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However, you’ll find that most cedar wood options have a yellowish tone. Certain cedar wood swing sets have a deep reddish-brown color, similar to redwood. Without the proper upkeep, it will likely turn to a silverish-gray.Ĭedar wood is also known for its range in color. However, it’s important to remember that whether you choose heartwood or sapwood, some maintenance is required to keep your redwood swing set’s color. If you opt for the sapwood you’ll be choosing colors that range from pale white to yellow. If you’re purchasing heartwood, you’ll typically be choosing colors ranging from pinkish-brown to a deeper reddish-brown. People tend to be attracted to redwood because of its unique color. While pressure-treated wood doesn’t have tannins, the chemicals in the treated wood don’t kill the insects either because they don’t eat the wood they nest in. Similar to redwood and cedar wood, pressure-treated pine wood swing sets do not deter carpenter ants and bees. Pressure-treated pine works very well to repel termites because the chemicals used to treat the wood are deadly to them if ingested. Since redwood and cedar wood are both softer woods, it makes it easier for these insects to dig into the wood and build tunnels or nests. This is rare but should be taken into consideration.Ĭarpenter bees and carpenter ants can pose an issue because they aren’t deterred by tannins and don’t eat the wood they nest in. While the tannins in these types work to naturally repel termites, they can still eat through the wood, and even the heartwood, if they have no other alternatives. When it comes to insect-resistant wood, redwood and cedar wood swing sets have the same properties and characteristics. Note: To avoid placing your swing set directly on the ground, consider using alternative materials such as artificial grass, sand, wood chips, or rubber mulch. If you do choose above-ground grade lumber for your pressure-treated pine wood swing set, you shouldn’t place it in direct contact with the ground, similar to redwood and cedar wood. The main difference between the grades is that ground contact lumber retains more chemical treatment, making it able to be placed in direct contact with the ground.

Pressure-treated lumber typically comes in two grades: above-ground and ground contact. In these tanks, preserving chemicals are forced into the wood’s fibers. The boards go through a process where they’re placed in pressurized tanks. Pressure-treated pine is chemically treated to resist rot. In many cases, pressure-treated pine wood is known as the most rot-resistant wood. Doing this may cause the wood to rot and degrade sooner, especially because it doesn’t contain as many tannins. It should be noted that cedar wood swing sets shouldn’t be placed in direct contact with the ground, like redwood. However, it should be noted that cedar wood doesn’t have as many tannins as redwood which means it won’t hold up as well over time.Ĭedar wood is even more so harvested from smaller “second growth” trees which have a high percentage of sapwood. Similar to redwood, cedar wood also has tannins that protect it from wood rot. When purchasing it, you can specify that you want heartwood but it may be more costly.Īnother important thing to know is that redwood swing sets shouldn’t be in direct contact with the ground because it can cause them to degrade and rot. This means that while redwood swing sets are rot-resistant, you may find that some of the available lumber from these trees isn’t as resistant as you think. Sapwood is the living ring between the core and the bark of the tree, it transports water from the roots to the leaves. Today, most trees harvested are “ second growth” which means they have a high percentage of sapwood. Tannins protect the tree from wood rot caused by fungi and insects. They are concentrated mostly in the tree’s bark, protecting the living plant, and in the heartwood, the dead core of the tree. Redwood trees are known for their naturally occurring complex astringent chemicals called tannins. Below, we’ve covered the 4 main factors you should think about before making any final decisions. However, you want to make sure the swing set you’re purchasing is the right fit for your family and outdoor space.

Buying a swing set is a great way to elevate your backyard and encourage your kids to spend more time outdoors. When deciding what is the best wood for an outdoor swing set, there are multiple factors you should consider. In this blog, we’ll help you decide what is the best wood for an outside swing set and what factors you should consider.Ĥ Things to Look for When Choosing Wood Playground Lumber Having a traditional wood swing set brings a timeless charm, and fun, to any outdoor space, but how do you know which one is right for you? Choosing the right type of wood for your swing set can be overwhelming.