My timber swing set/cubby house is crackingUpdated a year ago

At Lifespan, we use premium timber for our products, ensuring meticulous selection, machining, and treatment before sale. However, since timber is a natural material, it may change over time.

It is important to inspect the wood thoroughly each season and perform regular maintenance to protect it from the elements.

Wood Checks

As timber absorbs and releases moisture, it may develop small checks (gaps, slits, or cracks) along the grain. These minor cracks are often less noticeable in winter as moisture re-enters and expands the wood.

To minimize wood checks, we recommend re-staining or painting the timber periodically. This helps seal the wood, preventing moisture from entering or leaving, and reduces the risk of cracks and splits.

Examples of Wood Checks:

• Dimensional Timber: Contains minimal heartwood, so splits are less common.
• Round Pole Swing Sets: The thick timber used means that any cracks (like those shown) do not affect the strength or durability of the swing sets.

Monitor wood checks to ensure they do not develop into severe cracks. Large cracks that penetrate through the wood may require replacement.

If you notice significant issues, please contact us with detailed pictures of your product so we can assess and ensure your playground remains safe.