailed Review
The Plow & Hearth German-made waterproof bench is heavy-duty, comfortable furniture that weighs around 500 pounds. It is a commercial-grade product with excellent stability and three back supports for more convenient and comfortable long-sitting sessions.
It comes in green, which makes it a perfect addition to your backyard garden. When it comes to durability, the product takes the cake. It is made from durable PVC that lasts a long time and is resistant to heat, water, cracking, peeling, and fading.
Preparing Delivery
According to Amazon reviews, some people complain about the product’s packaging. The manufacturers should check the packaging themselves before shipping.
Moreover, as you will have to construct the product after having it in your hands, you should check beforehand if all the parts are there.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Durable
- PVC construction makes it last a long time
- Comfortable backrest
- Capacity of holding 500 pounds
Cons –
- Quality control needs to improve
How it compares
The product is impressive, both in terms of its high-end construction and weight capacity. However, the product’s shipping needs to improve, as it has been reported that parts are sometimes missing or packages are damaged.
Alternative products
- Garden Bench, Outdoor Benches with Anti-Rust Aluminum Steel Metal Frame: The Garden Bench is made from iron pipes, which is more durable than PVC benches. It can hold up to 660 pounds, which is 160 pounds more than the Plow & Hearth German-Made, Weatherproof Resin 3-seat Garden Bench.
- Coconut 4-foot Wooden Garden Bench 2 Seater: The Cucunu is more like a European-style bench than your Plow & Hearth German-Made, Weatherproof Resin 3-seat Garden Bench traditional benches. It is a great option if you like that type of interior. The main difference is Cucunu’s looks and design.
2. Best Choice Garden Bench for Outdoor
#1 Strength: Very sturdy
#1 Weakness: Prone to catching rust
Product Specs:
- Dimensions: 24″D x 50″W x 33″H
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Color: Black
- Size: Large
- Price: Check the Current Price on Amazon
Product Features
- Lightweight and durable construction.
- Three-person seating.
- Comes with backrest and armrest features.
- Suitable for any outdoor purposes like: park, garden, backyard, poolside, porch, patio, deck etc.
- Can hold 400 lbs.
Detailed Review
The Best Choice Garden Bench offers versatility and durability. Its all-steel design provides stability when sitting and holds around 400 pounds. The backrest is very comfortable, and it has a floral-accented bracket, making it a great addition to your backyard.
It is all steel, so the product is built to last a long time. However, if it is made from steel, how is it rust-proof? The bench has a weather-resistant finish that protects the material in different weather conditions, including rain.
Preparing for Delivery
Amazon is the best option for getting this furniture, as no product has been damaged or a part missing after shipping. That proves how well organized the manufacturers are handling the packaging and Amazon.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Weather-resistant finish
- Steel construction
- Comfortable backrest and holds up to three persons
Cons:
- The fitting needs to have a better finish as it is hard to fit the parts together
How It Compares
Compared to other products we reviewed, the Best Choice Garden Bench is durable. With its steel construction and rust-proof coating, you know it will last a long time.
Alternative Products
- Garden Bench Yard Outdoor Patio: The Garden Bench Yard Outdoor Patio has a high backrest, which sets it apart from the main product on our list. It also has a powder-coated finish.
- Patio Metal Park Bench Outdoor: The Patio Metal Park bench comes with a chrome finish, making it more resistant to heat and rain.
3. POLYWOOD GNB60WH Vineyard
#1 Strength: Easy to assemble
#1 Weakness: Some buyers complain about the quality of the bench
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 60.5″D x 24″W x 35.25″H
- Material: Plastic
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: White
- Size: 60Inch
- Price: Check the Current Price on Amazon
Product Features
- Three-seater bench.
- Made with fade-resistant POLYWOOD recycled lumber.
- Can resist adverse weather.
- Resistant to insects, fungi, stains, salt spray.
- Some assembly required.
- Made in the USA.
Detailed Review
Recycled furniture is the best option nowadays, and here is a fantastic choice for you: the POLYWOOD GNB60WH. It is a 60-inch fade-resistant bench made from recycled HDPE lumber. The product looks like natural wood and feels the same when you sit on it.
It is also stain-proof and weather-resistant; moreover, the furniture resists fungi and insects and can withstand harsh weather. Another amazing thing is that all the hardware is stainless steel construction, which provides durability and stability to the bench.
Preparing for Delivery
The manufacturers pay close attention to the packaging as no complaints are submitted to Amazon regarding missing parts or the packaging damaging upon arrival.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Made from recycled lumber
- 20 year warranty
- Stainless steel hardware
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Assembly is difficult
How it Compares
The product’s significant advantage is the color-stay technology. The UV inhibitors and stabilizers protect the bench, and the light pigments run through the material.
Alternative Products
- POLYWOOD Vineyard 4-Piece Bench Seating Set: The only extra you get from Vinyard 4 is the 20-year warranty provided by the manufacturers.
- Christopher Knight Home Loja Outdoor: Its looks set it apart from the main product on our list. Another thing is the acacia frame, which is more durable than plastic frames.
