The Many Benefits of Cedar for Outdoor Playsets
When shopping for a backyard playset, customers may immediately look at two things: How much fun is it going to be and how much money is it going to cost?
But when it comes to something that will spend its entire lifetime outdoors in all types of weather, it’s really important that you also ask yourself what it’s made of. This is especially true when we’re talking about a backyard playset in Arizona where weather extremes can take their toll. After all, you want to ensure that your family and friends can enjoy your investment for as long as possible and, of course, as safely as possible.
At All About Play, we take your investment and your family’s fun seriously, too. That’s why our outdoor playsets are carefully crafted out of the best material available: Cedar.
We don’t create our swing sets and playground sets out of cedar just because they look better in your backyard (even though they really do!) They are a superior alternative to your average plastic or resin swing set, and cedar playsets and swingsets are the perfect gifts for kids!
Still undecided? Below are our top 10 reasons why backyard playgrounds for your Arizona home should be made from cedar.
1. Cedar is Naturally Beautiful
When it comes to lumber, cedar is one of those woods that has a beauty of its own without needing to be chemically treated. A champion at surviving through all kinds of weather – rain, snow, the Arizona sun, you name it – its low density makes it naturally resistant to shrinking and warping without having the upkeep of varnishing and waterproofing it regularly. Cedar will not only withstand the weather, but it will also end up aging into a beautiful color all on its own over time.
2. Cedar Repels Insects
Weather isn’t the only element that can give your outdoor playsets a beating. You also need to protect your playset from wood-destroying insects. Arizona boasts many such insects including carpenter bees, long-horned beetles, and many other varieties that would love to make your new swing set their snack. However, cedar is a natural insect repellent. That means you can keep your playtime natural and insecticide-free while also repelling the creepy crawlies bent on destroying your fun.
3. Cedar is Pitch and Resin-Free
When it comes to most wood, in order to seal and protect it, consumers will need to use resin or pitch. That can mean a lot of money and a lot of upkeep just to preserve the wood through the Arizona summer. However, cedar doesn’t require the additional expense, additional labor, or additional chemicals because it is a naturally durable wood.
4. Cedar is Durable, Strong, and Lightweight
And let’s face it, you want all three when it comes to your dream backyard playground. Your playground is an investment for your family, and as such you want to make sure you get all the use out of it that you can. That oil that gives cedar its distinctive smell also naturally protects the wood, leaving it less likely to crack and warp than even treated lumber. Its cell structure also makes it exceptionally durable with some cedar pieces lasting as long as 20 years.
5. Cedar Beats Out Vinyl
Wood vs. vinyl is a big debate when purchasing a backyard swing set. When it comes to aesthetics, wooden sets are always going to beat vinyl sets hands down. What may have been a bright, happy vinyl when you bought it is quickly going to pale after a couple of summers in the Arizona sun, perhaps with a slightly yellow tinge. Since vinyl can’t be painted after it fades in 2-3 years, you’re either stuck with the eyesore or looking for a new set. Cedar on the other hand is as low maintenance as you get and, if properly maintained, looks brand new 5, 10, and even 20 years down the road. All About Play’s Maintenance Agreement assures this for added peace of mind.
6. Cedar Stays Cool
One of the things that consumers look for most when shopping for a backyard playground set in Arizona is something that can sit out in the blazing Arizona sun but still be safe for kids and families to play on. It’s all fun and games until someone ends up with burns. Cedar is an ideal material for swing sets in Arizona where summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees. If your family needs a little outdoor time on their playset, cedar provides peace of mind that they will be able to do so without risking injury.
7. Cedar is Safe
Safety should be the number one priority when it comes to playsets. However, not all materials that are common in playsets are created equal regarding the safety of your family. For example, vinyl sets often have wood at their core. When vinyl covers wood, it also covers the condition of the wood. Additionally, not all woods are as naturally strong and resilient as cedar. With cedar, you can ensure the safety of your kids and their friends.
8. Cedar is Resistant to Rot
As we all know, wood naturally rots. Wood that’s exposed to the elements season after season, along with regular wear and tear, rots even quicker. However, cedar is naturally resistant to rotting and decay because of its unique cell structure. This structure makes water penetration – the catalyst of wood rot – highly difficult giving your investment a much longer life. Cedar is amazingly weather resistant.
9. Cedar is Eco-Friendly
One consideration for many consumers is what kind of carbon footprint will their new purchase leave. When kids have outgrown their playset, what will the environmental impact be? The good news is that as a wood, cedar is a renewable resource and is far better for the environment than any synthetic material available. Unlike brick, cement, and composite materials, cedar is completely biodegradable meaning the fun your children have on their playset won’t one day negatively impact their grandchildren.
10. Cedar is Just Nice!
Sure, it’s safe, durable, and environmentally friendly, but cedar is also a great material to use for aesthetic purposes. Think of the curb appeal your home will have with a beautiful cedar playset in the backyard. The natural wood is appealing both for your family and those just driving by. Cedar also takes first prize when it comes to the most distinctive and pleasant-smelling woods. Unlike some other trees, its natural scent stays with the wood long after it’s cut down.
What Makes Cedar the Perfect Choice for Playsets and Swingsets?
You want to make sure that the outdoor playset you purchase is not only nice to look at and helps your home appreciate in value, but you want your family to have a safe and long-lasting outlet for family fun and bonding.
How long your outdoor playset lasts in the weather extremes that Arizona offers its citizens depends entirely on what materials your set is made of and who you trust to deliver the highest quality Mesa backyard playset at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a playset that will bring you fun and family time for years to come, look no further than the all-cedar playsets that we offer at All About Play.
Join us at our showroom to take a look at the wide selection of beautiful cedar playsets that will be the centerpiece of both your backyard and your family memories. Or get in touch today!
