Swing set buying guide

Swing sets are generally made of either metal or wood. Those with metal frames are generally more affordable and they often come in a range of bright colours! A metal swing set will also require little maintenance. However, it is common for rust to set in over time and this can eventually lead to structural damage.

Wooden swing sets offer a touch of traditional charm. When it comes to style, it's easy to match this material to any other items you may have in your garden. However, it is worth considering that wood requires yearly maintenance. These steps involve:

• Prepping the wood by sanding;

• Using a wood treatment to protect against mould and insects;

• Varnishing, painting or staining (depending on wood species).

It's also advisable to check the strength of the different parts of your swing set and to give the screws a quick once over with a screwdriver on a yearly basis to ensure that the structure is secure. Remember: wood can warp over time.

Plastic is generally used to form the swing seat and is a great alternative to wood if you want to avoid splinters! Easy to maintain, plastic seats require little care beyond the occasional sponge down. After it rains, all you need to do is wipe the surface and your swing set is ready for use again.

British Standards

British Standards BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 set out all the safety requirements for swing sets and ensure that every swing set that conforms to these standards have been rigorously tested.

Recommended minimum age

In order to use a swing set, children must be able to hold the chains or rope themselves. For those under 3 years old, it's best to use a toddler seat with a harness. The minimum recommended age should be specified on the product specifications but remember that adult supervision is still essential for any child! 

Additional safety tips for installing your swing

All swings must be firmly secured to the ground to limit the risk of frame tipping over. If the structure is not properly secure, one or more feet can lift off the ground when swinging at high speeds. To make sure this doesn't happen, you will need to lay a concrete base and fix the feet to it using brackets, bolts or fixing plugs.

It's also important to remember that the area surrounding the swing set must be kept clear to avoid any collisions during playtime. We recommend a clearance space of at least two metres. If you want to avoid injuries, installing your swing on a lawn is the best way to dampen falls! If this isn't possible, bark chips will also work.

Of course, your choice isn't limited to a conventional swing set. Some models offer a variety of different activities for more play and challenges. You can choose from features such as see-saw swings, climbing frames or trapeze bars. The more space you have, the more options are available to you from larger swing sets to models featuring rings or even slides.

One important factor to consider is the number of children who will want to have a go on the swing at any given time! It's also important to keep in mind how easy the swing parts will be to replace, as well as how easy they are to install. Happy swinging!

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