<p>I need to replace a rickety wooden bench on a dock, and I’d like to get a wrought iron, steel, or aluminum bench that won’t break or need repainting. There was one in the direct sun outside of Lowe’s that I tried sitting on, but it was like sitting on a griddle. Since this is for a dock, it would never be in the shade. Is there a particular metal or anything that can be applied that would keep it from heating up so much?</p>
<p>^Nope. Metal is not the way to go. You could put sunbrella cushions on it, but that’s about your only option.</p>
<p>In our town we have resin park benches. They look just like wood and have held up very well, some being in the direct sun on the beach for a few years now.</p>
<p>I also think that resin is a great way to go. Solid, attractive and still comfortable to sit on when the sun is shining.</p>
<p>put a cushion on it in the summer, and take it off in the winter</p>
<p>Have you looked at these:
[Park</a> Bench Ends - Black - Stores and Prices](<a href=“park-bench-ends---black - Find it at Shopwiki”>park-bench-ends---black - Find it at Shopwiki)</p>
<p>I have two similar benches that I’ve had probably 20 years and they work very well.</p>
<p>I would just get another wood one. There is no such thing as a maintenance free anything. Metal would probably be the most resistant to mold and grime, but resin would need to be kept clean. Real wood is easy on the eyes near the water, since a little dirt or wear adds to the character. It also does not get as hot. Resin would also heat up, although not as much as metal.</p>
<p>Have you considered concrete or stone? I have stone benches in my garden and they’re quite pleasant to sit on.</p>
<p>Concrete / stone can age nicely, but I think for a dock, wood is more traditional & I have seen some resin benches that looked practically like wood.
I would either go with wood/resin or just get a cushion for your metal bench.
[Wood</a> Bench | Wooden Park Benches | Hardwood | The Bench Factory](<a href=“http://www.thebenchfactory.com/products/wood-park-benches/index.cfm?gclid=CL3rz9Dy1qoCFeUZQgodGEV99g]Wood”>http://www.thebenchfactory.com/products/wood-park-benches/index.cfm?gclid=CL3rz9Dy1qoCFeUZQgodGEV99g)</p>
<p>Thanks y’all. I got a decently-priced glider on eBay that has an aluminum frame with resin ? (polywood) slats that look like wood. Hopefully, the polywood will hold up without heating up and I’ll enjoy the gliding. I appreciate the assistance!</p>
<p>Sitting on a glider on a dock in the early fall…that sounds great!</p>