Many brands recommend that you clean the playset before re-staining it to remove any dirt and debris.Ĭleaning can simply be done with a water hose or power washer and mild soap. It also keeps your playset looking nicer and will hopefully allow you to avoid having to stain it as often.
Regular cleaning of your swing set will help prevent stains in the wood or rotting due to wet wood. You will also prevent stretching or tearing of vinyl or fabric canopy roofs because they will not be exposed to harsh winds or have snow sitting on them all winter. By removing these parts and storing them indoors for the winter you will extend their usable life and avoid any deterioration of the plastic. These parts might include swings, gliders, rope ladders, and even the canopy roof. If you do not cover the entire playset with a tarp during the winter months, you may want to consider removing any parts that can be easily detached.
Remove Any Detachable PartsĪgain, this step might only apply if you live in an area with cold, snowy winters or are not able to utilize your swing set all year around. Otherwise you will need to cut and stain your own wood to fit or contact the manufacturer to purchase replacements. As long as your swing set is still under warranty, the company may replace these boards.
#BEST CEDAR PLAYSETS CRACKED#
While splintering wood can easily be fixed by sanding the pieces, any cracked or rotting boards should be replaced immediately. If parts are beginning to rust or you see cracks, these parts should be replaced immediately to avoid injuries.Īll wood components should be inspected for splinters and cracking. Metal parts can also be lubricated with vegetable oil to keep them moving smoothly. Plastic components should be inspected for cracks while metal parts should be checked for rust. You may also want to tighten all nuts and bolts as required. Especially at the beginning of the season you should check all bots and screws to make sure they are not sticking out precariously or broken off causing sharp edges. While some regular maintenance items or fixes will be obvious you will want to look closer at other components such as the swing chains, plastic components, and small hardware. For those that do not use their set in the winter months it is best to do an inspection in the spring before your kids start using it and then at least 2 more times before the end of the season. If you live in an area where your kids are fortunate enough to use their set all year around, then an inspection should be done once a month. It is important to the safety and longevity or your playset to complete a regular inspection of all of its components. Make sure you know what not to do when staining your wooden swing set! Do Regular Inspections Hopefully this will mean not having to do this step quite as often. This will not only protect the wood from the elements but will help the stain and sealant last longer. If you live in an area that has cold and snowy winters or a season when the swing set will not be in use, you may want to consider covering it with a tarp. You should also begin staining from the top down so if the stain drips you can blend it in to the wood as you go. When putting stain on the swing set be careful not to get it on plastic or rubber components as it can permanently leave stain marks on them. Staining should be done every 2-3 years or as needed to keep the wood looking nice.
Staining the wood is also an important maintenance step. Some sealants come with a tint if you want to enhance the wood’s color slightly but prefer not to or do not feel the need to re-stain everything. It is usually a good idea to reseal the wood on your set every 1-2 years.It doesn’t matter whether you use an oil or water based sealant as long as it is waterproof and protects against UV rays. You can also purchase waterproof sealant at a local hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. Some companies, like Gorilla Playsets, sell a commercial grade playground sealant that will provide a protective layer against moisture, mold, mildew, and sun. If they are not pre-sealed it is recommended that you seal the wood within 60-90 days after construction.Ī waterproof sealant will prolong the life of your swing set by limiting the moisture that can seep into the wood and protecting it from UV rays as well. Most brands will come with these components already pre-stained and/or pre-sealed. One of the most important things you can do when it comes to increasing the life of your wooden play structure is to keep all of the wood stained and sealed.
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