Care & Maintenance
Sun, rain, wind, frost can do a number...here are a few recommendations to keep your equipment in tip-top shape for many years to come:
- Extend the life of your wood by adding sealant or paint. Roll up those sleeves, your play equipment will love you for it! As part of your warranty, you must add wood sealant or paint to your whole play set within 90 days for protection from the elements. Depending on your preference it may be easier to do this before assembly. If you haven't already seen, check out our very own Forest & Frolic Clear Gloss Wood Stain & Sealant - it offers strong protection from the elements with a beautiful finish. For additional guidance you can also have a look at these staining, painting and product tips from our friends at Guthrie Bowron.
- Watch out for the wind. It’s important to follow the wind advice in your instruction manual carefully. Check out our wind guidance page for ways to help protect your equipment.
- Prevent squeaking by adding lubricant to the metal components. Just like the Tin Man after rain, your equipment may need some lubricant on a squeak every now and again to keep that playing peaceful.
- Tighten, tighten, tighten. Between the weather and your little ones playing all over it, things can loosen slightly over time. We suggest checking the equipment regularly to ensure all pieces are fitting together tightly.
- Lightly sand your wood to stop splinters. The grain of the wood will sometimes lift in dry periods causing peeling or splinters to appear. A light sand in those spots will keep the wood smooth to the touch.
- Fun Fact! Timber dries from the outside to the centre, and can take up to 6 years to reach its equilibrium moisture content 🤯 Dried timber is stronger, harder, lighter and more resistant to bumps and other damage.
Over time timber wood checks and peeling can form. This is where there is a separation of the wood fibres running with the grain of the wood. This does not affect the strength or durability of the wood, or the structural integrity of the play set.
There can be rare cases where splits can occur. This happens when a crack develops past the halfway point of the timber, splitting it into two separate pieces. Our Natural Timber page has more information on this. If you're concerned about a crack in your wood, please just send us a picture.