You’ve decided to treat your children and add a swing set to your outdoor space. Today, there are three types of swing sets: wood, metal, and plastic. If what you are searching for is a strong and durable piece of play equipment, and price is not much of an issue for you, then perhaps wooden swing sets are the right choice.
There are certain things to consider if you’re mulling over the idea of purchasing a wooden swing set. The first consideration is space; how big or small of a wooden swing set do you want to purchase? If you have only a small area to dedicate to your children’s outdoor play equipment, perhaps you’ll have to go with the metal swing set alternative. While there are a few models of wooden swing sets that are nice and compact, the majority are a bit expansive and might not do well in smaller spaces.
As mentioned, wooden swing sets are for those of you who don’t consider price a huge issue when thinking about purchasing a swing set. Indeed, wooden swing sets are the more expensive option on the market. Even among those who aren’t giving their budget the utmost importance in their search, however, there are few who wish to completely ignore the price issue, and even fewer who wouldn’t like a guarantee on their purchase. Because wooden swing sets are built to last, it is not uncommon to find wooden swing sets covered by 10, 15, and sometimes even 25 year guarantees; make sure the piece you’re considering buying is covered in some way.
A wood swing set is a not an insignificant purchase; some wooden swing sets can cost in the range of thousands of dollars, though there are more economical options. Whatever your thoughts on price, make sure that you choose something age appropriate for your child, but that can be adjusted to deal with the changing nature of a growing child; you don’t want to have to buy new swing sets like you buy new clothes. Swing height should definitely be adjustable. If you start off with a simple swing set (that will usually at least include a slide as well), make sure you choose a model which can eventually be expanded; kids may get tired of only swinging and may want a full-fledged play set with a rope bridge, climbing wall and tube slide.
Most companies sell pre-designed swing sets, though some do let you design your own; be aware, though, that this will increase the price of the set. Make sure to ask about the amount of assembly required for your kids’ wood swing set; to save on cost, you may want to completely or partially assemble the swing set at home on your own. If you wish to construct the swing set yourself, make sure to get some wood swing set plans and a guide on how to build a wood swing set; if you don’t feel comfortable doing this, ask how much installation will cost. Though not many areas have this problem, you should also check out if you need a building permit to construct a wooden swing set in your backyard, or if you will be required to fence your yard.
A very important consideration is whether or not the wood for your backyard wooden swing set has been treated to withstand a variety of weather conditions; also check if the wood has been sanded to avoid splinters. Ask if this service is included in the price of the swing set. If it hasn’t, you must ask if you yourself can sand it and paint it or stain it, or must you have someone come and do this.
Ask about the weight limitations for the seats of the model you’re thinking of purchasing. Especially if there are adults who wouldn’t mind a swing or two occasionally, make sure you find out if the model supports the weight of an adult. Very important is also the consideration about stabilizing your outdoor wooden swing set. Standard sets may be installed with ease, but larger ones may have to have their support structures placed in cement-filled holes.
Wood swing sets made of cedar are the most common, though there are sets that are made of ACQ-treated southern yellow pine and California redwood as well; redwood is very good at resisting decay and insect infestation and it has probably the longest life of any of the other woods, though these are all durable materials. You may have to occasionally add a sealant to make sure the wood stays protected.
