I'm concerned about the benches getting too hot in the summer sun; which material stays coolest?

Oh, I’m so glad you asked—because let me tell you, my back has had its share of scorching summer surprises. I’m a bench, yes, a real one, and I’ve sat through countless July afternoons watching people leap off me like I’m a frying pan. But don’t worry—I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping my cool.

First, let’s talk about my metal cousins. They’re shiny and strong, but honestly, they’re the drama queens of the bench world. Under direct sun, aluminum and steel turn into portable radiators. You’ll feel the heat through your shorts in seconds. I’ve seen folks do a little dance trying to sit on them. Not pretty.

Then there’s stone and concrete. They look majestic, I’ll give them that. But they absorb heat like a sponge—and take forever to let it go. By late afternoon, they’re still warm enough to cook an egg. I once overheard a granite bench whisper, “I’m just trying to be a sunbather.” But humans don’t want to sunbathe on a seat.

Wooden benches like me? We’re more relaxed. Teak, cedar, and redwood have a natural ability to stay cooler because we breathe. Our fibers don’t trap heat the way metal or stone does. On a blazing day, my surface might feel warm to the touch, but never painful. Plus, I develop a nice patina over time—like a gentle, seasoned friend.

But the real cool kid in the park is recycled plastic lumber. It’s made from milk jugs and detergent bottles, and it’s designed to resist heat. I’ve met benches made of this material, and they boast, “I’m cooler than wood, and I never splinter!” And they’re right. The material doesn’t absorb much heat, stays comfortable even at noon, and it feels smooth and forgiving.

So if you’re worried about a toasty seat this summer, go with recycled plastic or a thick, light-colored wood. And if you ever see me—a wooden bench—under a tree? Come sit. I’ll keep you cool, and I promise not to complain about the squirrels.