
Plastic playground slides are typically made of HDPE High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is sometimes called "alkathene" or "polythene" when used for HDPE pipes. With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in the production of p… Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high pressure process via free radical polymerization. Its manufacture employs the sa…High-density polyethylene
Low-density polyethylene
What is the best material for playground slides?
Plastic is the most commonly used material for playground slides because it is lighter, and can be just as durable as steel if you take good care of it . Plastic is also safer because it doesn’t get hot during summer, which plays a critical role in preventing heat-related injuries.
What type of plastic is used for playground equipment?
The most common plastic used for playground equipment, including slides, is high-density polyethylene, or HDPE. HDPE can easily be formed into a variety of plastic playground equipment in tons of fun colors, making it a great option for neighborhood parks and school playgrounds.
Why are slides made of plastic?
The main reason is that plastic doesn't get as hot in the summer sun as steel, which can help prevent heat-related injuries. The most common plastic used for playground equipment, including slides, is high-density polyethylene, or HDPE.
What materials are used to make slides slippery?
Modern wood slides often have a thin, slippery piece of plastic that covers the slide surface, making it much safer and conducive to sliding. Sheet metal is also a material used to cover the slide surface (as seen in the photo above).

What is a playground slide made of?
Slides can be made from several types of materials, including fiberglass, plastic, and metal. Commercial playground slides are most commonly made using either plastic or metal because these materials tend to be durable under frequent use and outdoor elements. Metal slides are commonly made using steel.
What materials are slides made of?
Typically, slide component are made of steel, plastic, or fiberglass. Steel is the classic option for a playground slide. It's durable and slick, which lets kids reach higher speeds. Plastic isn't quite as durable are steel, but it's cheaper and much safer.
How are plastic playground slides made?
Most modern slides are manufactured from a process referred to as roto-molding or rotationally molded plastic. Plastic playground slides are typically made of HDPE or LDPE and they are among the cheap and safe options for the kids.
What are plastic slides?
Plastic slides are most commonly used for playgrounds nowadays versus slides made of metal. The most common variety of plastic used to make playground slides is called HDPE or high-density polyethylene. HDPE provides hassle-free maintenance, high durability, safety, and affordability.
How do you restore a playground slide?
How to Make a Slide Slippery the Safe WayMake a Cleaning Solution. Make a cleaning solution using warm water and a mild dish detergent. ... Scrub Down the Slide. You'll want to use an abrasive rag or hand towel to scrub the slide from top to bottom. ... Let it Dry. ... Wax the Slide Itself. ... Sand the Slide Surface (If Needed)
How do you make a playground slide?
0:245:46How To Make: DIY Slide with Sides - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing you want to do is find a 24 by 1200 sheet metal raising mild steel for this one you wantMoreFirst thing you want to do is find a 24 by 1200 sheet metal raising mild steel for this one you want a minimum 1.5 mil thick we've gone up to 2 millimeters just because it was available to us at the.
How do you refinish a plastic slide?
0:183:19Outdoor Play Set Makeover - Painting a Little Tikes Slide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis we're painting this blue we're using this krylon color max. It's got paint primer both. AndMoreThis we're painting this blue we're using this krylon color max. It's got paint primer both. And it's actually safe for plastics. And things of nature. So we're going to give that a shot.
How do you restore faded plastic outdoor equipment?
Wash the play furniture with distilled white vinegar, poured into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar directly on the play equipment and use a scrub brush to work the vinegar around. Wipe the equipment dry with an old towel.
How do you make plastic slippery?
Rub wax paper over the entire plastic slide surface. It sounds too simple, but it actually works. When you rub the wax paper on the surface of your plastic slide, it transfers the food-safe wax making your slide slippery again.
What are shoe slides made out of?
They can be made with any type of material, from leather to fabric, through natural fibers to synthetic materials.
What are Nike slides made out of?
The Nike Benassi Slide features a one-piece, synthetic leather strap that has jersey lining for a soft feel.
What materials are playgrounds made of?
The Different Materials Used In Playground EquipmentCommon Playground Materials.Recycled Galvanized Steel.UV Stabilized High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)Rotationally Molded Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)Protective Powder Coating.
What is the most common type of plastic used to make playground slides?
The most common variety of plastic used to make playground slides is called HDPEor high-density polyethylene.
What is HDPE plastic?
HDPE plastic is also used to make many other products we use everyday such as : Milk bottles.
What is a wavey slide?
Wavey. The wavy playground slide has “waves” on the sliding surface which provide a fun, new experience when sliding and also helps to regulate speed. Right/Left Turn.
Can you find wooden slides?
Even though rare, you can find wooden slides available on the market. The wood is sanded to a very smooth, fine finish then treated with a sealant. Modern wood slides often have a thin, slippery piece of plastic that covers the slide surface, making it much safer and conducive to sliding.
What is the most common plastic used in playgrounds?
The most common plastic used for playground equipment, including slides, is high-density polyethylene, or HDPE. HDPE can easily be formed into a variety of plastic playground equipment in tons of fun colors, making it a great option for neighborhood parks and school playgrounds.
Why is plastic playground equipment so popular?
Plastic playground equipment is becoming more common thanks to its durability and ease of maintenance. In fact, one of the places you’ll most frequently find plastic is at your local playground, or even in your own backyard playset. Here are a few ways plastic is used to make playground equipment safer (and more fun) for everyone.
What is HDPE playset?
Whether it's a rock wall or protective panels, HDPE can offer a playset tons of fun features and a unique design. HDPE can be fabricated into a variety of designs, so your playset can transform into a mountain climbing scene, a pirate ship or a jungle treehouse. Maintenance is easy, since HDPE is resistant to mold, mildew and other environmental factors that might cause scratches or discoloration. All you need is some soap and water from time to time to get your plastic playground set looking good as new.
Is HDPE safe for playgrounds?
So, on top of looking great and being safe, you can feel good about your plastic playground equipment thanks to its positive impact on the planet.
What is a playground slide made of?
Metal is one potential material that a playground slide may be made from. Metal slides are typically stainless steel or anodized aluminum. Steel slides are the classic playground slide. The metal is sandblasted to give it a smooth surface.
How many types of slides are there in a playground?
Slides are a fun, beneficial addition to a playground. With the nine slide types and the variations that come from combining them, you can have a slide or slides that suit the developmental, safety, and play needs of nearly any age group or demographic.
How does a spiral slide work?
A spiral slide slopes downward and curves continually around until the exit. This is different from a curved slide; on a spiral slide, the rider will turn nearly 360-degrees or more. Spiral slides must also meet the same standards as a straight slide where applicable.
What are the standards for straight slides?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission standards for straight slides are as follows: Per the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the chute of a slide must have raised sides on either side. The sides “ should be an integral part of the chute, without any gaps between the sides and the sliding surface.
What is the best plastic for slide?
The most common plastic used for slide production is high-density polyethylene or HDPE. Slides are sometimes made of low-density polyethylene, but HDPE is the harder and more durable option. The pros and cons of plastic sides are outlined in the following chart: Pros of Plastic Slides. Cons of Plastic Slides. Cheaper.
What is a straight slide?
Straight Slides. Straight slides are the traditional playground slide. On a straight slide, the chute goes downward at an angle in a straight line. It does not turn, curve, or wave. The angle of the chute will vary depending on what age group the slide is designed for.
What is a slide in a playground?
Slides are a classic staple in any playground that are both fun and beneficial to early childhood development. They can be constructed using a variety of options. Slides may be referred to as one of nine different types describing either their shape, material, construction, or chute type. Read on to learn more about playground slides, ...
What are HDPE posts made of?
