If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your backyard, wood playsets are the way to go. They are functional and aesthetically pleasing, so your children will love you for buying them for them. Wood playsets are not only great for your children, but they also add to the aesthetic of your home. Wooden playsets are classy and antique-looking and make your house feel like a home. 

Wooden playsets may last for a long time, but you must conduct proper maintenance for these so you can ensure that they last longer. To get the most life out of them, you must maintain your wood playsets. South Florida faces a lot of rainy climates, so if you live in a state where there’s frequent precipitation, you too will want to preserve your playset against weathering.  

We have prepared this article, so you know what to expect when you’re buying a wood playset for your backyard. 

Are Wood Playsets Better? 

Playsets come in all sorts of materials, from wood to metal and plastic. If you’re buying one for the first time, you’re probably want to know why you should opt for a wooden one. Wood playsets have a range of benefits:

• They are long-lasting 
• They are durable
• They give off a magical feel
• They are better for the environment
• They come in castle-like designs
• Fun for all ages
• They are usually sustainably harvested
• They are easy to customize 
• Replacements are relatively easy 
• They easily blend with the backyard

It’s also important to note that wood playsets feel closest to treehouses, and children will feel better about them. Wood is an insulator, so they’re unlikely to get too hot in the winter and too cold in the summer. Thus, if you want something better for older children and reminiscent of treehouses, wood playhouses are the best option. 

Downsides to Wood Playsets

Nothing can be perfect or without a few drawbacks. Before buying a wood playset, you should be aware that it has downsides and know these downsides. 

1. Maintenance Demands

Maintenance is one of the biggest demands of wooden playsets. South Florida and other tropical areas have weather that fluctuates, and climatic conditions like this require even further maintenance from your end. If you choose a wood playset, you might have to repaint or restain it each summer to keep it safe for young children. 

2. Splinters

As wood playsets age, there are greater chances of splinters. These splinters won’t be small but rather big and nasty. These splinters can be deeply harmful to your children.

3. They’re Not Very Colorful.

Sure, you can pain the wood playsets any way you want. However, generally, wood playsets don’t occur in the same bright color as vinyl playsets do. These playsets in no way brighten up your backyard,

4. Lifespan 

The lifespan for these playsets is shorter than vinyl, plastic, or metal playsets. Protection from various external factors like precipitation, insects, and even mold isn’t possible with the exposed wood frame of wood playsets. South Florida and other tropical areas can face all of these factors, and thus, you must decide if wood playsets are what you want. 

How Can You Keep Your Wood Playsets Safe

The most significant aspect of any toy or playset is that it must be safe for your children. With a wood playset, there are certain features you must look out for to ensure safety for your children. Some things you may want to avoid are:

1. Metal Swing Chains

These chains can get very hot and may even pinch your child’s skin, get chains covered in some polymer or coating.

2. Raised Screws and Hardware

If your wood playset already shows signs of danger, it’s best to avoid it. You can use cap-bolts and close S-hooks to protect your children.

3. Warped Wood 

Warped wood can lead to stability issues, and the wooden frame can collapse.

4. Canvas Roof Coverings

If you live in a damp and humid climate, canvas rood coverings are not your friend. They are the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow.

5. Splinters

To avoid splinters, you should frequently sand down, cover, or replace old wooden boards and beams.

Final Thoughts 

It would be best if you understood that wood playsets would inevitably have some advantages and some disadvantages. If you want to understand if wood playsets are the best idea for you, look at all the available options first. 

There are some areas where it’s not a good idea to house wood playsets. South Florida and other tropical locations that receive rain frequently require extra protection for a wood playset. If this is something you can do, you should proceed but bear in mind all the work you’ll have to do. To learn about wood playsets and get the best ones available, contact Hitching Post in Delray Beach, Florida, by calling (561) 499-0077 or visiting our website.