Yes, there are outdoor benches designed to resist termites in humid climates—and no, this is not limited to wooden street benches. In a humid climate, the real issue is moisture plus cellulose. Termites need cellulose and water, so any bench that eliminates one of these will be far safer.
Start with materials. Recycled plastic or HDPE benches are one of the strongest choices. They are made from high-density polyethylene, contain no wood fiber, and give termites nothing to eat. They do not rot, swell, or require sealing, and many are molded to look like painted or natural wood. For humid, rainy, or coastal areas, this is usually the lowest-maintenance route.
Metal benches are another termite-proof option. Aluminum, galvanized steel, and stainless steel do not contain cellulose. The thing to watch is rust. A powder-coated or marine-grade finish and stainless hardware make a metal bench suitable for damp climates.
Composite benches can work, but not all are equal. Higher-end wood-plastic composites use enough plastic to encapsulate the wood fibers and resist moisture. Cheaper composites with exposed or poorly bonded fiber can still absorb water and attract termites. Check the manufacturer’s rating for ground contact or humid outdoor use.
If you want real wood, choose naturally resistant species. Teak, ipe, cumaru, and shorea are dense, oily tropical hardwoods that termites tend to avoid. They are often used for high-end street and garden benches. Pressure-treated pine or eucalyptus can also resist termites, but only if rated for outdoor ground contact and properly treated at cut ends and drilled holes. Over time, wet-dry cycles can leach preservatives, so maintenance is important.
Concrete and stone benches are completely inorganic, so they are naturally termite-proof and extremely durable in humid climates. They are heavier and more permanent, but they work well in parks, plazas, and landscapes.
Beyond material, look for smart design details: slatted seats or drainage gaps so water does not pool, feet or pads that keep wood off soil, stainless or coated fasteners, and no exposed untreated ends. These details matter just as much as the material in a humid environment.
So the short answer: no, termite resistance is not only for wooden street benches. In fact, the easiest termite-resistant outdoor benches for humid climates are usually non-wood: recycled plastic, powder-coated metal, composite, or concrete. If you want the look of wood, choose a tropical hardwood with natural resistance or properly treated lumber—and keep it off the ground.