How Long Do Swing Sets Last?

Swing sets are a fun addition to a backyard or play area to keep both kids and adults entertained. With swings, a slide, and climbing areas, they can keep your children active too! Because they are kept outside all the time, it is important to know their expected life and look at reviews to make a smart purchase. Swing sets come in many materials, varying in durability.

How long do swing sets last? Swings sets can last over 20 years, depending on the material. With maintained and high-quality wood, swing sets can last over 20 years, with many seeing over 40 years. This is a similar lifetime to those made with vinyl. Metal sets typically last around 15 years, while plastic swing sets are designed for toddlers to last only a few years.

The amount of time that a swing set will last is determined by not only the materials used but the quality of the materials. This article will map out how long a swing set will last based on type, brand, and break down payments associated with these differences. We’ve also included some important considerations for fitting a swing set to your backyard to find the right one!

The Lifetime of a Swing Set

Because swing sets can be a significant purchase for your backyard play space, it is important that you select one that will be worth the investment. The lifetime of a swing set is determined by the materials it is made out of and oftentimes the brand that is purchased. We have detailed these differences to help you choose which swing set will be best for your yard!

Materials of Swing Sets

There are four primary materials that make up swing sets: wood, vinyl, metal, and plastic. These are listed in order based on their predicted lifespan with proper care. The type of swing set you purchase should be dependent on individual needs for the structure, the play time you hope to get out of it, and reviews for safety and use. Let’s dive into these categories in a bit more detail.

Wood Swing Sets

Wood swing sets will last the longest time when made of durable wood that is taken care of. Warranties for many of the best wooden swing sets are for 20 years, meaning that they expect their structures to last over 20 years before experiencing any problems. Many of these sets can last a lifetime (at least over 40 years), but this is usually reserved for redwood sets.

Wooden swing sets that last the longest amount of time are made with thicker and higher quality treated wood. To get the longest life out of your swing set, all wood should be sealed and stained. This will prevent decay and allow the structure to maintain its peak form. Look for consumer reviews to see how long their structures have lasted.

There are multiple types of wood that are used in swing set construction:

Cedar: This is the least durable and generally least expensive of the wood types for swing sets. It is growing in popularity and is naturally resistant to decay and bugs. It is not a naturally preserved type of wood, meaning that it needs to be treated every once in a while to ensure that it will last many years. The poorer quality cedars come from China and are usually used to make cheaper sets that do not last as long. Most cedars are given 5 year warranties, but will last many more years with proper care. Look at reviews carefully for lifetime and the quality of the cedar sets.
Redwood: The deep red color that you find on many swing sets is thanks to the use of redwood. It is also decay resistant, preventing bugs and rot more easily than cedar. It is a softer wood, meaning that it needs to be maintained as well. Strong metal brackets are typically needed for optimal support. Redwood typically requires the highest payment values for the material used and can last at least 20 years if well-maintained. Lots of these swing sets come with lifetime warranties. These often receive the highest consumer reviews for durability.
Pine: Pressure-treated pine is being used to make the most durable swing sets available. This treatment allows for the wood to last for a longer time, well over 20 years. Pine falls in the middle of cedar and redwood cost wise and should be sealed every couple of years to maintain its durability. It is more absorbent than the other two and can handle severe weather, making it easier to maintain than the others.

Companies that sell redwood wooden swing sets will advertise that their products last at least 20 years with strong maintenance. For higher quality wooden swing sets, these will last well over 20 years. This could be upwards of 40 years to a “lifetime.” For this to be the case, you will need to seal and preserve the wood to keep it protected from warping, elements, and decay.

Another important consideration for a wooden swing set is the size of beams that are used. You want to make sure the wood used is thick enough to be durable. Paying a little more for better beams will be a better investment than thin ones that break. 4×4 or 4×6 beams are the safest for a swing set, while many poor-quality sets use 2×4 beams. Try to avoid these purchases.

