We use Southern Yellow Pine which are grown and managed in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified Louisiana forests. We use this timber for our climbing frames as this species of pine has a unique cellular structure.
This means a lower density and greater permeability, meaning the wood preserving treatment (more about that below) can go all the way through to the core. Therefore, 100% of the timber is treated.
How so? Well, these trees experience longer and warmer summers than we do, and being grown in managed forests, each tree has the ideal amount of sunlight and space which allows it to grow.
Two things. Firstly, when it is undergoing its pressure treatment, the preserver can penetrate quickly and focus its efforts on getting to the heartwood (the central part of the tree).
Secondly, a great movement of moisture - the ability for moisture to move in and out of timber is important, remember that rot and mold love moist and dark conditions.
A distinct characteristic of this pine is the colour which is a beautiful rich yellow to begin with and as the seasons pass, you’ll begin to notice a subtle silvering as the wood patinas.
How often have you experienced a rotten fence post or deck board, whether it be something that resembles paper mache, ready to snap or something green, grubby and covered in algae? None of which we would favour for our children’s play equipment. Prevention is better than cure and wood species and wood treatment is crucial. |
We’re passionate about using the very best materials, and our timber really is different to what you might expect. We use a very particular species of wood, which consumes 3 times the amount of tannalising treatment than typical European species, this means our sets really do stand the test of time, and do not rot in the usual 10 years! They also benefit from an antimicrobial coating, meaning even less maintenance!
Another benefit is that our sets require very little maintenance. We recommend using an algaecide spray once every 5 years. No scrubbing, pressure-washing or elbow grease required! In a usual lifespan of our sets, this means applying algaecide only 3 times!
Most of us care about how our community looks and choosing a natural wooden climbing frame is often the favoured option, but it shouldn't come at a cost of longevity. Our climbing frames provide the natural aesthetic with a beautiful aging process, whilst lasting for decades of fun and adventure!
We can help bring your imagination to life, tailoring our service to you and design the wow factor playground you'd like (and need).