What are the drawbacks of using pine wood for high-traffic outdoor benches?

Pine wood is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its affordability and natural aesthetic. However, when used for high-traffic outdoor benches, it presents several drawbacks.

1. Low Durability: Pine is a softwood, making it prone to dents, scratches, and wear over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

2. Weather Sensitivity: Untreated pine is highly susceptible to moisture, leading to rot, mold, and warping when exposed to rain or humidity.

3. Maintenance Demands: To prolong its lifespan, pine requires regular sealing, staining, or painting, which adds to long-term costs and effort.

4. Insect Vulnerability: Pine is attractive to termites and other wood-boring insects, increasing the risk of structural damage.

5. Short Lifespan: Compared to hardwoods like teak or cedar, pine benches degrade faster, necessitating frequent replacements.

For high-traffic outdoor settings, harder, more weather-resistant woods or alternative materials may be a better investment.