Everyone remembers the fun, carefree days spent playing at a playground or on a friend’s play set as a child. The countless hours spent swinging, climbing, and sliding were the source of many previous childhood memories, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many parents want to provide their own children with a top-quality source of backyard entertainment. Even in a world ruled by technology and video games, there is still something magical about playing outside.
In the eyes of a child, a play set can be everything from a spaceship to a pirate ship. Today’s manufacturers offer more options than ever before when it comes to backyard entertainment. Wood, plastic, and metal sets are all widely available. Wood play sets tend to be a little pricier, but they are often the best choice. By looking beyond the price tag, you can get your son or daughter a set that will be enjoyed for years to come.The price of play sets can vary greatly based upon a number of factors. Though many people are struggling with budgets, this is not a situation where cheaper is better. Lower priced sets are usually made with lower quality materials that will start to deteriorate after just a season or two. Metal sets are typically coated in cheap paint that starts to peel quickly and allows the set to rust. Plastic sets can also start to break down quickly when exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Not only do rusted or cracked play sets look unattractive, they also cause numerous safety risks.Many people give little consideration to wood play sets simply because of their price. It is important to note, however, that they are available at prices that will fit into nearly any budget. Unlike cheap plastic and metal sets that are usually only sold as pre-configured units at a specified price, wooden sets are customizable. That means that you can buy a small set that fits your budget now and add on to it later with ease. Doing so can save you money now, and it will also allow you to design a set that is safe for your child now and will grow with him or her later on. By looking at additional factors than just the price of play sets, you will also see a number of other benefits that are present in wood play sets.
Play set safety should always be a top concern for any parent. With regular maintenance, play sets made from wood are some of the safest available. Because they are made from treated lumber, they are able to withstand the elements without the need for paint that can peel and become a health hazard if ingested by small children. Wood play sets are durable in any climate, and they won’t cause the burns that many children have experienced as a result of playing on metal or plastic sets on sunny summer days. Many manufacturers of 
wooden play sets voluntarily comply with ASTM play set safety standards. To be sure that you are purchasing the safest possible equipment for your child, look for the ASTM seal. Doing so will ensure that the set you purchase is made from top quality materials and that it has been carefully designed with the safety of kids in mind.
Another important factor to keep in mind when shopping is longevity. Most people purchase play sets for 
small children in hopes that it will last until adolescence. Due to poor construction, many lower end sets made entirely from wood or plastic will break down long before then. If the physical structure does withstand several years of use and exposure to the elements, it is unlikely that the set will remain suitable as the children ages. Cheap sets designed for young children cannot handle the weight of older children, and they can pose serious safety issues if the set tips over or a part of it breaks. Since these sets usually cannot be upgraded, kids will also outgrow their activities. Wood play sets, on the other hand, can withstand the test of time, and they can be added on to or upgraded to include activities that are appropriate for children of all ages. In this way, these play sets are actually more cost efficient because there will never be a need to replace the entire set.
When shopping for a play set, be sure to take all the factors into consideration. If you can look beyond the initial price of play sets and choose a wooden set, your purchase is very likely to pay off in the long run. Not only is wood play set safety some of the best in the industry, these products offer the greatest longevity and are sure to provide your child with countless hours of outdoor fun and entertainment.
Tags: play sets, playset, playset safety
