In the summer months, metal playsets can easily be too hot to touch for much of the day (which is never fun to explain to a kiddo who’s ready to climb and swing!) Metal playsets have one unavoidable hazard though: temperature. When safety and installation instructions are followed, both metal and wood playsets can be safe. Then, clean the exposed metal and apply multiple layers of rust-resistant primer and paint until the spot is covered and blends in with the rest of the swing set. If any rust has started to appear, you’ll need to sand it off first. The process for covering chips is similar to repainting chips in your car. While you won’t need to apply a stain each year, you will need to be vigilant about noticing and repairing chips in the paint before they can lead to rust. Metal swing sets require a similar level of maintenance. Wood playsets will require a yearly coat of water-repellent stain. Even more concerning? Because weather-resistant powder coatings are usually only applied to the exterior surfaces of the swing set, much of this rust occurs on the inside of the swing set, where you can’t see it. Eventually, these chips result in rust, and without quick repairs, can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your playset. With residential metal swing sets, you can expect storms and exposure to chip the paint over time. However, commercial equipment is usually far more resistant to chipping and rusting, the main enemies of the common residential versions of metal playsets. Metal: Since most public playgrounds are made with metal equipment, it’s easy to assume that metal is the more durable choice. If a wood swing set does begin to rot (usually due to neglect or extreme age), rotting boards will need to be replaced to maintain safety. Over time, some wear and tear such as warping, checking, and weathering are normal and don’t necessarily affect the structural integrity of the swing set. Quality wood swing sets are made from rot-resistant wood like cedar, so they can withstand the elements. Wood playsets usually have the advantage over metal swing sets in terms of durability. Wood: How long do wooden playsets last? With proper care, they can last 10-15 years depending on your climate. In addition to the size of the playset, the thickness of the metal and the quality of the paint or powder coating (the rust-resistant finish on the metal) are some of the factors that set commercial playsets apart from residential ones. While both commercial and residential metal playsets are usually made from steel, they still vary greatly in quality and durability. “Metal playsets” can be a broad range of products from the super-durable commercial equipment at your local playground to the simple swing sets you find in backyards. That’s why we’re weighing the pros and cons of metal and wood playsets in this guide, so you can make the right choice for your family and get playtime started ASAP!

We know there’s a ton to consider when you’re in the market for a playset – including what it’s made of.

Metal vs cedar playsets