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If you’re trying to find a fun backyard activity for your kids or grandkids this summer, now is a great time to start planning. If you already own a backyard pool, a swing set can be a great addition.
Wooden swing sets are long-lasting and they look great. The problem is that they can be very expensive. To help you find an affordable swing set, we’ve selected wooden sets for under $500. Before we get to our list, here are some things to look for when shopping for a backyard swing set.
What to look for In a Wooden Swing Set
Durability: It’s important to purchase a heavy-duty swing set and very durable. You want it to be safe for your kids and last a long time. A wooden swing set is safer, less likely to break or rust, and can last up to 40 years.
Material: One of the most common types of wooden swing sets is 100% cedarwood. This will be a very high-quality swing set, won’t rot/rust, and can last for so long.
Weather-resistant: It’s essential to find a swing set made to be weather-resistant. Especially with a wooden swing set, weather can have a big impact on both the quality and durability. If you want this swing set to be worth the money and last you a long time, I highly suggest looking for weather-resistant wood.
Rot/decay-resistant: Just as important as weather/water resistance, over time, you don’t want the wooden swing set to rot or decay. You can avoid this by purchasing a swing set that says in the description that it is resistant to rot and decay.
Size: Pay close attention to the dimensions in the product descriptions. You don’t want to purchase a swing set that is too small or too large for your backyard. If you have a backyard on the smaller side and are unsure of the product dimensions or how it will look in person, it’s a safer bet to go for a smaller, more practical swing set, especially if it’s your first one.
Desired Features: What designs/features are you looking for? What would your kids enjoy most? One of the most basic and safest bet types of swing sets is one with a slide and at least one swing or two. Having more than one feature allows the kids to share and have fun, but you surely don’t need the largest swing set with a ton of features. If that’s something you want, perfect, but a lot of kids find fun in simplicity. So a slide and swing set is a safe bet!
Metal vs. Wood Swing Sets
There are quite a few differences between metal and wood swing sets, and each type has its pros and cons.
Metal swing sets are typically more affordable than wooden ones and are usually easier to get spare parts if one gets damaged. Metal swing sets are quicker and easier to assemble, but the metal can easily bend or break. Metal swing sets are also not as strong as wood and can lose their original/new look fast.
Wooden swing sets are more pricey, but they last longer and are more durable than metal swing sets. Wooden swing sets look natural, have many different designs, and a good quality, durable wooden swing set can last 40 years. You can even find some that are water and rust-resistant.
The bottom line is that depends upon your preference, including price, and how long you plan to use the swing set. If you’re not planning on keeping this swing set forever, then maybe go for a metal one, but if you want the most durable and high quality that lasts you long, a wooden swing set is a way to go.
Backyard Discovery Buckley Hill Wooden Swing Set
The first swing set we have today is the Backyard Discovery Buckley Hill wooden swing set. This is a perfect-sized swing set for your kids in the backyard, with the perfect amount of features as well. This swing set features a slide, two swing beams, a chalkboard, and a rock wall ladder.
This swing set is made from 100% cedar and is an ideal starter swing set for kids ages 3-6. There is a covered upper deck to keep protected from the sun, and it’s resistant to rot and decay. I love the many features of this swing set because your kids can all share the fun and stay preoccupied.
If you’re unsure of the best design for a swing set to get your kids, you can never go wrong with a couple of swings and a slide. It’s enough to keep them busy and having fun and shares the swing set the more features there are. Overall, an ideal starter swing set.
Key Features:
- 100% cedar
- Rot and decay-resistant
- Recommended ages 3-6
- Item dimensions are 3.1 x 2.7 x 2.3 Meters
- The maximum weight is 150 kilograms
- Natural wood color
Backyard Discovery Cedar Wood Playset
Next on our list is the Backyard Discovery Cedar Wood Playset. This multi-colored wooden swing set features a slide, rock wall ladder, a canopy, two swings, and one trapeze bar. It’s got a snack stand with a built-in bench and an 8-foot slide! This swing-set is a lot like the Buckley Hill above, but with some added features, and it’s slightly bigger. If you’re looking for a bigger swing set, this is the one for you.
As far as construction goes, heavy-duty brackets hold things together and the materials are weather-resistant. This swing set is recommended for kids between 3 and 10 years old.
I love the canopy feature. It gets so hot in the summer that parents can worry when their kids are in the heat for long periods, especially younger ones. The extra shade is a relief and will allow your kids to take a break from the sun and still enjoy being outside.
Key Features:
- 100% cedarwood
- Heavy-duty
- Slide, swings, and trapeze bar
- Weather-resistant
- Recommend ages 36 months-10 years old
- Heavy-duty brackets
- 8ft slide
- Product dimensions are 130 x 158 x 110 inches
- Item weight is 175.6 pounds
Gorilla Basic Swing Set
Last on our list, we have the Gorilla Basic Swing Set from Wayfair. This is the perfect set for anyone who wants a smaller swing set, for budget reasons or because they have a smaller backyard.
This swing set doesn’t come with a slide but it does have two swings and a trapeze bar. It’s perfect for adding to your backyard if your kids want something extra to do and play with. The swing set is UV and rust-resistant, pre-stained, recommended for ages 5-6, and the weight capacity is 115lbs. This is a very affordable, simple, practical, but good-quality swing set – highly recommended.
Key Features:
- Overall dimensions 6 27/32” H x 7 3/4” W x 8 21/32” D
- Overall product weight is 90lb.
- Weight capacity is 115lb.
- Easy to install
- Cedar lumber
- Gold frame finish
FAQ’s
1. Are swing-sets worth the money?
If you have young kids or grandkids that enjoy playing outside, then I would say that any type of swing-set is well worth your money. There are so many different designs and materials to choose from. You can get a basic swing-set, one with a slide, and play-house-type swing-sets with a play kitchen, etc. There are many fun swing-set options to choose from that your kids will love.
2. How long do wooden swing sets last?
A good quality, durable wooden swing-set can last you up to 40 years! Now that can depend on the material or where you live. If you get a wooden swing-set with water and rust-resistant wood, then it will last you even longer and stay looking new. If you live somewhere that storms, rains, or snows a lot, it may wear down the quality sooner, but overall any good wooden swing-set can last you a long time!
3. Is a wooden swing set hard to set up?
Typically, setting up/installing a wooden swing-set is not difficult but can be time-consuming. That depends on the size of the swing-set and how many people you have helped.
4. How many people do you need to set up a wooden swing set?
I suggest having at least two people setting up a swing-set to get it done quicker and easier. But, you can get it done by yourself, it may take more time, but you definitely can!
Final Thoughts
That’s it for our list of affordable wooden swing sets. You now have a better understanding of what features to look for in a swing set and have seen some good examples of top playsets. Do you have a preference between wooden and metal swing sets? Let us know in the comments below!
