You may have noticed that the swing sets of metal that have been the standard in playgrounds for so many years are slowly being superseded by the wooden swing set. The process is moving in a very gradual way because after all, the sturdy play sets of metal tend to last a long time, and have stood up to a lot of wear and tear over time. But improvements can always be made, and in more recent years, designers’ thoughts have turned toward keeping this playground equipment both durable and safe.

As outdoor swing sets go, the metal ones have always been durable, while the newer wooden sets require very specific types of maintenance to make them last. Nor have metal sets had much problem with splinters, except occasionally with the original wooden seats on the swings. But unless a metal set is made of galvanized steel that won’t rust, even this sturdy setup will deteriorate over time. And in many ways there is more risk of injury with metal. A wooden swing set may be made of more perishable materials, but it can still be safer in some cases than the metal version.

In colder climates, for example, there has always been the risk of a child’s skin becoming frozen to the metal on the older play sets. And during a hot summer, there’s the reverse problem of a child being burned by the over-heated metal. On the other hand, a swing set made of wood, while it also cools down and heats up, doesn’t hit nearly the temperature extremes as metal does. Yes, if not properly maintained, wood can be subject to rotting; however, if these sets are made of pressure treated lumber, then this decay is much less likely.

Apart from safety concerns, though, the “natural look” may be another reason why the wooden swing set has gained a lot of ground in recent years. Not only is this play structure made of natural materials, a big plus in a more environmentally conscious world, but the wood can also be stained to match other elements in the yard, like the fence, patio table and chairs, etc. Combine this with the vast number of kids swing set accessories, and this newer type of swing set can be thoroughly customized. Safe, durable, and fitted to your own decor and style; the swing sets made of wood offer a lot of advantages.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treating panic disorder as well as tips on the various medications for panic disorder available at anxietydisordercure.com.

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