Custom Recycled Plastic Bench Guide

Would you like to display a long-lasting message in a public place while providing leisure to visitors and occupants? Nothing is more functional and affordable than a custom recycled plastic bench. Custom recycled plastic benches have the most character count for the cost over any other commercial furniture customization option. Thermoplastic custom benches have space limitations due to their cutout nature, while custom concrete furniture’s cast-in process charges per character. Recycled plastic bench customizations can include an entire message on one or more boards and are charged by the plank. They can also include in-lay colors and logos when requested. Picnic Furniture will break down the different customization options along with explaining the different locations where they are used.

Custom Engraving

One of the best advantages of custom recycled plastic benches is engraving. Recycled plastic planks are CNC carved with an approximate ¼” depth. CNC allows accurate and consistent cuts throughout the wording to include more details and smaller font sizes. The shallow indentation causes a shadow effect, allowing the letters to stand out. Since shadows contribute to character viability, letters show better on lighter plank colors rather than on darker boards through engraving alone. For messages to be seen more clearly on dark recycled plastic planks, it is recommended to include an inlay color but more on that in a bit.

Custom Recycled Plastic Buddy Bench

There are two standard fonts to choose from:

Times New Roman (Default)
Arial

Message length and text sizes are determined by the dimensions of the recycled plastic planks. The text spacing varies on the characters used while the font sizing is adjusted to select sizes to best fit the desired board. Below is an estimation of how many letters may fit on available planks based on font size and letter casing:

Sample Character Count Based on Text Sizing, Casing, and Plank Dimensions

Font Size	Letter Casing	4’ Bench Count	6’ Bench Count	8’ Bench Count	Engraving Board Sizes	Max Font Height	Example Bench	Number of Engraving Board
1 ¼”	ALL CAPITAL	34	58	80	1 ¼” x 3”	2 ½”	Elite (Seat Front)	1
1 ¼”	Upper & Lower	43	70	94	1 ¼” x 3”	2 ½”	Economizer	3
1 ½”	ALL CAPITAL	27	44	61	1 ¼” x 5”	4”	Economizer-Traditional	2
1 ½”	Upper & Lower	34	55	77	2” x 4”	3”	Deluxe, Monarque, Park Classic, & Sihouette	3
2”	ALL CAPITAL	20	29	41			Cambridge	2
2”	Upper & Lower	27	36	49			Willow	1
2 ½”	ALL CAPITAL	17	25	35	2” x 6”	5”	Traditional	2
2 ½”	Upper & Lower	22	30	41	2” x 10”	8”	Landmark	1
3”	ALL CAPITAL	14	21	29
3”	Upper & Lower	18	26	36
4”	ALL CAPITAL	10	14	20
4”	Upper & Lower	13	19	25
5”	ALL CAPITAL	10	17	23
5”	Upper & Lower	8	11	15
8”	ALL CAPITAL	5	7	10
8”	Upper & Lower	7	10	14

Logos and Clipart

In addition to wording, pictures can also be engraved on a recycled plastic bench. We have a library of available clipart for memorial or custom school benches looking to add a symbol. Depending on the complexity, a business’s unique logo or mascot can also be used. The file for the logo needs to be a high-resolution vector image, such as .pdf, .png, or .ai to be considered. Unlike lettering, logos and clipart are charged per image engraving and fees may vary based on intricacy.

Inlay Color

An inlay color can be added for a prominent presentation or just to give a pop of color. This upgrade includes a colored resin that coats the bottom and sides of the custom engravings. The resin is UV resistant and waterproof so the color will have years of lasting brilliance in any outdoor condition! Select from several color choices to accent the shade of the recycled plastic planks. Inlay colors for wording are charged per board and per color if more than one is used on the same plank. Logos can also include inlay colors but the fee is per logo and per color.

In Lay Colors

Plaques

Another customization option for recycled plastic benches is a plaque. Plaques allow for more, smaller prints to be displayed on a single plank. These panels come in different sizes and can include up to 3 text lines or more, with approximately 30 characters per line. There are three available material options specifically made for outdoor exposure: laminate, alloy metal, and bronze cast metal. Placement for the plaque is routed out of the recycled plastic plank for a comfortable, flush surface. Plaques are often used for dedications by an organization and remembrance of a loved one. Prices of plaques vary based on size, material, and customizations.

Material	Color	Plaque Size	Maximum Lines of Text	Maximum logos or images	Example
Laminate (Outdoor Rated Plastic)	Gold Base / Black Type Bronze Base / Black Type Silver Base / Black Type Green Base / White Type *Inlay Color Options Available with an Upcharge	2 ½” H x 6” W	3	2
		2 ½” H x 8” W	3	2
		4” H x 6” W	5	2
		4” H x 8” W	5	2
Alloy Metal	Base: Black Gold Pale Gold Silver Text: Black Gold Pale Gold Silver	2 ½” H x 6” W	3	1
		2 ½” H x 8” W	3	1
		2 ½” H x 10” W	3	1
		3” H x 5” W	5	1
		4” H x 6” W	5	1
		4” H x 8” W	5	1
		6” H x 8” W	5	1
Bronze Cast Metal	Bronze	2 ½” H x 6” W	3	1
		2 ½” H x 8” W	3	1
		2 ½” H x 10” W	3	1
		3” H x 5” W	5	1
		4” H x 6” W	5	1
		4” H x 8” W	5	1
		6” H x 8” W	5	0

Where are Custom Recycled Plastic Benches Used?

Custom recycled plastic benches are used in a wide variety of applications:

Schools - Proudly display the school’s name, motto, and logo on one or many planks of a recycled plastic bench. Possibly include the wording in the school’s colors for added school pride.
Buddy Bench - A Buddy Bench is often used at schools to transition a student from loneliness to friendship. If a child is shy or needs a friend, they can sit on the bench for another classmate to come along and play. In fact, the first American-style Buddy Bench is a recycled plastic bench.
Memorials - The passing of a loved one is never easy. However, it brings a lot of comfort for family and friends to have their beloved’s name posted for all to see. Memorial benches can be dedicated in their memory and placed in a location treasured most by cherished individuals or persons. Relatives will have a spot to visit, reflect, and cope while remembering the good times.
Businesses - Establishments such as ice cream parlors, fitness centers, and strip mall shops can use custom recycled plastic benches by advertising their name while giving patrons a place to rest. People are likely to notice a business’ name in a spot they are looking to sit. A business can also display its company logo for added appeal.
Cities - A city can proudly display its name and slogans along sidewalks and near landmarks. Custom recycled plastic benches will provide seating anywhere, including along the beachside, in the mountains, or on the downtown streets. These commercial recycled benches give a clean appearance that visitors will remember long after they return from their holiday.
Dedications - Organizations or residents can donate a custom recycled bench in honor of themselves or another. Every outdoor space can benefit from more outdoor seating. And a commercial custom bench will bring recognition to those who made it possible or in dedication to another’s service.

Request a Mock-up and Custom Quote for Your Custom Recycled Plastic Bench

Now that you know the possible recycled plastic customizations, you may have an idea of how you would like your bench to look! If you need assistance making your project come to life, we are here to help. Tell the experts at Picnic Furniture the full details. We will provide you with advice, a preliminary mock-up, and a competitive quote for you and others to review. Email us at Sales@PicnicFurniture.com or call 1-800-775-8409 to get started!

Are you interested in another option for custom commercial benches? Check out our other customizable options for outdoor furniture by visiting the links below for more information!

Custom Logo Thermoplastic Metal Furniture Guide

Custom Logo and Wording Concrete Furniture Guide

Custom Fiberglass Picnic Table and Umbrella Guide