If you are considering investing in a high quality play set, then you want to know how long it will last. Any high-quality swing set should last for many years, but the lifespan of vinyl swingsets are longer than the lifespan of a wooden or metal swingset. To understand how these maintenance free swing sets last for such a long time, it is important to learn more about vinyl.

Vinyl Swing Sets

Vinyl is a type of plastic, but is not the thin or brittle plastic you may associate with cheaper children’s toys. Instead, vinyl is a high-quality, durable type of plastic that can stand up to water, and temperature changes. Vinyl does not rot, rust, or fade. It can even stand up to chemicals like chlorine.

Vinyl swing sets feature vinyl on all of the exterior parts. Some of the components may be pressure treated timber covered by vinyl. Any part of the swingset that will come into contact with the elements is vinyl.

Maintenance Requirements

Most people call vinyl swing sets maintenance free. That is not exactly true, but they are much lower maintenance than metal swing sets or even cedar swing sets. You need to clean them and inspect them each season. However, with proper installation, these swingsets should last for decades. You just want to clean them to ensure they are properly cared for.

One of the most appealing things about vinyl swingsets is that they are so low maintenance when compared to other types of playsets. Wooden play sets may need to be stained every few years. You have to monitor them for broken wood, splinters, and other issues. Metal swingsets are susceptible to rust, and you have to beware of their sharp edges, which can result in cuts and injuries to kids.

Long Term Investment

Vinyl swingsets are more expensive than some other options. So, you do have to think about the cost when deciding if vinyl is the right choice for you. How long do you want the playset to last? If the answer is a couple of years, then you might want to choose a lower-cost option. However, if you want a playset to last a childhood and beyond, vinyl is a great choice. They can easily last 20 years or longer, making them a great investment for your children and even your grandchildren. Though the initial investment may be high, it becomes a cost-effective purchase when you look at the cost over time.