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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.
How Long Each Wood Actually Lasts
Most wooden swing sets land around 20 years. Careful upkeep can push that toward 30. Climate, how hard the set gets used, and the quality of the build all move the number in either direction, so treat these as averages rather than promises.
- Cedar runs about 15 to 20 years with proper care, which mostly means staining it every year or two to hold off rot and warping. It is naturally insect- and rot-resistant, and it costs less than redwood, which is why most sets on the market are cedar. There is a longer look at it in our article on cedar playsets.
- Redwood averages about 20 years. It used to last considerably longer, but most redwood sold now comes from new-growth trees rather than old growth. Since it costs more than cedar and lasts about the same, cedar usually wins on value unless you want that reddish-brown color specifically.
- Pressure-treated pine also averages about 20 years. The treatment is what resists moisture damage, warping, insect damage, and cupping. Older pine was treated with chemicals that were harmful to people. That is not typical anymore, but it is still worth confirming that the set you buy is certified safe.
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.
Is pressure-treated pine a good option?
Pressure-treated pine is the budget option, not the longest-lasting one. Sealed every year or two it averages about 20 years, close to cedar and redwood; left bare it goes faster. The arsenic-based treatment that gave older lumber a bad name was phased out of residential wood in 2003, so today’s treated pine is considered safe around kids.
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, which is the most popular and most cost-effective of the three. What you do have to watch for is imitation cedar, usually built from Chinese fir and sold as though it were just as durable. It is not. 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?
What Else Changes the Number
Maintenance is the obvious factor, and the section above covers it. Three others matter nearly as much.
Installation comes first. A set that is properly anchored and squared up does not work itself loose, and loose hardware is where most of the damage starts. If you are not confident about assembly, paying someone is money well spent, and it helps to have the ground ready before the set arrives.
Climate is second. Wood lasts longest where it gets a chance to dry out between soakings. If you live somewhere that rains most of the year, a metal set you repaint on a schedule may well outlive a wooden one, whatever the averages say. Shade or a simple awning over the set helps either way, since sun and rain both do damage.
The warranty is third, and it is the cheapest thing on this list to check. Read the fine print before you buy. Plenty of quality wooden sets carry a lifetime warranty, and a manufacturer willing to put that in writing is telling you something about how long they expect the set to hold up. For an example of what that looks like on a real set, there is a full review of Gorilla Playsets on the site.
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.
