Composite Wood vs Real Wood for Benches: Which One is Better? 

Key Takeaways

Composite wood and real wood are two common materials for making outdoor benches, but they have different pros and cons.

Composite wood is made from a mixture of recycled plastics and wood fibers, while real wood is natural and organic.

Composite wood is more durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance than real wood, but it is also more expensive, less authentic, and less eco-friendly.

Real wood is more beautiful, natural, and biodegradable than composite wood, but it is also more prone to rot, pests, and diseases, and it requires more care and upkeep.

The best choice depends on your personal preference, budget, and environmental impact.

Introduction

If you are looking for a new bench for your backyard, patio, or garden, you might be wondering whether to choose composite wood or real wood as the material. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and they can affect the appearance, performance, and longevity of your bench. In this article, we will compare composite wood and real wood for benches, and help you decide which one is better for your needs.

What is Composite Wood?

Composite wood is a synthetic material that is made from a combination of recycled plastics and wood fibers. It is also known as wood-plastic composite (WPC) or plastic lumber. Composite wood is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural wood, but with improved durability and weather resistance. Composite wood is commonly used for outdoor furniture, decking, fencing, and railing.

What are the Benefits of Composite Wood?

Composite wood has several benefits over real wood, such as:

• It is more durable and resistant to rot, warping, cracking, splintering, and fading than real wood.
• It can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, sun, and heat, without deteriorating or losing its color.
• It is more resistant to pests and diseases than real wood. It does not attract or harbor termites, ants, mold, mildew, or fungi, which can damage or destroy real wood.
• It is more low maintenance than real wood.
• It does not require painting, staining, sealing, or refinishing. It only needs occasional cleaning with soap and water to keep it looking fresh and new.
• It is more versatile and customizable than real wood.
• It comes in a variety of colors, textures, and styles, and it can be cut, drilled, screwed, and nailed like real wood. It can also be molded into different shapes and designs, such as curves, angles, and patterns.

What are the Drawbacks of Composite Wood?

Composite wood also has some drawbacks compared to real wood, such as:

• It is more expensive than real wood.
• It has a higher initial cost, as well as a higher installation cost, due to the need for special tools and fasteners.
• It may also have a higher replacement cost, as it is not easy to repair or restore.
• It is less authentic and natural than real wood.
• It does not have the same warmth, charm, and character as real wood.
• It may also look fake or artificial, especially if it is poorly made or installed.
• It may also have visible seams, joints, or gaps, which can detract from its appearance.
• It is less eco-friendly than real wood.
• It is made from non-renewable resources, such as petroleum and natural gas, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
• It is also not biodegradable, and it may end up in landfills or oceans, where it can harm wildlife and ecosystems.

What is Real Wood?

Real wood is a natural and organic material that is derived from trees and plants. It is also known as solid wood or hardwood. Real wood is one of the oldest and most traditional materials for making outdoor furniture, such as benches, chairs, tables, and swings. Real wood is valued for its beauty, strength, and durability.

What are the Benefits of Real Wood?

Real wood has several benefits over composite wood, such as:

• It is more beautiful and natural than composite wood.
• It has a unique and distinctive grain, color, and texture, that give it a rich and elegant look. It also has a warm and cozy feel, that create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
• It is more biodegradable and eco-friendly than composite wood.
• It is made from renewable resources, such as trees and plants, that can be replanted and regrown.
• It also decomposes naturally, and it does not pollute the environment or harm wildlife.
• It is more authentic and valuable than composite wood.
• It has a history and a story behind it, that add to its charm and character. It also has a higher resale value, as it is considered a classic and timeless material.

What are the Drawbacks of Real Wood?

Real wood also has some drawbacks compared to composite wood, such as:

• It is more prone to rot, pests, and diseases than composite wood.
• It can be damaged or destroyed by moisture, insects, fungi, and bacteria, which can cause decay, discoloration, or odor.
• It can also warp, crack, split, or fade due to exposure to sun, heat, or cold.
  It is more high-maintenance than composite wood.
• It requires regular painting, staining, sealing, or refinishing to protect it from the elements and to preserve its appearance. It also needs frequent cleaning and inspection to prevent or treat any problems.
  It is less versatile and customizable than composite wood.
• It has a limited range of colors, textures, and styles, and it may not match your personal preference or taste.
• It is also harder to cut, drill, screw, or nail than composite wood, and it may not be suitable for complex or intricate shapes or designs.

Which One is Better: Composite Wood or Real Wood Bench?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preference, budget, and environmental impact. Both composite wood and real wood have their pros and cons, and they can affect the appearance, performance, and longevity of your bench. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between composite wood and real wood for your bench:

1. Appearance:

If you want a bench that looks natural and authentic, real wood is the better choice. If you want a bench that looks modern and sleek, composite wood is the better choice.

2. Durability:

If you want a bench that lasts longer and resists rot, pests, and diseases, composite wood is the better choice. If you want a bench that can be repaired or restored, real wood is the better choice.

3. Maintenance:

If you want a bench that requires less care and upkeep, composite wood is the better choice. If you want a bench that can be painted or stained to your liking, real wood is the better choice.

4. Cost:

If you want a bench that is cheaper and easier to install, real wood is the better choice. If you want a bench that has a lower replacement and maintenance cost, composite wood is the better choice.

5. Eco-friendliness:

If you want a bench that is more biodegradable and renewable, real wood is the better choice. If you want a bench that uses recycled materials and saves trees, composite wood is the better choice.

To help you compare composite wood and real wood for benches, here are two tables that summarize their main features and differences:

Here are some images of composite wood and real wood benches to give you an idea of how they look:

Composite Wooden Bench

Real Wooden Bench

Conclusion

Composite wood and real wood are two common materials for making outdoor benches, but they have different pros and cons. Composite wood is more durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance than real wood, but it is also more expensive, less authentic, and less eco-friendly. Real wood is more beautiful, natural, and biodegradable than composite wood, but it is also more prone to rot, pests, and diseases, and it requires more care and upkeep. The best choice depends on your personal preference, budget, and environmental impact.

We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between composite wood and real wood for benches, and how to choose the best one for your needs. Please check out our other articles and news for more information and tips on outdoor furniture. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you and assist you with your bench project.