It is always pleasing to the eye when you have the right materials in your yard for your kids to play around with. One of the most common playground equipment is a swing set.
When you think of what material you must choose, wood comes to mind as it is pleasing to the eye and it is less expensive compared to other options such as vinyl and poly.
It is normal to think how long do wooden swing sets last, and the life expectancy for these things would normally be 20 years. That means by that time, it is possible your kids’ kids could be playing with the wooden swing, and you even did your part in conserving the environment since you didn’t have to buy a new one.
In fact, it would be nice to pair the wooden swing with other playground equipment that is also made from sturdy materials.
Figuring Out How Long Do Wooden Swing Sets Last
Just like the other items you have in your house, you will need to regularly maintain your wooden swing so that it will last a while.
The last thing you would need to happen is for you to need to buy a new one after using the one you currently have for just a few months. Here are some methods to extend the lifespan of your wooden swing
Clean Regularly
One thing is for sure, your wooden swing will get dirty a lot if it is placed outside, which is a shame as you would want to maintain your wooden swing’s nice looks as its cool look is timeless.
Not only will your kids get it dirty, but you must also consider the weather conditions and pests. When you clean your outdoor equipment, better dedicate some of your time to cleaning up the wooden swing.
We all know how dust particles and other allergens shorten the lifespan of various materials.
Hence, it would be best to do everything in our power to prevent that from happening so kids can play as long as they want, especially when it is sunny outside since wooden swings don’t get hot. We would not want to wait until it is too late before we decide to do something.
The best thing to do would be to wash the wooden swing with a mild detergent in order to remove all the dirt and grime that have piled up.
It would be better not to wait too long before deciding to do something about the dirt because the grime will stink. There is even a possibility your kids could get sick.
Apply Deck Stain and Sealer Every Year
You never really know what harsh weather conditions might enter the area. As a result, it would be better to be safe than sorry. Your wooden swing can be protected against severe weather conditions when you apply deck stain and sealer annually.
It is normal to forget about this, so it would be best to accomplish the task as early as possible. One good example would be doing it as early as January or February, then putting a reminder on your calendar so you can accomplish the task on the same date the next year.
Tighten Screws Properly
Any handyman would advise you to tighten the hardware of the wooden swing at least twice a month. You may even need to increase that when it is play season. You will also be advised to lubricate once a month.
The main purpose of this task would be to keep everything working as smoothly as possible. Besides, you would not want your kids to get into an accident while they are using the wooden swing. If that happens, then you can only point the finger at yourself since they are just kids.
Check for Deterioration
It is indeed normal for wood to deteriorate as the years go by, and you don’t even need to blame anyone for that as it is pretty normal. As a result, you must check it for signs of deterioration, as you may just need to replace some parts. That will save you a lot of money compared to buying a brand-new wooden swing.
When a wooden part is showing decay, all you need to do is to replace it, and it will work like new. When you spot any splinters, you can just sand those things down, and you can put your worries to rest.
Is Redwood worth the money?
There are plenty of wooden materials to choose from, and you must decide on the one that fits your situation the most. Perhaps, the most popular is Redwood, as it is resistant to damage, but it is the most expensive. Therefore, you must have saved up enough money in order to consider Redwood.
Redwood does avoid shrinking, but it can be hard to find. It is also insect-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your kids getting insect bites. We all know how those little insects can cause kids to be confined in the hospital for several days.
What makes Pine the best option?
Pressure-treated Pine is the best option with regard to wooden swing materials, as it can last the longest. It is not toxic at all, as it is extremely safe for all living beings to be around it. Believe it or not, it will still be in one piece no matter what type of severe weather conditions hits the area.
One mistake other people make about this option is not regularly maintaining Pine wooden swings. This is a huge mistake as you need to clean it regularly so that it will last a while. Add that to the fact that a Pine wooden swing repels insects, and you just need dishwashing soap to clean it, which means you won’t have to buy heavy-duty cleaners.
Is Cedar safe for its cheap price?
Another type is Cedar, and since it is made from China, it is the cheapest. It is important to choose the right size with regard to the wooden swing you’re purchasing so you can feel good about the safety of your children. If the Cedar wooden swing is properly taken care of, it is expected to last up to a couple of decades.
Another advantage of choosing Cedar is that you can forget all about moisture as it is a low-maintenance type of wood which means you won’t have to replace the materials with materials that are low in quality.
Read More: Wood vs. Metal Swing Sets: Which One Is Right For You?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you preserve a wooden swing?
The best way to preserve a wooden swing would be to use a polyurethane sealer.
How do you waterproof a wooden swing?
You must wait a while for the surface of the wooden swing to dry up. Once it is all dry, look for spots where the grain is somewhat lifting. After that, now is the time to apply a sealer.
Is it better to paint or stain the wooden swing set?
There is no doubt painting the wooden swing will provide you with a new level of protection. However, it is highly recommended that you stain it so the material won’t fade when it is exposed to the sun’s UV rays.