5 Tips for Maintaining Your Wooden Swing Set

Wood is one of the most popular choices for outdoor swing sets. If you’ve chosen to invest in a wooden swing set, you will want to do everything you can to make it last for as long as possible.

Most wood play set manufacturers include a recommended maintenance list in their instruction manual. It is important to follow these suggestions as it will help your playset and its components to last longer and retain its aesthetic appeal. It will also help to maintain the safety of the swing set and keep your kids injury-free while they play.

1)

One of the most important things you can do when it comes to increasing the life of your wooden play structure is to keep all of the wood stained and sealed. It is recommended that you seal the wood within 60-90 days after construction and at least once a year thereafter.

Staining should be done every 2-3 years or as needed to keep the wood looking nice. When putting stain on the swing set be careful not to get it on plastic or rubber components as it can permanently leave stain marks on them. You should also begin staining from the top down so if the stain drips you can blend it in to the wood as you go.

2)

It is important to the safety and longevity or your playset to complete a regular inspection of all of its components. For those that do not use their set in the winter months it is best to do an inspection in the spring before your kids start using it and then at least 2 more times before the end of the season.

While some regular maintenance items or fixes will be obvious you will want to look closer at other components such as the swing chains, plastic components, and small hardware. You should periodically check all bots and screws to make sure they are not sticking out precariously or broken off causing sharp edges. You may also want to tighten all nuts and bolts as required.

Plastic components should be inspected for cracks while metal parts should be checked for rust and replaced as needed. Metal parts should be lubricated to keep them moving smoothly.

All wood components should be inspected for splinters and cracking. While splintering wood can easily be fixed by sanding the pieces, any cracked or rotting boards should be replaced immediately. As long as your swing set is still under warranty, the company may replace these boards. Otherwise you will need to contact the manufacturer to purchase replacements.

3)

Regular cleaning of your swing set will help prevent stains in the wood or rotting due to wet wood. It also keeps your playset looking nicer and make it last longer. Many brands recommend that you clean the playset before re-staining it to remove any dirt and debris.

4)

Every wooden swing set you can buy will come with weight recommendations from the manufacturer for each of its components. While your set may seem extremely sturdy and durable, it is important to follow these weight restrictions. Not only will it keep you and your children safe while they play, but it will allow the wood and all other accessories to last for many years without cracking or other damage.  You can find these guidelines in the owners manual.

5)

This step might only apply if you live in an area with cold, snowy winters or are not able to utilize your swing set all year around. If you do not cover the entire playset with a tarp during the winter months, you may want to consider removing any parts that can be easily detached.

These parts might include swings, gliders, rope ladders, and even the canopy roof. By removing these parts and storing them indoors for the winter you will extend their usable life and avoid any deterioration of the plastic. You will also prevent stretching or tearing of vinyl or fabric canopy roofs because they will not be exposed to harsh elements.

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