At a typical outdoor bench factory, the price difference between recycled plastic and wood benches is not one fixed number. It depends on the wood species, plastic composition, bench size, design complexity, hardware, finish, order quantity, and whether the factory sells wholesale or direct to retail. In general, recycled plastic benches carry a higher upfront price than basic softwood benches such as pine or fir. A standard softwood bench might be quoted at $80 to $250, while a comparable recycled plastic bench often falls between $150 and $500. That puts the difference at roughly $50 to $250 more for recycled plastic.
The comparison changes when the wood bench is made from premium hardwood. Teak, ipe, mahogany, and other durable hardwoods can cost $300 to $900 or more per bench. In that case, recycled plastic is often less expensive, sometimes by $100 to $400, because it avoids the cost of rare timber and extensive finishing. A factory may also price recycled plastic higher if it uses thick HDPE profiles, UV stabilizers, stainless steel fasteners, or custom colors. A simple wood bench may be cheaper if it uses untreated pine and minimal labor, but it will likely need more maintenance.
The true price difference should also include lifetime costs. Wood benches usually need sanding, staining, sealing, or replacing boards every one to three years, depending on climate. Recycled plastic benches need occasional soap-and-water cleaning and rarely require painting or sealing. Over 10 years, the lower maintenance of recycled plastic can erase the initial price gap, especially in rainy, coastal, or sunny locations.
For a factory buyer, the best approach is to request quotes for the same bench dimensions, load capacity, finish, and warranty. Ask for unit prices at 1, 50, and 500 pieces, because bulk orders often reduce the gap. In short, recycled plastic may cost more than basic wood but less than premium hardwood. The difference can range from about $50 to $300, or even reverse depending on wood type, plastic grade, and factory terms.
