The first choice you typically need to make when buying a backyard swing set concerns the type of wood used. Typically, that's a choice between Pine or Redwood? We've extensively researched the type of timber used to build our Playcenters and have overwhelmingly choosen Pine. It is simply the best choice for safety, strength, longevity and ease of maintenance. Carolina Swingsets playcenters are only made of arsenic-free, Natural Select Pine to protect your children and our environment.

Oftentimes, Redwood swing sets have a bulky appearance, using colored steel braces for support. This is simply because they have to in order to be strong enough to hold your children. They may tout no "toxic" chemicals to scare parents into believing their Redwood swing sets are more natural and safe, when actually all Redwood swing sets need a commercial sealant annually to prevent them from turning an ugly black color.

Why Does Carolina Swingset use Pine?

Strength

When you and your children are climbing, swinging and playing, stronger is better. Pine is 60% stronger than Redwood and doesn't require steel reinforcements. Redwood swing sets tend to be bulkier in appearance simply because they have to be in order to hold the weight of playing children.

Using Pine allows Carolina Swingsets to produce a more refined, elegant design that is as strong or stronger than any Redwood swing set.

Weight

Playcenters are one place where extra weight is actually a good thing. Added weight means added stability. It reduces risk that a backyard swing set could tip or be blown over by straight-line winds.

As a test, we built identical swing sets out of Pine and Redwood. The Pine set weighed 80% more. Our swing sets are sturdy and rock-solid as a result of using the heavier timber.

Endurance

All unprotected wood deteriorates over time, susceptible to weather, fungus and insects. This risk varies depending on the part of the country in which you live.

We use Natural Select Pine that is resistant to damage and arsenic-free to protect your children and the environment. In addition, all of our swing sets have a lifetime warranty on the wooden structure. While Redwood is naturally resistant, it does need to be sealed each and every year to protect against weathering.

Ease of Maintenance

Simply apply Woodlawn water seal or equivalent every two to three years as needed. Carolina Swingsets Playcenter swing sets have been protected against harsh elements and fungal decay because they are made with Natural Select Pine.

Redwood swing sets will require annual staining and sealing to prevent them from turning black over time. Additionally, it is extremely important that you address signs of extractive bleeding, which looks similar to rot or charring around metal fasteners as quickly as possible to prevent streaking down the wood.

Environment

It is our opinion that Pine is a better choice for the environment. It regenerates significantly faster; Redwood trees can take up to 80 years or more to reach maturity.

Additionally, over 250 times more Pine seedlings are planted annually compared to Redwood. Besides giving you a better swing set, selecting Pine is our small contribution to preserving our Redwood forests.

Cost

Again, Pine wins hands down. Redwood swing sets cost more due to scarcity of the timber itself as well as the cost of additional steel braces and hardware. Why pay more and get less in terms of strength and safety?