Swing Sets Work Best

Swing sets come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from several materials including metal, steel, wood and plastic. However, research and studies have shown that wood swing sets are the safest, most durable and longest lasting of all the commercial play sets on the market. There are a few reasons why wood makes for the best frame, especially redwood. Known for being a strong timber redwood has a natural resistance to decay, is virtually splinter free and doesn't need constant coats of wood preservatives and stains to maintain both its durability and rich exterior color.

Most people would assume metal or steel is the strongest material to use but there's a reason redwood trees outlast buildings. Weather is a constant threat to a play set frame and over the year's rain, snow, high winds, excessive UV sunlight and insects and animals will take its toll and begin to corrode the metal. This can be very dangerous when dealing with swing chain links and children. While corroded metal can show a rusted color it won't always and you may not even know the metal is weakening.

The same holds true for plastic. Cheap and lightweight plastic is also under attack from the elements the day it is put outside and will deteriorate even faster than metal. While plastic is a good material for an indoor play set it can't be trusted to last more than a year or two outside.