Vinyl Swing Sets

Vinyl swing sets are also another durable and safe option for both children and adults. These swing sets are made of wood and then covered in a vinyl material to reinforce their durability and be safer for kids. They can prevent splinters with the PVC sleeve material that covers the wood.

The color is also protected from the sun, not allowing the material to fade for a consistently attractive appearance. This is unlike plastic, which will fade with exposure to the outdoors. You will not have to paint or stain the material either, making it much easier to maintain than wood. Vinyl sits in a similar price range as higher end wooden sets, more specifically redwood and pine.

Manufacturers use different types of wood underneath the vinyl material, but treated pine is one of the most common. As discussed above, it is often the most durable wood material to use. Reviews support these benefits, but vinyl swing sets are not incredibly common. This information is useful to have if you want to buy a custom swing set.

Metal Swing Sets

An alternative to wooden swing sets is metal, which typically lasts around 15 years. This is a less expensive swing set option as compared to wood. To protect the metal from rust, galvanized steel is usually coated in paint or some other rust resistant material. If this is chipped away, it leaves the metal susceptible to rust, which means a shorter lifespan.

Metal swing sets are usually designed for toddlers and smaller children, not being able to support the weight of bigger kids and adults. This is especially true as the set begins to weather, leaving it susceptible to rusting and bending. They do require less maintenance than wood sets, with touchups needed if scratches of paint or plastic coating occur over time.

If you are looking for an easy play solution for your children, the metal swing set is easier to build, maintain, and is usually less expensive. At the same time, it also has a shorter life than wooden ones. Metal swings sets often have fewer features as well, and there aren’t typically large towers with stairs. They usually have swings, possibly monkey bars, and a smaller slide.

Consumers state that they like the lower maintenance and cost in the reviews they give on many of the top products. These reviews also note that they are easy to build without installers.

Plastic Swing Sets

The final swing set option is plastic, which has the shortest life of all swing sets. You can expect to get around 5 years or less out of a plastic set, especially one that is exposed to more harsh weather. Plastic is susceptible to fading, cracking, and breaking much more than other materials used in building swing sets.

They are also not very supportive to handle all weight classes and age groups. Plastic swing sets are designed with a toddler and small child in mind. They are only meant to be used for a few years when the child is of small size. If you opt for a plastic swing set, you should not expect it to last long. Some of the larger and more elaborate ones can cost as much as metal.

Plastic swing sets may also be easier to store with their smaller size, helping to increase their lifespan. If you leave it outside like most people do with these structures, it will definitely be used for fairly short-term use. This can still be a fun purchase to entertain the small children in your family without a major investment!

Most reviews discuss the short-term value they bring, and also that many children outgrow these items fairly quickly. They can also be safer in that there are no splinters to worry about or large metal construction breaking. These reviews tend to point out their lack of durability, especially when left outside all the time.

Brand of the Swing Set Matters

Brand and the individual swing set you buy will have an impact on the life span of your swing set. Companies that use superior quality wood and top of the line design will offer a set that lasts a much longer time than one made with cheaper materials. We have pulled information together on the best swing set brands based on consumer reviews and company data.

Some of the more popular brands in swing sets are valued for their durability (long life span), safety, features, and price points. These brands are available at many retail stores as well as online marketplaces:

Backyard Discovery: Manufacturing primarily wooden swing sets, this brand offers a wide product range that vary in their elaborate designs and cedar construction. Their warranty lasts for 5 years on wood rot, which we can expect means that the cedar is not of the highest quality and that they do not think consumers will maintain it. Most of these models include swings, a slide, and a climbing area. Online reviews give them high ratings compared to most consumer swing sets.
Gorilla Playsets: Gorilla offers a 10-year warranty on their wooden swing sets, suggesting a higher quality cedar used in their products than Backyard Discovery. Price ranges vary based on features and size. These skew for slightly older kids, making them more durable for bigger humans. Swings, a slide, and a tower area are common on larger models. Their reviews credit the quality of wood used and also point out their slightly higher pricing.
Swing-N-Slide: Also offering wooden swing sets, this brand offers a 5-year warranty on their imported cedar products (quality may suffer and is pointed out in reviews). These swing sets also cater to children upwards of 10 years old for higher weight capacities. Swings, a slide, and climbing towers are common in this brand.

