Not Wood: The Swing Set Material That's Cheaper And More Durable

Swing sets are a great way to give children a place to play and enjoy the outdoors right at home. But this type of outdoor equipment gets a lot of wear and tear, and not just from the little ones jumping and playing on it day after day. Many classic home swing sets are made of wood, which is particularly vulnerable to weather damage. Despite this, many people choose the material for its aesthetic appeal. If your backyard swing set needs an update, or if you're building one for the first time, consider using steel instead. 

Swing sets are often exposed to high temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. And if a wood swing set isn't stained or sealed, it can start to rot, produce splinters, and become a place for mold and mildew to thrive. Over time, the material deteriorates, which is not only unsightly but can also cause potentially dangerous structural damage. Not only is steel more durable and weather-resistant than wood, but you might also be surprised to learn that it's actually cheaper to build with as well.

Although wooden swing sets look great, they are, on average, more expensive than steel-framed models. The average price of a steel swing set ranges from $200 for a basic design to $1,200 for larger residential kits. By contrast, a wooden swing set can set you back anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on size and complexity. If upfront cost is your main concern when purchasing a backyard playset, steel is the cheaper option.

Another advantage of steel swing sets is durability and ease of maintenance. Steel is less vulnerable to weather-related wear and tear than wood. Since your swing set stays outside year-round, long-term durability is a major concern, especially if you live in a climate with regular rain and cold winters. Luckily, steel is unlikely to rot or attract pests. Wood swing sets also require more maintenance, such as yearly staining and sealing. On the other hand, steel sets only need light cleaning, like rinsing the surface or brushing off debris.

Steel swing sets have some disadvantages. First, while more durable, some steel swing sets are not as long-lasting as properly weather-treated wooden frames. Residential models typically last around five to 10 years, whereas a wooden-framed play set can last 20 years or more with proper care and yearly maintenance. If you want something that will last a long time, and your kids won't outgrow it too soon, a wooden play set might be a better choice. And while the upfront price of a wooden swing set is higher, its cost-per-year can be comparable to a steel set when you account for its longer lifespan.

Furthermore, although it needs less maintenance than wood, steel still requires care. Like any metal, steel will develop rust or cracks over time. Steel swing sets are typically powder-coated, which keeps water from coming into direct contact with the metal surface and prevents rust. Nonetheless, this coat isn't indestructible and can chip or scratch over time. Rust can then start to form on the exposed steel underneath. Keep some spray paint handy for touch-ups when needed.

Another consideration with metal swing sets is safety. Unlike wood, metal will absorb heat on a sunny summer day. This is another reason a steel swing set needs to be painted: Paint covers the exposed steel surfaces that absorb heat, which makes them safer to the touch. Furthermore, pay close attention to its overall design. Look for a swing set without features, such as hard edges or corners, that could be dangerous in the event of a bump or fall.