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A swing set is basically a chair tied at two ends on a bar for support. The sitter could ride back and forth as he tries to make the swing move. It is a good investment to help children develop their psychomotor skills. It stimulates a child's imagination and encourages exercise in the form of play. It is available in various designs, shapes, sizes, and construction materials.
A wooden swing set has certain features that make it more popular compared to metals. Wood is sturdier and more durable. The material is easy to work with, and it gives a very natural and outdoorsy look. It complements well your backyard or garden. Woods are also less prone to injuries. Just smoothen out the edges. It is unlike metals that could rust when faced with rough external conditions.
Most wooden swing sets are pre-designed and usually composed of slides, ropes, and miniature forts. Jungle gym is the favorite set amongst children. It goes along with slides, monkey bars, climbing structure, and play decks in a playground. Many companies are also selling customized designs. They allow their customers to design their own for a more personal touch especially when it will be used at home. Customized swing sets are of course more expensive than the generic ones.
The common woods used for swings are pine, redwood, and cedar. Pressure treated pine is the strongest and most economical among the three. The majority prefer cedars because of its unique qualities. Cedar gained its reputation because of its durability and natural decay resistant characteristic. Cedar is also a splinter-free wood that is ideal and safe to use in constructing wooden play sets.
Here are the things to consider in buying swing sets. First, find a swing set that is easy to install and dismantle. Look for a size that fits the space provided in the backyard. The swing set should be appropriate to the child's age and interests. Seat wrap or belt is an important feature of swings. This will ensure child safety.
The height of the swing should also be adjustable to accommodate the growth of the child.
Swing set that allows expansion is ideal. This will permit additional activity sets that may interest a child.
Carefully check how strong and durable the swing is. It should withstand not only the weight of the child but the adult as well. Keep your children safe from accidents always. Make sure that warranty protection is included in the purchased swing set.
Leading Wooden Swing Sets Manufacturer
Rainbow Play System
Rainbow Play System uses Cedar, Redwood, Cunninghami, and Plastic Encapsulated Lumber (PEL) in constructing wooden swing sets. Other features are high visibility vertical safety rails, fastener-free play surfaces, heavy duty 360 degree tire swing, triple bracket system, vinyl coated swing beam plate, equilateral triangle design, heavy gauge dipped safety chain, and full one-inch thick rope
Cedar Works
Cedar Works uses 100% Northern white cedar on wooden swing set construction.
Gorilla Play Sets
Gorilla Play Sets uses only the finest quality lumber such as California Redwood, Western Red Cedar, and Pine in building wooden swing sets. Furthermore, it is easy to assemble. The beams are poly-coated. The angled ladders come with flat wide steps.
Other features are electro-galvanized hardware, canopies are made up of marine-grade vinyl, interlocking roof design, heavy gauge swing beam bracketing system, and h. High grade polyethylene plastic swing belts.
Play Nation
Play Nation uses galvanized bolt and lag hardware in constructing their wooden swing sets. Swing beams are adjustable. Swing chains and trapeze bar are all coated with vinyl for long lasting effect.
It is better to buy your swingset based on the age of your child. This is because the child should not only be comfortable in the swing; the swing should also be comfortable to the child's body. While metal swings are long lasting, there is the chance of the swing rusting over time.
However in the case of wooden swingsets, you face minimal maintenance requirements. There is also a great variety of wooden swingsets for you to choose from, based on quality and timber species. To ensure longevity of your wooden swing, it is important that you clean it regularly.
Washing tips for your wooden swing
Keep a lookout for bugs and other outdoor structures as some bugs like termites, can severely damage the swing to beyond repair. Moreover, wasps and hornets may make hives in dark places, and cause danger to kids playing on the swing.
To clean your swing set, you have to first spray it with a garden hose to get rid of accumulated dirt, leaves and even dirty water. You may need pressure washing to get rid of stubborn bird droppings; however, do so while making sure you don't damage the wood.
This done, most people use a wire brush to get rid of the swing's grime. This is not suggested as it only digs the wood, causes splinters and creates crevices in the wooden swingset for the sun and rain to rot. On the contrary, you have to use a brush with soft bristles with soap and water to remove mold, mildew and dirt while brushing in circular motion.
Start cleaning from eye level
Though there are special cleaners and solvents to use to clean wooden swingsets, the most effective cleaning solution is simple soap and warm water. It is better to use a strong cloth or soft brush than a sponge to clean in circular motion.
When you clean your swing, it is better to clean it by starting at eye level and working down the structure. You will be sure you don't miss any areas by cleaning the entire area in a systematic manner. Moreover, by working from the top, you will be sure that dirt does not flow to the areas that have already been washed.
Let the swing dry thoroughly
After cleaning with soap solution, you have to once again hose down the wooden swingset. The next thing to do is to let the swing set dry in the sun. This ensures that it stays clean for a longer time.
Make sure that no kids play on the wooden swingset till it dries completely. This is not only to ensure that the swingset thoroughly dries, but also because there is the possibility of kids kicking up mud which will end up sticking on the freshly cleaned, wet wooden swingset.