At our outdoor bench factory, the answer is simple: our furniture is not just nailed together. For any load-bearing joint—legs to aprons, backrests, armrests, stretchers, and seat rails—we use a dual-fastening method: waterproof exterior adhesive plus stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized screws, and sometimes bolts. The glue creates a weather-resistant bond across the whole joint surface, while screws provide mechanical clamp and stop the parts from sliding or pulling apart. We drill pilot holes to prevent splitting, countersink the heads, and cover them with matching wood plugs. Nails may appear only as temporary alignment aids during assembly or in hidden, non-structural trim; they are never the primary connection. This matters outdoors because sun, rain, humidity, and temperature changes make wood expand and contract. A nailed-only bench can loosen, squeak, and wobble over time. A glued-and-screwed joint resists racking, moisture cycling, and daily use far better. We also test joints for torque and static load before shipping. So if you are comparing suppliers, ask specifically: glued and screwed, or just nailed? For long-lasting outdoor benches, the right answer is glued and screwed.