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What is Laminated timber?
Glued laminated timber is manufactured from laminates of sawn timber planed to a smooth surface, before being glued together with the grain in the laminates running parallel.
Why is Laminated timber best?
Laminated timber vastly reduces the natural effect of fibre separation that causes splits in timber poles giving high strength, highly engineered timber poles. Laminated timber gives better dimensional stability and suffers less from shrinkage and deformation than solid wood sections. The glued joint is even stronger than the timber itself!
How is timber treated?
Playdale timber is pressure treated in accordance with EN 351-1 and EN 335-2 using a chromium and arsenic free treatment.
Can the timber rot?
The way Playdale timber is pressure treated ensures that the timber is preserved deep into the wood, hence why we can offer long guarantees up to 20 years!
Can children get splinters from the timber?
During production, all protruding edges are sanded, smoothed and finished with a machined radius to give a smooth and splinter free finish in accordance with BS EN 1176. We use soft timber rather than hard timber, which reduces the risk of splintering.
Can timber play equipment be set on fire?
Playdale timber is flame and fire resistant. Infact only one in ten thousand timber poles are replaced due to fire damage. Careful design by Playdale engineers ensures minimum opportunity for fire damage.
What exactly does flame and fire resistant mean?
Fire resistance means that if someone attempted to burn the wood it would most likely char on the outside as opposed to setting alight. For example timber would only slightly char the surface if attempted to be lit with a cigarette lighter and the damage could be sanded back. No playground will ever be completely fire resistant however, a substantial heat source would have to be placed under a playground for it to set alight!
What will happen if vandals graffiti it?
Graffiti can be easily removed by lightly sanding and timber would not need re-treating as it is protected deep into the wood. Your equipment would also not require any repainting thus reducing your maintenance costs for the future.
Is timber suitable in coastal areas, will it erode?
Timber is a proven product in all environments, even in the harshest of coastal areas.
Does using timber have any implications on the environment?
If anything, timber has positive effects on the environment. It is a natural renewable source and all Playdale timber comes from totally sustainable, managed forests. The use of timber creates a need for forests, which in turn is good for the environment in terms of reducing pollution and benefiting wildlife. All Playdale timber comes from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited forests.
What are your guarantees on timber products?
All Laminated Timber Poles are covered by a 20 year guarantee and Sawn Timber is covered by a 15 year guarantee both against structural failure caused by rot or infestation with the exclusion of Termite attack.
How easy is timber to maintain?
Timber is an extremely low maintenance product, it is also a strong product and our guarantees reflect this. Historically we supply an extremely low percentage of replacement timber poles and timber does not require any repainting during its life meaning lower maintenance costs for you.
Do children like timber play areas?
Timber is great for children as it is warm and soft and provides year round fun and challenge! Timber is also a natural material and offers educational opportunity for children.
For more information about why timber is a great building product visit the wood for good website.
If you have any other queries regarding timber or any of our products please do not hesitate to contact our UK headquarters where our team will be more than happy to assist you.