Our 100% recycled (excluding additives and colorants) HDPE posts are made from both pre-consumer and post-consumer plastic, like milk jugs and detergent bottles! Every pound of our recycled plastic lumber equates to eight recycled milk containers. Neat, right? We ensure our recycled posts are reinforced for even greater strength by adding additional fiberglass elements to each post. Our posts are vandal resistant and protected from rotting, splitting, cracking, or splinters for a minimum of 50 years. Additionally, the posts have minimal fading and are resistant to termites, marine borers, salt spray, oil, and fungus.
What is a steel deck made of?
Our steel decks are formed from 12-gauge hot-rolled steel body — among the thickest in the industry — and coated with UV stabilized PVC (plastisol) coating for a softer play surface. Additionally, they’re sprayed with a PVC textured coating that increases foot traction and support. Our decks are perforated for great drainage, are lead-free and have formed sides that are welded with reinforcements for an even stronger deck.
Is UV stabilized plastic good for fading?
Not only are our rota tionally molded plastics UV stabilized for reduced fading, they also contain anti-static inhibitors. Strong and durable, components made of this material are ready to withstand many long days at the playground.
Plastic Designed for Playgrounds
If you’re looking for playground slide material, look no further. Our playground material is perfect for slides and other playground equipment. Our Playboard® products are made of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic material that has excellent material benefits for playground applications.
Perfect Use For Plastic Playgrounds
Playboard® commercial playground materials have great weatherability and no moisture absorption which makes them a great material in any recreational environment that is ever exposed to harsh weather conditions.
What is plastic slide?
Plastic slides can be designed and configured to almost any specification, from double-rail slides that allow several children to safely slide at once to spiral slides that take up a minimal amount of vertical space. If you have a specific idea for a slide in mind, you can have it specially created at low cost thanks to rotational molding techniques. No matter whether you want a pre-made slide or a custom creation, SPI Plastics has both the experience and the expertise to deliver.
Why are plastic slides good?
Their bright, fun colours attract and excite children, and their rounded edges decrease the risks of injury. Plastic slides can usually be made from recycled material, making them more eco-friendly than their metal counterparts. They also don’t conduct heat nearly as well as metal, which means they’re better suited to sunny locations. They’re easy to clean, easy to replace, and surprisingly durable.
What was the most popular playground in the 1950s?
Metal slides are a nostalgic playground staple. They were especially popular in the 1950s, due in no small part to their excellent durability and thrilling performance. When children are looking for a fast, smooth ride down the slide, metal slides are the ones that get the most use. They stand up to the test of time, so the odds of you needing to replace a metal slide are slim.
Is plastic slide better than metal?
Plastic slides are less slick than metal slides, which means that while younger children might be satisfied, older children who crave adventure may be left bored and unengaged by the slow ride. Plastic slides do also tend to discolour and crack in direct sunlight over several years, which means they’re more likely to require replacement than metal.
Is metal slide good?
Metal might look good and perform well, but it’s also hard and unforgiving, and metal slides usually have sharp or pointed lips that make injury more likely. The biggest complaint against metal, however, is the fact that it can reach dangerous temperatures in sunlight.
Is it safe to use a metal slide in a playground?
Ultimately, the decision to go with either a metal or a plastic slide is up to you. A metal slide might be perfectly suitable and safe in an indoor space, while a plastic slide might be the ideal choice for an outdoor playground that sees many visits from younger children. You’ll want to consider the chosen location and average environment of your playground, and what kind of design you’d like it to have. If you find yourself at an impasse, don’t be afraid to ask for professional input. You may also discover that your city or province has pre-existing rules that define the materials acceptable for use as a playground slide.
What is plastic playground equipment?
Plastic is a durable, safe, and adaptable material that can radically reduce the cost of playground equipment. It comes in an assortment of colors, sizes, and shapes, and production methods lend themselves to creativity. Manufacturers can design a plastic jungle gym, a plastic playground slide, plastic tube-tunnels, ladders, monkey bars, and even work-out equipment.
Is recycled plastic cheaper?
Using recycled plastic is a great plan for low-impact and sustainable business, but is it always cheaper? The answer to that question is more complicated that you would think, because it varies based on geography, politics, and the economy.
