Wooden swingsets were quite a popular piece of playground equipment when they were first introduced, and they have stood the test of time. But before you go this route, there’s one very important thing you need to consider…maintenance! As much as wooden swing sets are known for their durability and stability, they do require a few things to help them last. The last thing you want is to get splinters or the wood to rot and become a hazard. This begs the question, do all wooden swing sets need to be treated in order to last?

Why treating wooden swingsets is important

A wooden swing set is a fantastic addition to the backyard for your kids. However, like most items that ‘live’ outside, they are consistently exposed to the elements, which means that the sun’s harsh UV rays, rain, hail, wind—you name it—it’s all going to beat down on your swing set.

Thankfully, wooden swing sets do a fairly good job withstanding the elements, but they will wear over time. Before you know it, the sealant on the wood deteriorates, which means the wood will eventually be exposed to the elements, and it is more likely to absorb moisture. This leads to your swing set swelling, cracking, splitting, or even getting mold. Using treated wood for your swingsets means that even if the sealant wears away, the wood itself will still be able to do a good job of enduring the elements and natural wear and tear.

What wood are wooden swingsets made from?

Ideally, a harder, sturdier wood should be your first choice when constructing anything that will be used for people. As wood naturally breaks down over time, it attracts insects that can break down your swing set or even cause damage to your home. Thus, you want woods that are naturally resistant to pests and hard enough that they’ll last, too.

These types of woods include cedar and redwood, which naturally deter pests and are more resistant to decay because of their natural oils. However, just because these woods are naturally resistant doesn’t mean they are completely immune to them, and so they will also require treatment to make them more durable. They can also benefit from staining and sealing.

Some swing sets use softer woods like pine due to their affordability and availability. These woods can decay faster, but without proper treatment, they might be dangerous to play on in the long run.

What are the benefits of painting or sealing wooden swingsets?

There are some great benefits of treating or sealing wooden swingsets, and making them more durable is one of them. Here are some others:

Better protection from the elements

One of the main benefits of treating or sealing wooden swing sets is that by doing so, you’re ensuring they will last much longer while being exposed to elements. The wood won’t lose as much moisture when the sun is out, nor will it absorb too much moisture when it rains.

Improves aesthetics

This is a given, but some stains, paints, or varnishes can make your swing set look amazing while offering a protective coating. Paints allow you to make the swingset more unique and styled according to your preferences. For those who want a swingset that will match their home’s aesthetic, or maybe you prefer a more natural look, stain or varnish might be the way. In addition to protecting your wood, these items often highlight the strands and fibers of the wood, giving it a lovely natural aesthetic.

Increases safety

As wood decays, it loses its structural integrity. While this won’t happen immediately, it will become more dangerous as time goes on. Treating the wood by sealing it or painting prolongs its lifespan, ensuring that it’s safer for all those who use it for longer.

Should you buy a wooden or metal swing set?

The beauty of living in today’s world is that we have so many options, which extends to picking swing sets, too. A classic wooden swing set is sturdy and durable and has a natural aesthetic that many prefer, but it’s not for everyone. Nowadays, there are plenty of metal swing sets that offer not only durability and stability but tons of fun add-ons, too! Metal swing sets made using galvanized steel hold up well against the elements.

You may want a classic wooden swing set, which is a great idea. But if you want to avoid constant maintenance, Vuly Play offers a wide range of modular swingsets made from high-quality materials. You can find deals on kids’ swing sets here! Due to their modular design, you can add and take away features whenever you like, allowing you to customize your swingset to adapt it to your needs however you please.

Final thoughts

Classic wooden swingsets are a perfect combination of nostalgia and fun. Unfortunately, they must be re-sealed and treated every few years to ensure they don’t deteriorate because they’re made of wood. You may love doing this, or it may be an inconvenience. Ultimately, at least you know what to expect if you purchase a wooden swingset, but maybe a metal swing set would be more suitable.