Want to limit your family’s screen time this Summer? A new backyard swing set is all you need for hours of outdoor fun. But with so many models to choose from and endless combinations of slides, climbers, and accessories, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s where our vinyl and wood playset buying guide comes in.
Vinyl Playsets vs Wood Playsets
Swing sets come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, but if you’re looking for one that’s durable, nothing beats wood or vinyl. The plastic and metal options you may remember from your childhood don’t compare. But which material should you choose when buying a playset?
Vinyl Playsets
Vinyl swing sets are constructed with pressure-treated wood components that are inserted into thick, PVC posts. One of their biggest advantages is that they require little maintenance besides an annual cleaning. You don’t need to paint, stain, or seal the material.
The plastic coating will never splinter or rot, making it a durable choice. However, if water reaches the wood inside, that moisture will be trapped and rot away the interior. This means issues with the playset are often invisible and difficult to detect before it’s too late.
Vinyl is a premium material, and that’s reflected in the price. Our vinyl playsets come in several color combinations, and while you can’t paint over them, you can design your own structure to pick and choose what details you like best. If you’re looking for commercial-grade swing sets, vinyl is the way to go!
Nothing says “durability” like a vinyl playset. Enjoy a structure that’s low-maintenance, safe, and fun for the whole family.
Wood Playsets
Wooden swing sets are usually made from rot-resistant lumber like pine, redwood, or cedar. This gives your playset a natural look to help it blend in seamlessly with your backyard. After purchase, you can paint or stain your structure any color you like!
A drawback of wood playsets is that they require a bit more work. Along with spot cleaning, you should apply a water-resistant finish every few years to repel moisture. If well-maintained, they can last up to 20 years.
Despite these measures, the wood will eventually wear out. If you notice rotting, replace those sections immediately. Unlike vinyl, issues with wood swing sets are clearly visible, making it easy to address them before they become a safety hazard.
You can’t beat the classic look of a wood playset. Shop our styles now for endless backyard fun.
Swing Set Accessories for Different Ages
Choosing the perfect vinyl or wood playset for your children means adding activities and accessories that are age appropriate. Modern swing set options are adaptable and can expand and change as your kids grow. When customizing your structure, follow these guidelines to create a stimulating play experience for children at every age.
Under 2 Years Old
For your youngest children, focus on activities that can be done while crawling or cruising. They need fun spaces that are low to the ground and easy to navigate, like small stairs or ramps. Toddlers should not climb more than three feet from the ground. Consider these add-ons for a toddler swing set:
- Infant swings
- Dual or uni rider swings
- Tunnels with bubble panels
- Open slides
- Ground-level playhouses
- Small ramps
2 to 5 Years Old
For kids between two and five, their swing set can mimic that of school-age children, just on a smaller level. At this age, no piece of playground equipment should be higher than six feet off the ground. If your children are in this age group, choose from the following:
- Belt swings
- Tire swings
- Smaller rock climbing ramps
- Cargo net climbers
- Enclosed slides
- Tower-level playhouses
- Accessories that encourage imaginative play
5+ Years Old
At this age, the sky is the limit. Well, not quite. Even at school age, your playset should not include pieces that are higher than eight feet off the ground. We recommend adding these swing set options for older children:
- Larger rock climbing ramps
- Trapeze bars or rings
- Monkey bars
- Fire poles
- Buoy ball swings
- Disc swings
- Spring swings
- Water cannons
- Spiral slides
- Cargo nets
- Elements that challenge older kids
Swing Set Safety Features
When searching for the perfect playset, you should always have a “safety first” mindset. That starts with choosing age-appropriate add-ons, but there are other questions to ask yourself as well.
How Big Should My Swing Set Be?
Swing set size is an important factor when determining the best structure to buy. The maximum height for your vinyl or wood playset is eight feet off the ground. For younger children, that number is even smaller. Make sure any elevated features have these safety elements present:
- Handrails or hand bars on ladders and ramps
- Guard rails for areas 30 inches above the ground
- A protective barrier on raised surfaces more than four feet high
How Much Space Do I Need Around My Playset?
To avoid collisions and give children space to run around, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you have at least six feet of clearance around your entire structure. Individual swings should be designed with the following measurements:
- 20–24 inches of space between swings with limited side-to-side motion (infant swings, belt swings, gliders)
- 30 inches of space between swings that have unlimited side-to-side motion (tire swings, disc swings, buoy ball swings)
- 20–30 inches of space between swings and the support poles of the beam
What Should Go Beneath My Playset?
Most playground injuries happen from falling off the equipment. That’s why it’s not just important to have a safe structure, but also a soft place to land. Grass may seem like a good solution, but it doesn’t provide enough cushion to break a fall. Rubber mulch is the most effective shock absorber to create a safe play environment.
Rubber mulch is made of recycled tires and comes in many colors through the use of non-toxic paints. While it can be more expensive than other ground covers, it’s nearly indestructible and isn’t affected by weather. This means, once it’s applied, you’ll never have to replace it!
What Can I Do To Keep My Swing Set Safe?
We recommend performing an annual inspection to check for any splintering or cracking. For wood playsets, tighten the bolts and screws on your structure since they can loosen when wood shrinks and swells in the humidity. With frequent safety checks, you can spot problems as they arise and resolve them before they escalate into a serious issue.
Commercial Swing Sets
Our commercial-grade swing sets are built with safety and durability in mind. They are all ADA accessible and categorized by age range, so you’re guaranteed to find one that fits your needs. They also come with the option for unique commercial add-ons:
- ADA activity cube
- ADA transfer station
- ADA wheelchair ramp
- Wheelchair swing
- Metal swing frame
- Dream center
Enjoy our commercial swing set models like Tiny Wonderland, Junior Cruiser, and Mighty Expedition to upgrade your outdoor space and foster imaginative play.
Playset FAQs
Safety is very important to us at Penn Dutch. All of our commercial swing sets meet the safety guidelines of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For more information, contact us.
All Penn Dutch-offered commercial swing sets are ADA-accessible. According to the ADA, an accessible playground is one that:
- offers a range of play experiences to children of varying abilities
- has an accessible path from the building or parking lot to the edge of the play area
- has an accessible path from the edge of the play area to the play equipment
- provides surfacing that complies with ASTM 1951
The size options for Penn Dutch commercial swing sets will depend on the type you are purchasing. Our commercial swing sets are categorized by age range to meet the needs of kids at play. You can explore each playset style and unique features to discover which sizes are available.
The size options for residential swing sets will depend on the type you are purchasing. We offer a wide variety of sizes and styles including multiple swings, slides, and attached playhouses. You can explore each swing set style and features to discover which sizes are available.
The standard A-frame swing set is about 12 feet wide. However, this can change depending on certain features and styles.
Yes, Penn Dutch Structures will provide you with anchors for your swing beams.
This blog was originally published on April 4, 2019. It was updated on July 25, 2024.