Choosing the Right Material for Modern Swing Sets

by James Druman
If you're looking to buy a set of swings and start putting together a small playground in your backyard, you've probably realized there are a ton of options you need to sort through to get started. The first of these is often the most complex as we don't even know where to begin—what material to go with? Believe it or not, this is probably also the most important because it directly correlates with how safe the swing sets are and how long they, and your investment, will last.

So let's have a look at the main material options when purchasing swings sets.

1. Plastic

Plastic tends to be a lot stronger than you would think and the malleable nature of the material during manufacturing means that all kinds of interesting features can be combined to create some exciting features. Plastic is also the cheapest material used in outdoor playsets.

That said, even if plastic starts off strong, it doesn't necessarily stay that way, especially if exposed to prolonged and intense sunlight. Plastic weakens over time in these conditions. It may grow brittle or begin to warp, and it soon becomes unsafe for regular play.

2. Metal

While metal may seem like a cheap and yet still durable alternative to wood, it may not be quite as strong as you think—especially if you live in an extreme environment that alternates between sun and rain or has a lot of either. Metal tends to corrode, weaken, and rust when exposed to the elements and may develop weak points over time.

Not to mention that the rusting metal can form sharp flakes with the potential of getting under skin. Also, many of these are assembled using eye bolts, which create another small, protruding danger.

3. Wood

The best option is easily wood, but it is also the most expensive. That said, if you figure in replacement costs of a cheaper set or even injuries due to weakened structural integrity, over time the wood may end up being cheaper.

Wood is highly durable and very strong, but it also creates an attractive centerpiece for your yard rather than just that cheap toy look. And while it does present the danger of splinters, many companies use redwood, which is low on splinters anyways, and then hand sand it.

After some weather treating and finishing, you've got a strong, attractive, and weather resistant material that you can count on. Wood is also easy to expand on and these sets often present lots of options for doing just that.