When it comes to outdoor play equipment, one of the most popular options for various ages and families of all sizes is the classic kids’ climbing frame.
These are often large structures with many different components, so it’s important to make sure that kids know how to play on them safely and parents know how to keep them in good condition.
Rain or shine, climbing frames stay standing in gardens, weathering the elements and the rigorous playing of excitable children day in and day out.
So, what do you need to do to make sure your kids’ climbing frame stays safe through the seasons? Here are some top tips to help you look after it 365 days a year.
Inspect equipment year-round
The simplest way to avoid accidents and injuries is to do a brief visual inspection every time the kids want to play on the climbing frame, before you actually let them use it.
This will let you know if you need to clean off any debris or move anything away from the structure that poses a hazard on the ground surrounding it.
This is likely to be an issue in autumn heading into winter, with windy and wet weather blowing leaves and foliage around.
It’s also advisable to carry out more thorough checks of the various features at least once a month or so, making sure that the structure is completely stable and everything works as it should.
If you spot any signs of wear and tear, you might want to lightly test the equipment yourself to identify any loose, rusty, or damaged parts that need fixing or replacing before the kids can play.
Be sure to oil moving metal parts like swing chains, treat any rust with WD-40, and tighten loose fixings. However, you should avoid overtightening nuts and bolts, especially in summer when timber can dry out and shrink, resulting in cracks.
Make sure any sharp edges are covered with safety caps, and if wood is starting to splinter, use sandpaper to gently file it smooth before resealing the surface.
Apply wood treatments in spring and autumn
To create a sturdy and long-lasting structure, most traditional climbing frames are made using timber, which is typically pressure-treated to preserve the wood against rot, mould, and infestations.
However, thanks to constant weather exposure, this protection won’t last forever – so you’ll need to top it up with regular treatments to maintain the climbing frame’s resistance against damp and rot.
Climbing frames tend to get the most use in the summer months, and often little to no use in the dead of winter. This is when exposed timber can absorb moisture and expand, only to dry out and contract when warmer weather comes – causing the wood to crack and warp.
To prevent this, you should re-treat the wood with an appropriate sealant at least once a year. Many people choose to do this at the start of spring, preparing the structure for its heaviest use in the summer. It’s also a good idea to top it up again in autumn before the wet winter.
Whether you opt to do this once or twice annually, choose a day with dry and clear weather. Remove all accessories and loose parts, and keep children and pets clear for the duration of the process.
Start by sanding the wood to remove leftover coatings and splinters, then apply a water-based sealant that’s safe for use outdoors and on play equipment for children. Avoid oil-based products and waxes, which can create a slippery surface.
If the timber has faded in the sun over time, you can also take the opportunity to apply a stain or paint to change the colour and freshen things up before applying the preservative sealant.
Prepare for less use in the winter months
While robust outdoor climbing frames are designed to last through cycles of harsh weather, not all of the components are – and neither are people!
If it’s too wet, icy, or windy for kids to play safely, they’re likely to stick to playing indoors when it’s chilly and dark outside. Meanwhile, any fabric elements will gather moisture and increase the risk of mould and rot, and plastic elements can become brittle in the cold.
This is why it’s best to remove detachable parts from the climbing frame and store them safely in a garage or shed for the winter if they’re unlikely to be used.
For example, swings, chains, ropes, and play attachments or accessories – such as telescopes, steering wheels, and play phones – may be removed and put away until the spring.
Metal parts are also at higher risk of becoming rusty and deteriorating in prolonged cold and wet weather, even with built-in protective coatings, so you may want to look into alternative options for restoring an anti-corrosion coat.
As long as you stay on top of regular maintenance checks throughout the changing seasons and don’t let children use equipment with potential faults, your kids’ climbing frame is sure to see many years of safe and fun playing ahead!