Climbing Frames

Here are some considerations when choosing climbing frames:

Size - product dimensions are listed (but layout is flexible), remember to add a 2m safe surround.

Growth - some designs are modular allowing you to add or redesign over time.

Activities - do your children favour climbing, sliding, swinging, playing in dens . . . ?

Age range - choose something that will challenge them tomorrow not just today

Aesthetics - would you prefer metal, roundwood or sawnwood in your garden?

Overall value - play value, modularity, longevity, size, price, grade of timber, quality of fittings?

Assembly

• read the instructions don’t just look at the diagrams!
• get a friend to assist, they can help to; reduce the build time, solve problems, support the frame, lift the heavier items . . . .
• most climbing frame manufacturers supply ground anchors, which must be fitted to provide greater stability

Maintenance

• our metal climbing frames use galvanised steel so they are maintenance free
• all of our wooden climbing frame manufacturers use pressure treated timbers (see below) so they are maintenance free*
• when locating your climbing frame under certain trees remember that sap, aphids and leaf fall can make extra work 
• to clean your climbing frame accessories use a mild detergent, warm water & a sponge, then rinse off with plenty of fresh water. 
  

Safety

·   site your climbing frame 1.8 - 2m away from obstructions

• it is essential to use concrete (Postmix) in commercial applications. 
• we recommend that you check all the fittings regularly. This is especially important soon after the first period of use when the structure settles down

Cracks & Splits (Shakes) in Wood
These are natural features of any timber and will vary in size depending on ambient temperature and humidity. During dry spells you can water your wood to close up any cracks.

Sawn timber will be less prone to shakes but here you should look out for the timber grade and finish. A lower grade timber will be cheaper but usually have a higher knot count, a wider grain and a rougher finish.

A higher-grade timber will be more expensive but have a low knot count, a tight grain and a smoother finish (e.g. MaxPlay).

We store our timber as per the manufacturers instructions; under cover from the elements, but with good side ventilation and no heating.

Preservatives
Since July 2004 timber products have had to be pressure treated with a non-toxic, water based solution (e.g. Tanalith E).  This has been in use for more than 10 years and is an EU approved alternative to the older arsenic based preservatives, which have been banned from use in domestic and residential applications.
The current preservatives can sometimes leave a light green stain on new timbers, this will fade with time.
A light mould can sometimes develop as the preservative dries in storage, we try to avoid this by storing on ventilated racks but it is harmless and can be brished off.

Planning Permission (residential equipment)
You will need to consult with your local authority for location specific details but here are a few tips;

In addition their height is usually below local authority thresholds (usually 4m for pitched roofs, 3m for flat roofs) for garden use.  However, you should check with your local authority if:

• you plan to build a play system in a field (i.e. a possible ‘change of use’)
• if you live in a conservation area (e.g. 10 cubic metres max volume)
• you intend to build the playframe in your front garden
• if you have restrictive deeds on your property or surrounding properties
• your neighbour has cause for complaint
• the equipment takes up more than 50% of your garden area
• the equipment is close to the main house (e.g. less than 5m)
  

Click here to view our full range of metal, roundwood and sawnwood climbing frames

Click here to view our wooden climbing frames