Best Backyard Swing Sets for Kids: Wooden Vs. Metal

Swing sets are a great investment for your children. They will produce hours of fun. Here are some swing set options to help you choose what is best for your family.

Swing set features:
Look through the Toys R Us magazines
Visit local parks
Visit local hardware shops
Look at the various features and accessories that are available and choose wisely considering safety, your child's preferences, maintenance, and cost.

Wooden Vs Metal How to Choose the Best Option for You:

Wooden Swing sets:
Are more expensive than metal swing sets. The prices range from 350. for a used swing set to 3500. or higher for a deluxe new swing set. The woods can cause splinters and they need to be stained yearly or bi yearly to keep an attractive look. If they are not stained regularly they will begin to look grayish in color. When having a large wooden swing set built in your yard you will have to consider placing a mulch or soft stone base under the set. When choosing a wooden style swing set instead of just going to the hardware store where all the new sets sit looking regal and beautiful drive through neighborhoods. Observe how they look in the yard and how fresh they do or do not look after a few years. A wood swing set requires maintenance. There is staining and there are parts that will wear and need to be replaced more quickly than others. The swings, the tarp, and the plastic accessories will wear with weather and will need to be replaced.

Metal Swing sets:
Are less expensive than wooden sets. They come with a large variety of accessories and swings. They range in price from 199.00 to 900.00. They have less maintenance. They can be placed directly over a grassy area. They often hold up better in weather and need replacements parts less frequently. Downside: the metal can get dings and nicks over time. Drive through neighborhoods and look at older swing sets to see if you like the look as much as in their yard as you do when you envision it in yours.

The average swing set will be used per family for eight years. Choose a swing set that will last that long and look good. Plan to replace a metal swing set after eight years. Plan to sell, or remove, or spruce up a wooden swing set after eight years. The wood may need to be replaced in certain areas and new swings and attachments will need to be added.

Purchasing a used swing set can introduce some concerns such as: is all the hardware present? Is all the hardware reusable or is it damaged and or bent? How will it be transported and what will be the cost? Who will dismantle it and put it back together? If purchasing a used swing set it may be best to hire a handy man to disassemble it, move it and put it together. This will ensure that all pieces are in tact and that it can be put back together again with as much ease as possible. Consider the extra cost of the handy man when agreeing on a price.

A swing set is a precious investment in the life of your child. Enjoy the shopping process and have fun.