How To Maintain Your Wooden Playset
- Stain and Seal the Wood. Wood is a durable material — and some, like the Pacific cedar we use in our play structures, naturally resists damage from fungus, pests ...
- Do Regular Inspections. Regular inspections are an easy way to maintain your home play equipment. ...
- Remove Detachable Parts Before Winter. Playsets are designed to withstand outdoor elements, but winter brings harsh conditions that can cause rapid wear and breakdown of the accessories.
- Clean It. Cleaning is an important part of keeping your playset looking like new. ...
- Follow Weight Recommendations. Despite its strength, wood does have limits. Other components also have limits on how much weight they can handle.
- Remulch the Area. The protective ground cover under your playground equipment is a key safety feature. Grass or dirt is not safe under the playset.
- Purchase Quality Equipment. Starting with a quality playset is an important part of keeping your backyard play area in peak condition in the first place.
How do you seal a cedar playset?
However, if you want to sustain the new look of cedar, seal the playset with a waterproofing stain. For this job, you will need a waterproofing stain in a clear or semi-transparent color. You want the natural look of cedar to show through, so choose a cedar semi-transparent color or a clear stain if possible.
How do I care for my wooden play set?
Use an oil based stain to keep your wood closer to its natural color for a longer time. A good water sealant will keep your wooden play set in good shape for many years. As with anything, you pay for what you get. If you choose high quality redwood for your wooden play set, you don’t need to do anything to it. High quality redwood will never rot.
How do I choose the best Cedar playset?
You want the natural look of cedar to show through, so choose a cedar semi-transparent color or a clear stain if possible. Since the playset is for children, choose a non-toxic and low VOC, which stands for volatile organic compounds. It's better to be safe with a children's play structure.
Can You stain a wooden playset?
Before you stain your wooden playset, I do suggest you give it a good clean first, washing off any dirt or mildew. If you choose to use a water blaster for this, make certain that the water pressure is not so high that it damages the wood. I suggest that you let it dry for at least 24 hours before you move onto applying the stain and sealant.
Do I need to seal my cedar playset?
Sealing or staining cedar is not necessary, but it naturally weathers to a gray color if left untreated. This is normal and it does not change the playset's strength or durability. However, if you want to sustain the new look of cedar, seal the playset with a waterproofing stain.
How long does a cedar playset last?
Since cedar is not preserved, it will need to be cleaned and stained or painted periodically. With careful maintenance, untreated cedar should last up to 20 years – but without proper maintenance, it won't last even close to that long. Cedar is the least expensive alternative for wooden playsets.
Should I seal my playset?
Question: Do I need to seal my wooden playset? Answer: Regardless of which brand, model, and size, wooden swing sets require some maintenance in order to keep them looking great and working safely and efficiently. It is for this reason that we highly recommend swing set owners seal their wooden playsets once a year.
How do you keep a wooden playset from rotting?
Aside from giving your wood swing set a brighter and fresher appearance, a nice coat of paint will also help prevent the wood from rotting. The paint acts as a protective layer against the elements and other adverse conditions that generally contribute to the decay of wooden swing sets.
What sealer is best for cedar?
Best Sealer for Cedar Wood100% Pure Tung Oil Finish Stain & Sealer – Best Overall Cedar Sealer.#1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent – Best Semitransparent Wood Sealer.THOMPSONS WATERSEAL TH.042851-16 – Best wood preservative for cedar.Ready Seal 512 5-Gall43on Pail Natural – Best stain and sealer in one.More items...•
How do you maintain a wooden playset?
How To Maintain Your Wooden PlaysetStain and Seal the Wood. ... Do Regular Inspections. ... Remove Detachable Parts Before Winter. ... Clean It. ... Follow Weight Recommendations. ... Remulch the Area. ... Purchase Quality Equipment.
How do you preserve a cedar swing?
1:434:02Weatherproofing Exterior Swings with Olympic Stains and SealantsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou simply wash it away with lots of water. You don't have to use a pressure washer and in fact I'mMoreYou simply wash it away with lots of water. You don't have to use a pressure washer and in fact I'm not pressure washing this wood here and simply spraying it off you can use a normal garden hose.
Is it better to paint or stain a swing set?
Anytime you have an outdoor wooden playset, deck or furniture you must protect it. Either staining or painting the wood will provide protection, however, we recommend staining. Stain contains UV stabilizers which help protect the wood from the bleaching effects of the sun as well as mold inhibitors.
How do you clean a cedar playset?
Scrubbing the playset with a gentle soap and a soft-bristled scrub brush is a convenient and easy way to clean a playset yearly. It doesn't require any fancy equipment, just a good amount of elbow grease. Most of the items you need to clean your playset, you probably already have sitting around your home.
How do you protect outdoor wood playsets?
