How Long do Swing Sets Last? (+Tips to Last Longer)
Everyone has the same question when they set out to buy a swing set. How long will the set last? After they receive their answer, their first comment is, you do not know my kids. True, kids can be hard on swing sets and their longevity depends on how they are treated.
So, how long do swing sets last? There are companies who provide 20 year warranties on their wood swing sets but they also build them so well they expect those swing sets to last longer than 20 years.
But there are term limits that give you an idea on how long a swing set will last. Just keep reading to find out more.
Tip #1: buy top quality materials and do not settle for second best
Swing Sets Life Expectancy 101
Looking for a Swing Set? Don't buy something you'll hate
Here is a list of our buying guides to help you find the best swing set for your needs:
How Long do Wooden Swing Sets Last?
Lifetimes are a depends subject especially when you are talking wood. How long a wood swing set lasts depends on how it is treated, what kind of maintenance you do, if the bugs get to it and so on.
With that said, some wood swing sets can last you your lifetime. There are companies who provide 20 year warranties on their wood swing sets but they also build them so well they expect those swing sets to last longer than 20 years.
How Long do Cedar Swing Sets Last?
One of the good things about cedar is that while it is wood, it discourages insects from eating it. That is a bonus that will help this swing set last a long time. The thickness of the wood used in its construction will also play a role in how long the cedar swig set will last
It is is made of 2 x 4 and not 4 x 4 grade cedar, it won’t last as long as you would like. You want 4 x4 and 4 x 6 inch cedar posts and beams. The other key to having cedar swing sets last is that you need to stain, paint or cleaned regularly. If you don’t then the cedar swing set won’t last the standard 20 years.
Tip #2: make sure you set rules for behavior when your children and their friends are playing o the swing set
How Long do Rainbow Swing Sets Last?
Rainbow is a popular brand that makes an assortment of swing sets and other playground toys. You can find their swing sets at different outlets but those are not built to the same quality standards as the ones Rainbow sells directly.
These lesser carnival swing sets will not last as long as the ones you buy directly from Rainbow. Anyways, you are looking at 18-20 years for a Rainbow swing set. They do provide 5 year and lifetime warranties on all their components. Just read the details so you know what is or isn’t covered and for how long.
Tip #3: do not let your kids or their friends hit the swing set with hard objects or spill liquids on it
How Long do Metal Swing Sets Last
One of the main factors that play a role in the long lifespan of many swing sets, is the quality of materials used in its construction. Even with metal swing sets, you could get one made from inferior metal which will not last a long time.
Metal is vulnerable to time and the weather and you may not see a crack in the paint or plastic coating and moisture gets inside. This moisture can ruin the metal swing set and shorten its life.
With proper maintenance, and good treatment metal swing sets should last you about 15 to 20 years. Of course, your experience may be longer or shorter than that.
How Long Should a Wooden Swing Set Last?
This is a good question as everyone should know by now that wood swing sets are made to last for more than 20 years. Of course, that lifespan depends a lot on the type of wood used and cedar doesn’t last as long as pine.
With the right care, your wood swing set should last you so long, that your grandkids can come visit and play on it. They may even be able to play on it till they are too big to use it. But every owner’s experience may be different.
What Is The Longest Lasting Swing Set
If you are talking in terms of individual swing sets that have stood the test of time and have been in constant use, then we would not know. Such records are not kept. If you are talking in terms of construction materials then we would know the answer to the question.
There are three material used in building swing sets- plastic, metal and wood. Plastic isn’t even in the ball park when it comes to longevity. The longest lasting materials would be wood and metal, with metal being a very close second to wood.
How to Protect a Wooden Swing Set
To keep your wood swing set long lasting there are steps you need to take to keep it protected from the weather and insects, etc. Here are those steps:
Use pressure treated lumber only
Use a sealer to lock out the weather and insect
Caulk all hardware around their edges
Spray insect repellent on the wood
Paint the wood and hardware
How to Protect Swing Set From Weed Wacker
When you are doing your lawn maintenance, you need to cut the grass that grows around your swing set. It s not a good thing to let a weed wacker hit the wood or metal frame.
When a weed wacker nylon blades hit the wood, it can ruin the finish and leave an opening for insects and moisture. Or it can chip the wood. If those nylon blades hit the metal, it can strip the pain and leave the metal frame vulnerable to moisture.
The best way to protect your swing set from a weed wacker is to use hand clippers when you need to remove the grass from around the swing set.
Some Final Comments
Getting your swing set to last you a long time isn’t that difficult. With the proper treatment, care and maintenance you should be able to enjoy your swing set till your grandkids grow up.
That is except for most plastic versions. These do not enjoy the long lifespan their wood or metal counterparts enjoy.
Looking for a Swing Set? Don't buy something you'll hate
Here is a list of our buying guides to help you find the best swing set for your needs:
