When it comes to playground equipment, the type and quality of material used isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind but is an essential part of your playground design, longevity, and the look you want to achieve. Below we’ve highlighted the differences between wooden and metal playground equipment to help you choose the perfect equipment for your playground project.
Metal is a material that is widely used in the playground sector. Due to its excellent durability and low maintenance requirements, it provides long-term benefits. Widely used in both rural and urban settings, its modern, sleek design can bring a contemporary aspect to an inner-city region or provide contrast to the landscape around it in a green space.
Metal playground equipment requires minimal maintenance and is robust against vandalism and graffiti. This means it will continue to look as fresh as the day you bought it. It can withstand heavy winds, rain, and warmer conditions, making it suited for lots of different locations including coastal areas.
All structural metal used on Playdale equipment is made from high quality 304-grade stainless steel (3mm thick.) This is the most adaptable and widely used steel in the world, and it exceeds the standards for structural playground equipment durability and safety. Covered by a 25-year guarantee.
Wood, like metal, is a popular material in the playground industry, but for different reasons. When you think about wooden playground equipment, the terms “natural” and “outdoor feeling” spring to mind. The use of timber can compliment rural settings by following the natural shape of the land. It will also stand out and offer a warmer and softer characteristic to busy urbanised areas.
Wooden playground equipment will last longer than its plastic counterparts and has a more beneficial environmental impact. The slow-growing pine used in the Playdales structural wooden poles comes from forests that have earned the FSC’s seal of approval.
Almost all our wooden playground equipment comes with steel ground fixings as standard. They increase the guarantee of your equipment, among other advantages like the reduction of strimmer damage. Learn more about the advantages of steel ground fixings here. Discover additional benefits of steel ground fixings here.
Playdale Fact
We offer a 20-year guarantee on all our laminated rounded wooden poles. The lamination process significantly lessens the effect of fibre separation which would ordinarily results in splits and cracks in the poles. It also provides the timbers with a smooth and high quality machine finish.
As a long term investment, high quality, certified playground equipment has become crucial for playground owners and operators in recent years. Structural and aesthetic materials whether they be wooden, or metal…or a mixture of both are an important part of creating the right playground for your space. Request a copy of our latest catalogue to find view our full range of wooden and metal playground equipment.
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