Using a paintbrush, roller, or paint sprayer, apply a thin, even layer of sealant to every inch of the wood. Sealant that is too thick in areas will eventually crack and peel. Use a small brush to get in smaller areas and apply sealant around ladders and ropes. In most cases, one application of seal is sufficient.
Can you stain cedar playset?
Water-based stains and sealants clean up with water, but they should be reapplied every one to two years. Allow either type to dry thoroughly before letting your children use the playset. We like this natural cedar color water-based stain from DEFY.
How do I protect my outdoor wood playground?
If your wood playground equipment is fading from the sun, weather, or use, opt for a stain to hide the age and wear. If it's a fairly new set, you can stick with sealant instead. You can buy either one at your local hardware store.
How long will a wooden swing set last?
20 yearsA swing set made of strong, durable wood should last 20 years or longer — some even last for generations. As with any material, the life expectancy of a wooden swing set depends on proper care and maintenance. Generally, however, you can expect a wooden swing set to outlive other playset materials.
Is cedar good for playsets?
Cedar contains natural preservatives in its fibers that help the wood last longer than other varieties. It's also moisture-resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor uses like playsets.
Is cedar wood good for swing set?
Cedar and redwood are the most commonly selected wood for outdoor swing sets, and for good reason. These woods are known for being naturally resistant to disease, rot, and insect infestation. You will also find swing sets made of spruce, pine, or fir.
How long will a playground last?
Playground equipment updates should be performed every 8-10 years to keep them maintained. However, many playgrounds can last well beyond 10, 15, 20 or more years. Weather, usage, and quality affect the actual lifespan of your playground.
Why do you need to maintain a playset?
Other reasons to perform regular playset maintenance include: 1 Injury prevention: When you care for your equipment, you prevent serious problems with it that could potentially cause injuries. This benefit means you can have peace of mind letting your kids play on the equipment. 2 Early problem detection: Over time, your playset may receive damage. When you perform regular maintenance, you can spot those issues early. This early detection lets you fix the problem before it becomes a major issue. 3 Improved appearance: Cleaning, restaining and other care tasks keep your playset looking its best. You’ll be proud to have the playset in your yard when it continues to look like new thanks to your maintenance work.
Why is it important to wash a playset?
Cleaning is an important part of keeping your playset looking like new. It helps remove the dirt and debris that builds up on the structure and makes it look old and grimy. Washing is also very important before you stain the play structure, as it allows the stain to soak into the wood without trapping the dirt and debris into the finish.
Is it safe to put a ground cover under a playground?
The protective ground cover under your playground equipment is a key safety feature. Grass or dirt is not safe under the playset. In case your child falls, you need a material that absorbs the shock to reduce the severity of injuries.
How long does it take for a wooden playset to dry?
And make sure you give it at least 24-48 hours to dry before the kids start playing on it again. If you take the time to maintain your wooden playset, you should have a long-lasting source of fun for your kids (and maybe grandkids).
How often should I oil a wooden playset?
If there are signs of excessive wear, remove the rope, cable or chain and replace. Repeat this check at least once a month during the season that your kids are using the wooden playset. I would also suggest that you oil any metallic moving parts during your annual inspection and again every month during the season.
How long should I let a swingset dry before staining?
I suggest that you let it dry for at least 24 hours before you move onto applying the stain and sealant. Backyard Discovery suggests using an oil-based product for your swingset.
How long does cedar decking take to dry?
When in doubt, use the same kind of product you would use on a deck. And make sure you give it at least 24-48 hours to dry before the kids start playing on it again.
Do wooden swing sets lose their brightness?
However, even the best wooden playset will start to lose its brightness and vitality without maintenance. Just like your house, deck and other wooden structures, a wooden playset needs tender loving care to keep it at its best. I have already discussed the importance of locating your swing set on a soft level surface.
How long does a wooden playset last?
Not only will it keep you and your children safe while they play, but it will allow the wood and all other accessories to last for many years without cracking or other damage. The play platform or clubhouse of your playset will have a varying weight limit depending on its overall size.
How long does it take for a wooden play structure to seal?
If they are not pre-sealed it is recommended that you seal the wood within 60-90 days after construction.
What is the best way to protect a swing set from UV rays?
A waterproof sealant will prolong the life of your swing set by limiting the moisture that can seep into the wood and protecting it from UV rays as well. Some companies, like Gorilla Playsets, sell a commercial grade playground sealant that will provide a protective layer against moisture, mold, mildew, and sun.
Why do you need to clean a swing set?
Regular cleaning of your swing set will help prevent stains in the wood or rotting due to wet wood. It also keeps your playset looking nicer and will hopefully allow you to avoid having to stain it as often. Many brands recommend that you clean the playset before re-staining it to remove any dirt and debris.
What is the best type of swing set?
