What Should I Know About the Wood on My Playset?

We use premium Cedar (Cunninghamia Lanceolata) lumber and it is sourced from China. Cunninghamia Lanceolata is naturally resistant to rot and insect infestation, minimizing damage caused by nature compared to other woods. 

What causes weathering? Does it affect the strength of my Play System?

One of the main reasons for weathering is the effects of water (moisture); the moisture content of the wood at the surface is different than the interior of the wood. As the climate changes, moisture moves in or out of the wood, causing tension which can result in checking and or warping. You can expect the following due to weathering. These changes will not affect the strength of the product:

1. Checking is surface cracks in the wood along the grain. A post (4” x 4”) will experience more checking than a board (1” x 4”) because the surface and interior moisture content will vary more widely than in thinner wood.
2. Warping results from any distortion (twisting, cupping) from the original plane of the board and often happens from rapid wetting and drying of the wood.
3. Fading happens as a natural change in the wood color as it is exposed to sun-light and will turn a grey over time.

How can I reduce the amount of weathering to my Play System?

At the factory we have coated the wood with a water repellent or stain. This coating decreases the amount of water absorption during rain or snow thus decreasing the tension in the wood. Sunlight will break down the coating, so we recommend applying a water repellent or stain on a yearly basis (see your local stain and paint supplier for a recommended product). Most weathering is just the normal result of nature and will not affect safe play and enjoyment for your child.