Sportspower: Offering a range of metal swing sets, they are made with heavy duty steel that has a paint finish to protect from rust and weathering. Their products are recommended for kids under 8 years of age, proving that metal swing sets are not intended for older kids or adults. With metal swings, you are likely to have a simpler design with swings and oftentimes a slide. Fairly consistent reviews point to their simplicity and inexpensive pricing.
Lifetime: Their metal swing sets are made with slightly greater durability and weight limits than most metal swings. The metal is low maintenance, unlike wood, and this brand, in particular, will last a longer time with all-weather material and construction. According to reviews, the swings are durable, and there are slide additions available.
Little Tikes: Little Tikes is a very popular brand for all plastic play toys for kids based on reviews and sales. These are designed for a toddler and are much smaller than metal or wooden sets. They will not handle significant weight and will weather with extended time outside. A small slide is often added to it. They offer a one-year warranty on their products.

Step2: This company also specializes in children’s toys, with multiple plastic swing set options. They are fairly expensive for a plastic system with greater weight capacities and unique swing and slide features for optimal play time. Step2 offers a 3-year warranty, revealing their shorter lifespan than other materials. Consumer reviews note the elaborate designs and options for plastic swing set offerings.

Most big box stores offer mostly cedar swing set options, ranging from lower quality imported cedars to sealed and domestic cedars. This is often finished with a darker paint or seal to give it more of a redwood look. You won’t often see the longer warranties on many lower quality models because they are less likely to last as long, especially without proper maintenance.

Custom swing set companies that are not sold in big box stores are typically much more expensive and made with high quality materials, usually with redwood options. Most of these companies produce wooden swing sets as they are best able to be customized with structural design and materials used. Reviews for custom sets typically skew higher than store-bought.

Some well-respected redwood brands include:

Rainbow: Offers limited lifetime warranty on redwood products. This shows that redwood is much more valuable and long lasting than other woods as well as alternative materials. Some reviews do suggest that lifetime warranty is not always honored, and you should be careful when selecting a set without clear warranty stipulations.
Kidscreation: Offers lifetime warranty for all cedar and redwood to prevent structural failure. Consumer reviews appreciate how sturdy and high quality the product is.

Woodplay: Lifetime guarantee on the redwood playsets sold. According to reviews and product descriptions, they use high quality sealants for protection and have strong safety features.

These brands are not offered in many retail stores and you must request quotes for individual swing sets payment depending on features and your location. Most of their stores are designated showrooms for higher end products. For online research, looking at consumer reviews and product details will help you to make an informed decision.

Swing Set Pricing and Installation Guide

Now that you have all the information on the expected life of swing sets based on their materials, let’s breakdown the pricing and payment for individual swing sets and the costs associated with installations.

Swing Set Pricing

Swing sets have a wide range in pricing dependent on materials and the quality of those materials. Nationally, those priced under $500 are usually made of plastic, metal, or lower quality woods. Swing sets can reach upwards of $5,000 for the most state-of-the-art structures, depending on the location in which you live.

Safe wooden swing sets that are made of sound material and will provide you will a long life are around $800-$1,500. After this, wooden swing sets start to get into premium pricing. Metal swing sets average between $300-$700. Plastic swing sets are actually fairly expensive for their materials at around $400.

Payment amounts are based on the most popular brands from popular stores and online retailers. Making a purchase should a combination of cost as well as safety and durability. Price does not typically fluctuate from state to state when making a purchase online. Swing set size also has a large impact on the price. These are based on sets made for multiple children.

