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Winterize Your Wooden Playset: A Step-by-Step Guide

It's that time of year again - winter is just around the corner! Many people scramble to winterize their homes and cars, but what about your wooden playset? Wooden swing sets require regular maintenance, and neglecting to winterize them can lead to damage and excessive wear. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps necessary to properly winterize your wooden playset. Following these simple steps will help ensure your swing set lasts a lifetime!

First, it is important to remove any loose debris or dirt from your playset. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture, which can lead to rot and decay. Once your playset is clean, you will need to inspect all of the hardware for any damage or wear. If any of the bolts are loose, be sure to tighten the hardware connection.  Now is also a good time to lubricate any moving parts, such as swing hangers. This will help keep them working smoothly and prevent rusting.

Next, you will need to remove and store any plastic components. This includes slides, belt swings, gliders, trapeze bars, telescopes, steering wheels - and any other plastic accessories. It's also important to remove tarp roofs to prevent damage from winter weather. Once all of the plastic components have been removed, you can store them in a dry, safe place until spring.

Lastly, it's time to protect your wooden playset from winter weather! Be sure to apply a fresh coat of stain to help protect the wood from moisture and rot.  We recommend applying a water-based sealant once or twice per year. Prior to application, lightly sand any “rough” spots. It's important to stain your playset when there is no moisture in the forecast for the next 48 hours. Once the sealant has been applied, do not let children use the playset until the sealant is completely dry. You can purchase our proprietary blends of water-based stain on our website at the following link: https://www.backyardadventures.com/store/residential/accessories/universal/.

Winterizing your wooden playset is a simple process that will help prolong its lifespan. By taking the time to winterize your swing set, you can rest assured knowing that it will be ready for years of outdoor fun!  Visit the support section on our website for more tips on proper swing set care & maintenance.