We're thinking of buying a swing set for the kids this spring. We have a lot of snow where we live and I was wondering if it was better to buy a metal one or a wooden one? (they make them here). Maybe it's wise to treat the wood so it's protected? What's your thoughts on this?
2007-02-26 04:13:06 · 9 answers · asked by Just me. 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I would suggest to go with the new molded plastic models. They hold up well in wet climates, we even passed ours on when the children grew out of it. We have a lot of cold and snow here too. I would never use wood preservative on anything my children came in contact with as it is very toxic and children are more vulnerable because of their size.
2007-02-26 04:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by JAN 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Metal swingsets are very sturdy, but then you also have the problem of rust and what not. Pressure treated/tempered wood may be a good idea but verify if it will withstand the weather where you live (look at the warranty information from the manufacturer.)Example: if you go for the wood but the warranty says that it is not covered by damages caused by weather then you may want to go with the metal.) If you are worried about treated wood, there is also a protective covering that is applied to the finished wood to protect the children from the chemicals. Also, if nothing else, get the plastic typed they use for school playgrounds, that is a easy and cost effective way around the decision!! Good luck choosing, and either way the kids will LOVE it, I'm sure!
2007-02-26 04:19:41 · answer #2 · answered by cvjade 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We live in Michigan with lots of snow. We bought metal but if I had it to do over I would go with the wood. Our metal one is showing a lot of wear on the paint job and then you get rust.Its only 2 years old so thats not too good.
2007-02-26 04:17:07 · answer #3 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I live in the snow land too.....it's getting really old...okay...my kids are grown but here is my sage advice.....we had one of each...
pro wood views...
in the winter, when the kids lick the wood, they don't lose half their tounges....maybe just a splinter....
when they hit their heads on the wood, usually the mark is smaller than what the metal will leave....(trust me they wil hit their noggins).....
Upside for metal......treated wood or not, they will not last as long as metal and metal is cheaper...another upside for metal, they can do more dangerous tricks like spinning on the bars...
either way.....you gotta put concrete plants in to keep it from tipping...
hope it helps.....they are good for hours of entertainment....try to put it by a window where you can keep an eye on them....happy swinging....!!!!
2007-02-26 04:29:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whoever makes the wooden swing sets in your area will be able to advise you on how to protect the wood as well. I would ask them.
Metal also can require some maintenance as it is given to nicks and scratches, and therefore rust.
I would prefer wood since it looks warmer and cozier. Also, once it finishes its life cycle, you can always burn it. Metal becomes landfill material ....
2007-02-26 04:19:03 · answer #5 · answered by flywho 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We have temperature extremes, lots of snow in the winter and hot temperatures (many days over 100) in the summer. Our swingset is a huge metal one. It's not the kind you can get from Walmart, my dad welded it for us. There is a paint you can use and paint right over rust, it's available from specialty paint stores and auto paint stores. It stops the rust and doesn't flake. We've had our swingset for 4 years and have painted it once. We will probably repaint it this summer though.
We have neighbors and friends who have wood swingsets and even with treating the wood they still get rough and splinter after one winter.
2007-02-26 04:38:46 · answer #6 · answered by uhhhme 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
question parents bought swing sets kids
2016-02-01 01:46:55 · answer #7 · answered by Dexter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are they doing instead, playing video games? Surfing the 'net? Facebook? If it's anything electronic, I'd force a blackout period for a couple hours a day and shoo them outside. If they still don't show interest, tell them you are going to sell it since they're not interested, then do so if they continue to be indifferent.
2016-03-16 01:08:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Metal would require the least amount of maintenance. Wood looks nice, but would require upkeep with varnish, protectant, etc.
2007-02-26 04:16:30 · answer #9 · answered by Kerry 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