Wood is one of the most popular choices for outdoor swing sets. While wooden swing sets are attractive and durable, they are also generally more expensive. If you’ve chosen to invest in a wooden swing set, you will want to do everything you can to make it last for as long as possible. Most wood play set manufacturers include a recommended ...
How to keep bugs out of swing set?
One way to keep bugs away is to use a cotton ball to apply liquid dish soap to the edges of the roof lines and inside corners of clubhouses.
Can you stain a swing set?
When putting stain on the swing set be careful not to get it on plastic or rubber components as it can permanently leave stain marks on them. You should also begin staining from the top down so if the stain drips you can blend it in to the wood as you go.
Are Cedar Playsets Safe For Kids?
There’s not much you can do to keep your child from taking a few falls and getting a few scrapes and bumps. It’s going to happen, sooner or later. But you can mitigate unnecessary risks and provide a fun place for them to play in your own backyard.
Maintenance Requirements For Cedar Playsets
There are minimal maintenance requirements with cedar playsets, but they do require a little bit of care to ensure a long life. Generally, plastic and vinyl sets require only occasional cleaning, whereas metal and wooden sets should be tended-to once every year or two.
How Long Do Cedar Playsets Last?
How long cedar playsets last is dependent upon many factors including climate, maintenance, amount of use, and whether there is some sort of shade or protective cover over the set. In general, cedar playsets should last between 10 and 20 years. A quality cedar playset with regular use and maintenance should last closer to 20.
Benefits of Cedar
Many of the same properties that make cedar insect and water-resistant serve to make it a tough, durable material for backyard playsets.
Drawbacks of Cedar
Like any other wood, cedar is a natural product and won’t last forever. It does require some regular maintenance to keep it strong and splinter-free for many years.
How Much Do Cedar Playsets Cost?
Since there are a variety of different styles, manufacturers, and qualities, it’s hard to say how much a cedar playset will cost. Generally, when compared to metal, plastic, and vinyl sets, cedar sets will be in the mid-range.
Recommended Cedar Playsets
As you can see, cedar playsets have a lot going for them, assuming you buy one from a reputable maker. There are lots of playset makers out there today all claiming to have some form of advantage over the others.
Why is cedar used for playsets?
Cedar is used for playsets and play structures because it is resistant to pests and is low maintenance. Sealing or staining cedar is not necessary, but it naturally weathers to a gray color if left untreated. This is normal and it does not change the playset's strength or durability.
How to clean a playset?
Remove any peeling stains or paints from the playset with sandpaper if necessary. Spray the play structure with a garden hose to clean off any debris on the wood. If it is very dirty, use a mild soap to clean. Allow it to dry completely for 48 hours before staining.
How long does it take for a playset to dry?
Allow the playset to dry for 24 hours. Some stains need only soap and water for cleaning up brushes, but other stains recommend paint thinner to clean the brushes. Most stains recommend re-staining after about one year because of the heavy wear of children playing on the set.
What is the best cedar playset?
The best cedar playsets use solid beam construction instead of engineered wood or layers of wood that are glued together. Wooden playsets constructed with those inferior methods are often more susceptible to buckling and warping, which affects the safety and stability. All playsets from Superior Play feature solid beam construction, so you can feel confident in the strength and safety of your backyard play area.
What is the advantage of cedar over other woods?
Cedar comes out on top when compared to other wood varieties. One of the biggest advantages of cedar over other wood is its resistance to moisture and other weather elements: Many wood varieties swell, shrink or warp in response to changes in moisture levels.
Why do metal playsets rust?
Metal playsets can rust over time or have hard and potentially hot surfaces. Plastic tends to crack or sag when left in the sun and the elements. Metal and plastic stand out because they aren’t organic materials. Wood playsets made of cedar have a natural look that makes them seem to fit into your outdoor space.
What is a playset?
A playset takes a prominent spot in your backyard. Sure, you want something your kids love playing on, but you also want something that looks good. Playsets made of metal, plastic or unstained woods can stand out as an eyesore in your backyard. They may not hold up as well over time, which makes them look old and even less attractive.
What makes cedar so special?
What makes cedar so special? Cedar has many natural properties that make it a strong, reliable and safe material for outdoor structures like playsets. The wood comes from needled evergreen trees. It’s a soft wood, which means it’s lighter than hardwood varieties, but cedar isn’t weak due to this lightness. It holds up well year after year under the most brutal conditions.
What are the advantages of cedar?
Another advantage of cedar is its lack of splintering when you touch the wood. You don’t have to worry about the cedar components splitting off. That means a lower risk of getting splinters in your feet or receiving cuts and scrapes from jagged, splintered areas.
Does cedar playset rot?
When cedar does get wet from rain or snow, it dries out much faster than other types of wood, which further decreases the chance of rot.
