Just as outdoor swingsets provide seasonal fun, they also require seasonal care. Granted it may seem as though play equipment that’s designed to be outdoors doesn’t need attention. The experts at Swings N Things near Worcester, Massachusetts say this is a common misconception. The elements can wreak havoc on a child’s prized possession and rob them of years of fun. So today, we’re focusing on wooden swingsets and sharing tips that can help them stand strong. Make use of this tailored input, and your child can fly high when spring returns to Westboro, Massachusetts; Waltham, Massachusetts; Boston; and beyond!

The first thing you need to do to protect outdoor play equipment is understand what you’re up against. Per our focus on wooden swingsets, it may be natural to assume that water in the nemesis in this conversation. And while water is on the list, you may be surprised to know that sunlight is a fierce adversary too. That’s why the experts suggest that maintenance of outdoor swingsets include the periodic application of stain.

Your climate will set your staining schedule. But if you live in Boston or neighboring areas like Worcester, Westboro, and Waltham, an annual coat in fall would be a good starting point. Selecting fall as your stain initial season is a double-win. By that we mean, fall weather to include cool evening breezes will provide a comfortable work environment for you and shorten drying time. And if you’re wondering why we say starting point, know that what goes on in your backyard will help you determine if you need to stain your child’s outdoor play equipment more or less frequently.

A stable layer of stain will protect wooden swingsets from both sunlight and water. Shielding them from sun stops the wood from drying out, cracking, and splintering. Meanwhile, blocking water shuns mildew and rot. And when it comes to snow, the experts at Swings N Things suggest you think tarp. Because allowing snow to settle, melt, refreeze, and so on increases the likeliness that parts of wooden swingsets will absorb moisture and expand. This can allow for more and/or accelerate the spread of all of the problems we’ve named. And that can make for a messy, mildewed, warped, splintered disaster come spring.

Lastly, the team at Swings N Things suggests you bring swings and any other removable accessories indoors. This is, of course, optional. But doing so will keep components of all outdoor swingsets, not just wooden swingsets, looking and feeling newer longer. So, if you agree that rust, tattered plastic, and worn, cracked swings shouldn’t be present on play equipment, add this extra bit of effort. And when your child returns to your backyard in Worcester, Massachusetts; Westboro, Massachusetts; or Waltham, Massachusetts, their bright eyes and big smiles will be all the thanks you need! For more input, visit bamass.com or call 508.754.9399 and ask an expert.

Swings N Things
16 Harrington Avenue
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545
508.754.9399
bamass.com