Real wood Benches and seats have a certain welcoming warmth to them that plastic and composite furnishings lack. Wood is rewarding to work with and is exceptionally versatile in how in how it can be manipulated. The only downside is the need for standard wood to be carefully treated with chemicals, stains and sealants to protect it from the elements. Kebony modified wood offers a way for outdoor furniture builders to use real wood in their projects, without the worries about maintenance requirements. Modified wood has a beautiful natural finish that will eventually age to a silvery-gray shade. Here are 8 examples of beautiful and unique examples of modified wood outdoor seating. 1. Traditional Wood Benches with Curved Metalwork (Forest Park in Queens NY, by All City Play Equipment) The classic wood Bench is a quintessential seating choice for parks and other public spaces. This particular bench has lovely curved metal armrests and legs. Being constructed as one long bench helps conserve building materials while the middle armrest splits the bench into two sections. The slatted wood design allows rain or water from sprinkler systems to pass through rather than puddle. Slats also are more comfortable for park visitors to sit on during hot summers. Using modified wood in place of standard wood eliminates the need for park managers to worry about yearly surface re-applications. 2. Create a Relaxing Space with Bench Seating and Table (303 Second St - San Francisco, CA) When building benches around apartments, office buildings, and spaces where people may relax during lunch, consider adding a table to the area as well. This cozy nook offers a quiet place for people to sit, enjoy a meal, or perhaps work outside. The solid concrete walls surrounding the bench and the fact that it's set back makes this area feel a little more secluded from the hustle and bustle of the pathways. The use of modified wood for the table and benchtop are more inviting and comfortable than concrete would be on its own. 3. Turn Borders Around Landscaping and Features into Usable Seating (303 Second St - San Francisco, CA) Adding wood borders around green spaces, landscaping, and water features help these areas stand out and also serve as a safety barrier. By giving these borders a little more height and topping them with a wood you can turn them into open benches for sitting. Not only does a modified wood bench top look more appealing and natural in green spaces, but it also gives dual-purpose to necessary structures. The long open benches allow visitors to decide how they'd like to use the bench and also ensures plenty of space between people. 4. Basic Wood Slat Top Makes for an Easy Stone Bench (Hillside Village Mall) Here is another example of how well wood works with stone. This stone border has been topped with modified wood slats to allow for a comfortable spot for mall patrons to sit and rest. The slats allow for water to pass through, which is a useful touch. 5. Add Interest to Empty Spaces with Blocky Artistic Benches (303 Second St - San Francisco, CA) Urban settings are synonymous with concrete and cement, which can feel cold and overwhelming. Using wood bring life to these spaces, particularly when seating is designed in an artistic manner. These large blocky benches are creative and playful. They allow visitors to sit and lounge how they would like, whether it's sitting upright or reclined back. Modified wood is great for versatile bench seating arrangements as the boards are smooth and splinter-free. This makes them a comfortable surface for laying on and particularly great for benches that may be climbed on by children. 6. Sleek Elevated Floating Bench for a Modern Theme (Bel Terra Benches - Austin, TX) Modern architecture often focuses on clean lines and minimalistic design. This wood bench is a stunning addition to this seating area, which will eventually be planted. Built off of a stone structure, this floating bench is sleek and unobtrusive. Being elevated it will allow the space under it to be fully planted, giving it more of an integrated look rather a separate feature. By using modified wood, regular water exposure from the sprinkler in this small plot won't be an issue. 7. Charming Wood Benches with Potential for Additional Storage (Hefner Deck) This pair of matching benches has an unusual design, but one that offers an idea for how you can incorporate storage into a bench. The deep seat of a bench can easily be designed in a manner that allows storage of items within it, by simply lifting up the seat. This style would great for public areas where people may have items to store, such as a public pool, beach, or on a dock/marina. Including locks would be a great touch as well. 8. Elegant Curved Wood Bench Creates a Spa-Like Atmosphere (Vincent Lepera - Poolside Bench) This poolside bench shows another design option for seats with storage. Unlike the previous bench, which was fairly simple, this design is luxurious and spa-like. The curved seat and built-up tiers around the bench itself are very appealing. This style of bench could also easily be designed to double as storage by hinging the seat. Whether modern or traditional is the goal, wood remains one of the most appealing and adaptable materials for outdoor seating. These eight different benches and seats are all wonderful examples of how modified wood allows designers to create beautiful furniture. Consider using modified wood in your own seats and benches rather than standard wood and non-organic materials.