Large timber swing sets vary with size and type.  Building a large swing set is a commitment for two or three people to spend time, planning, constructing, and if needed staining.  They can come in various types of wood;  cedar, redwood, pine or a similar type wood that is treated.  Cedar swingsets are beautiful but can be expensive.

The Strong Design of a Timber Set

Planning an area for a swingset of this size takes a little time to survey of the area. Make sure the area is flat. You may want to mark off the land that will be occupied with wooden markers and a string especially if the set is very large. Small  timber swingsets are cheaper, but since they are not big as the 4 x 8 lumber that the larger ones come with, they are not as able to counteract the stresses that children put on them. Initially they are affordable but as the child gets older they will make the swing set move and sway.  A large four by eight timber structure will make the set much stronger and will last longer too.  This becomes more evident when children from the neighborhood come to play. When five or six children jump on one swingset they will make the wood stress out.  The large wood timbers will not only support the stress but it will be heavy enough as a whole to keep the swingset from moving.

These swingsets are popular even in a slow economy. The combination of heavy wood, shaded rooftops and various activity attachments make it a fun and playful time. Swings,slides, rock climbing wall, climbing rocks all add to the fun and excitement.

Purchasing a large timber swing set can be expensive, but there are options beyond having the company you purchase it from assemble it. The more expensive company backed sets usually come with a warranty, so any damage by insects the parts can be replaced at no cost, but on the down side the swingsets can cost from 10,000 dollars or more. Kits can be purchased for a fraction of the amount of the expensive swingsets. Swing set kits come with parts and directions for assembly.

It is a difficult decision to make,but a worthwhile one.  Don’t forget in your decision to buy one of these wooden swing sets that you may have the option to resell it.  Since they are so durable and long lasting they will probably stay in he same condition that they were initially purchased.  To keep your wooden swingset in prime condition you may need to stain it depending on what kind of wood it was built with. Redwood and cedar can be  stained. Buying a quality wooden swing set made of large 4x4s’ should last for a long time, like any item you buy, the longevity of it usually correlates to the quality.  Wooden swing sets can be bought with thick 4×4 wood lumber or you could buy it with small 1×4 or 1×6 lumber. The swing sets that you find at a local do it yourself center will usually be small lumber type sets.  The other option is to buy direct from a specialty company that manufactures them and solely profits on them.  They will be better in construction and will usually have some type of warranty on them. They can install them too and will for a small fee reinstall them if you move.  A Big backyard swing set that are this large and expensive can be left at your home  and may be a way to sell your home easier.

Wood Boring Carpenter Bees

Some of the disadvantages of a wooden swingset is the problem with wood boring bees. Depending on where you live you might have a problem with these pests.  The bees can find a swing set in a geographic area or in a city and just a few cities over not be active. They can destroy swingsets fast if they are ignored. The carpenter bees can drill into the wood fast and can penetrate making a catacomb of tunnels. Trying to chase them away and kill them is a twenty four hour battle.  If you don’t find a nest in time the wood peckers can add to the damage and peck their way into the wood to find the bees. Plugging up the holes with steel wool and spraying them is very time consuming and usually the bees always win.  Find a good reputable bug service to spray bi monthly to keep them out.

It is important to remember your local city codes, because they will sometimes prohibit large wooden structures like these.  Also remember your neighbors and the view they may have, try to discuss this so they will not complain or find your swingset offensive.