4. Giantex Patio Heavy-Duty Metal Eco-Friendly Park Bench
#1 Strength: Sturdy enough
#1 Weakness: Might catch rust with time
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 50.5″D x 24″W x 35″H
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Color: Cast Iron, Alloy Steel
- Furniture Finish: Powder Coated, Black
- Price: Check the Current Price on Amazon
Product Features
- Comes with heavy-duty steel construction.
- The gap between each slat prevents water accumulation on rainy days.
- Can accommodate 2-3 adults.
- Can hold 500 lbs weight.
- Provides a backrest facility with a certain inclination angle.
- This bench comes pre-assembled.
- They are easy to clean only with a soft cloth.
Detailed Review
Steel benches are very durable and stable, and here is one for you. The Giantex patio heavy-duty park bench is alloy steel powder-coated furniture built to last in your backyard.
The seats are spacious and comfortable. Moreover, due to its slightly curved legs, the bench can hold up to 500 pounds of weight. It also comes with an inclined backrest, which provides maximum comfort, and the ergonomic design makes it a perfect addition to your patio.
Preparing for Delivery
The packaging needs to be handled more carefully. Because according to some people the package came damaged or there were chips on the body of the furniture. Checking before delivery will help to reduce such incidents.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Spacious
- Comfortable
- Sun proof and weather resistant
- Easy to assemble
Cons –
- Not all parts are made from cast iron
How it Compares
The entire furniture construction is made of alloy steel, which is very durable and resistant to rust and sun. However, one disadvantage is that all the assembled parts are not cast iron.
Alternative Products
- PHI VILLA 50-inch Cast Iron Steel Frame: The PHI VILLA 50-inch is slightly smaller than our main product; however, it can hold 50 pounds more.
- Outsunny Outdoor Bench: The design makes the Outsunny Outdoor bench different from the main product. It is not a con, but it is perfect if you like antique-style benches.
5. Sophia & William Outdoor Patio Metal Eco-Friendly Park Bench
#1 Strength: Easy to assemble
#1 Weakness: Some parts seem to be missing after the delivery
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 23.5″D x 50.4″W x 35″H
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Frame material: Metal, Alloy Steel
- Color: Red
- Price: Check the Current Price on Amazon
Product Features
- 100% steel material used for the construction.
- Surface area has a special powder coating suitable for outdoor use.
- Spacious enough for 2-3 adult people.
- Can hold more than 500 lbs.
- Comes in a design of bird and tree pattern in the backrest.
- Provides handrest and backrest.
Detailed Review
Here is another 16-inch alloy steel bench. Everything from start to bottom is made of alloy steel and metal, which means you have pretty heavy-duty furniture on your patio.
The bench’s surface is powder-coated, protecting it from the sun and weather changes. Moreover, the seats are very comfortable to sit on, and the front has a slight bend, making it a perfect thigh resting place. With its elegant design, strong construction, and perfectly coated finish, you know it will be an excellent option for your backyard.
Preparing for Delivery
Packaging is handled correctly and no one complained about any damage or parts missing in the delivery.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable armrest
- Six steel slats on the back provide excellent water drainage
- 500 pounds capacity
Cons:
- The color is hot pink not red
Alternative Products
- Outdoor Bench Park Garden Bench: Instead of a metal body, the Outdoor Bench Park Garden bench has an aluminium construction, which is not as durable as a metal bench; moreover, it also does not have the high holding capacity of the main product.
- PHI VILLA Metal Steel Frame Garden Bench Patio: The product is made from cast iron, which is much more durable than metal. That is what our main product construction is made from.
Recycled Plastic Benches: Are They Eco-friendly?
The entire world is recycling to save the environment, and many manufacturers are also using the same method to produce their products. So, is it eco-friendly? Of course, you are collecting waste material and turning it into usable products.
When we think about furniture, manufacturers are now using used plastics to make beautiful benches and furniture. These are both long-lasting and also help protect the environment. Almost 42,000 plastic bottles can make up around 7.7% of our furniture, saving non-renewable resources.
Are plastic benches durable enough to serve outdoors?
Plastic benches or recycled benches are unique when withstanding climate changes. Take an example of a plastic bottle in the ocean. It does not dissolve or evaporate; it swims in the sea for years without damage.
Now, take that bottle and thousands more and construct furniture. What do you think will happen?
It will also have the principles of withstanding harsh weather and climate changes; moreover, it lasts a very long time, not to mention protecting the environment in the process.
Main advantages of recycled Eco-Friendly Park Bench:
Recycled plastic benches are a great option, especially in today’s environment and here are some advantages that we get from recycled plastic benches –
- Maintenance is very low almost to none
- Can last a lifetime
- Can withstand weather impact and climate changes
- Cleaning is very easy
- Fading of color does not happen
Conclusion
Recycling is the way to go instead of destroying trees to make beautiful and elegant furniture for our homes. If we can get the same thing with an even better lifespan, why not get a recycled bench or table for our homes or outdoors?
That is why I reviewed many products and developed these five best eco-friendly park benches for 2024. They will decorate your patio for your next party and save you a lifetime of investment in a bench.