Swing sets come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from several materials including metal, steel, wood and plastic. However, research and studies have shown that wood swing sets are the safest, most durable and longest lasting of all the commercial play sets on the market. There are a few reasons why wood makes for the best frame, especially redwood. Known for being a strong timber redwood has a natural resistance to decay, is virtually splinter free and doesn't need constant coats of wood preservatives and stains to maintain both its durability and rich exterior color.
Most people would assume metal or steel is the strongest material to use but there's a reason redwood trees outlast buildings. Weather is a constant threat to a play set frame and over the year's rain, snow, high winds, excessive UV sunlight and insects and animals will take its toll and begin to corrode the metal. This can be very dangerous when dealing with swing chain links and children. While corroded metal can show a rusted color it won't always and you may not even know the metal is weakening.
The same holds true for plastic. Cheap and lightweight plastic is also under attack from the elements the day it is put outside and will deteriorate even faster than metal. While plastic is a good material for an indoor play set it can't be trusted to last more than a year or two outside.
Wood is your best bet for building a strong, long lasting, high quality swing set. There are several types of timber that are recommended including white pine but the best wood to be used for a swing set frame is redwood. Strong, able to resist natural decay and almost splinter free redwood not only makes for a solid swing set frame it also ensures your kids won't get clothing snagged on exposed screws and bolts or wood shards from cheaper lumber.
Another benefit to using durable redwood is that this type of timber doesn't require preservatives, stains or other exterior sprays to protect the wood. Over time constant coats of finish and chemical preservatives actually weaken the wood and make it more susceptible to cracks and erosion. Redwood is one of the most durable timbers available and can be trusted to hold true even after years of heavy use.
Lastly, wood swing sets also have the ability to add a wide variety of accessories including monkey bars, spiral slides and buoy swings. Metal and plastic sets are usually pre-made and come as is with no option for additions. This means when your kids get older and want more of a challenge than just a glider slide you'll have to buy a new set or tell them no. Avoid that battle by choosing a high quality redwood swing set to start and have the ability to add to it as your kids grow.
