Have you ever really given any thought to how we pass our time? Where you seek refuge from a busy day or stressful moment? Most of us would find a quiet spot with a view and plop down on a bench. Benches are everywhere - the park, the mall, city streets, ball games, locker rooms, the spa and on and on. Recycled plastic benches are now beginning to pop up in all these same locations. Why the switch to recycled plastic furniture, well that explanation could take a while.

Let's start with the basics of recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is formed from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs and containers. The plastic material is purified, melted down and then extruded into typical lumber profiles that will then be cut, sawn and assembled into the recycled plastic benches and outdoor furniture that is finding its way into America's heart. This recycled plastic lumber is infused with color through and through and is now available in over 20 colors.

Recycled plastic benches come in many varieties. There are many style variations to the classic recycled plastic garden bench. These outdoor patio furniture pieces come in lengths ranging from 24" to 72". Recycled plastic garden benches typically include arms and have a straight slatted back. Different variations may be that the recycled plastic bench has a humped back, a weave pattern commonly known as Chippendale style, or vertical slats which are the most popular.

Recycled plastic park benches are usually benches without arms but still sport the same styles as their counterpart, the recycled plastic Garden Bench. Vertical slats again reign supreme closely followed by the Chippendale weaved style back.

Mall benches also made from recycled plastic tend to have a separated horizontal slat configuration supported by a frame. These recycled plastic benches can range from three to seven feet long. They are most commonly used in malls, county parks, sidelines on sports fields and locker rooms. These recycled plastic benches come with or without backs.

The Classic Adirondack style has also invaded the recycled plastic bench market with more than 12 different design variations. The Adirondack recycled plastic bench comes with a rounded back, or a 'humped' back, a scalloped back and many more variations of those mentioned.

The style variation is a big part of the popularity of recycled plastic benches but more and more people are seeking out the maintenance free quality of this sustainable material that the recycled plastic benches are constructed from. Recycled plastic will not rot or become bug infested ever! This means no replacing rotted or worn slats. But that's not all, the recycled plastic benches and outdoor furniture require no sanding, painting, oiling or refinishing to keep it looking new - year after year. Many manufacturers are so confident they are offering lifetime warranties on the recycled plastic lumber. Now that's piece of mind! Even after being left out season after season and year after year owners of recycled plastic benches and furniture report only having to hose off their furniture to enjoy entertaining with their friends!