If you are looking for simple swings and no additional features, metal is likely to provide this with their mostly free standing swing designs. For slides and climbing areas, you will have many more options with wooden swing sets. Most wooden swing sets include these additional features with towers as well.

Here is more specific data related to mid-range pricing from large retailers as well as what you could expect from custom builders:

Material Type	Mid-Range Price (approx.)	Custom Pricing
Cedar (Wood)	$900-$1,100	$2,000 – $4,000
Redwood (Wood)	$1,700-$2,000	$2,500 – $5,000
Pine (Wood)	$1,600-$2,000	$2,500 – $4,000
Vinyl	$2,200-$3,000	$2,000 – $4,000
Metal (Steel)	$250-$500	$6,00-$900
Plastic	$250-$400	N/A

Swing sets are often a larger investment as far as toys and children’s entertainment goes. Selecting a swing set based on material and pricing will have a large impact on how long it lasts as well as its safety. Wooden swing sets that are very inexpensive (below these ranges) may sacrifice stability and quality.

Installation Costs of Swing Sets

For heavier swing sets, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional to install the swing set. You typically will only need installs for wooden swing sets. Metal and plastic no not need this. This can be done through the company you purchase the set from or handymen you know. Our prices will be based on those offered by companies that work specifically with swing sets.

The national average to install a swing set is around $500. Prices may fluctuate from between installation companies and depending upon the size of the swing set that is purchased. Always look at reviews and shop for highly rated installers. This will vary based on location and the size of your individual swing set. Installations sit between $300-$700 around the country.

There is no set pricing from state to state. If you are interested in having a particular swing set built in your state, you must contact your desired installation company for a quote. This is because all swing sets are different with different requirements. You can shop around with multiple quotes to find the installer with both good reviews and a price you are comfortable paying.

If you buy a set directly from a swing set retailer, they may have installation services. You can also look for highly rated installers with good reviews in your area that have experience building playsets. Beware that incredibly inexpensive installations may question the skills and quality of the work being done. You want to uphold maximum safety for your children’s swing set.

Fitting A Swing Set to Your Yard

Not only do you have to worry about the materials used and the pricing in making a swing set purchase, you should also choose one that fits best in your yard. You want to make sure that all who play on the structure are able to do so in a safe location. You should be considering dimensions as well as spacing from fences and other obstructions.

How Wide Are Swing Sets?

Swing sets can vary in size and dimensions based on the swing set you purchase. This will depend on the features you hope to have included, maybe swings, slides, and areas for climbing. Standard swing sets with only swings are typically 12 feet wide.

The style of seat may have an impact on the width of the swing set. These are typically for models that just have swings.

You should base width off of these materials:

Plastic seats: Expect a swing set to be around 8 feet wide

Belt seat: Swing sets are usually slightly smaller with this type of seat at around 6 feet wide

The distance mentioned is typically for the width of a free standing swing section. You can expect to add another 7-10 feet for a play structure and slide being incorporated. Most metal structures will be smaller and free standing while the wooden and more elaborate play sets are typically wider.

How Far Should Swing Set Be from Fence?

It is recommended that swing sets are placed at least 6 feet from a fence or a wall. This is to prevent children from hitting a fence when they are in a full backward or forward extension. The distance is based on the swing set running parallel to an obstruction. If angled perpendicularly, the end support can be closer as long as the swing itself is 6 feet away.

Find a safe location to prevent injuries. Safety should be the greatest concern in purchasing a swing set. This means finding one that is suitable for your specific yard.

Lifetime of A Swing Set

The lifetime of a swing set will depend on the type of material that is used, the quality of material (especially for wood and metal), and the care you put into maintaining it. With the proper care and maintenance, top quality wooden swing sets can last well over 20 years. You should also look at reviews to see what consumers say about the products.

For some people, a purchase at a lower cost is more crucial, while others are willing to spend more on an investment that will last a longer time. If you can determine how much money you are willing to spend now with hopes for a short or a long life, you can make a smart decision based on the needs and give your kids something fun to play on for years to come!