Metal Climbing Frames Vs Wooden Climbing Frames

So you're looking out to buy a climbing frame for your kids but you don’t know which one to choose. Over the years backyard play equipment has evolved giving you more options to choose from. In this post, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of buying a wooden climbing frame versus a metal one.

The advantages of buying a wooden climbing frame

If it were up to you, you might opt in to buy a wooden climbing frame as it gives you more of that nostalgic feel. It’s the classic climbing frame we all remember at the parks, and if you were lucky enough, in your backyards!

On top of being more aesthetically pleasing to some, wooden climbing friends, if maintained regularly, can last up to a lifetime.

The disadvantages of buying a wooden climbing frame

Although wooden climbing frames can be a great option, they do come with their fair share of disadvantages including:

• More costly
• Can cause splinters
• Needs more maintenance

If you want a high-quality wooden climbing frame, you might need to fork out more money than you first anticipated. And if you end up choosing a cheaper wooden frame, you’ll have to be prepared for some unwanted splintering and less durability.

No matter how well you look after wooden play equipment, there is still a chance of splintering. And this can cause you and your kids some grief. And this ties into the final disadvantage, they need more maintenance. 

More maintenance is required to keep your wooden climbing frame in tip-top condition. If poor maintenance is done, you’ll start to notice some rotting on the wood.

The advantages of buying a metal climbing frame

Over time, metal climbing frames have been created and are becoming the more popular choice for backyards. 

The advantages of buying a metal/steel climbing frame:

• Durable
• Customisable
• Cheaper
• Safer

Metal climbing frames have become much more durable and can last just as long as the highest-quality wooden frames. Especially if you buy a climbing frame from Vuly, the frames are made from double galvanised steel covered with powder coating to protect them against rust.

Modern metal climbing frames are made to suit your needs, meaning they can be customised how you want. This is made possible, through thoughtfully designed joints and lightweight frames. With a range of climbing frame attachments, you can make it outdoor play equipment everyone in the family can enjoy.

Metal climbing frames are also cheaper to make, meaning they’re cheaper to buy. And with the option of customising each frame, you can create a frame that suits your budget!

The disadvantages of buying a metal climbing frame

If you buy a cheapy made a climbing frame, you can expect there to be some compromise in craftsmanship and quality. But, if you buy a quality made climbing frame like the ones sold at Vuly, you shouldn’t have too many issues.

Rusting can still occur and is more susceptible if installing it next to the saltwater. In this case, more maintenance will be needed to retain the quality of the climbing frame.

Which one should you buy?

You should buy a climbing frame that suits your needs and your family's lifestyle. Customizable, high-quality, wooden swing sets are available with unlimited combinations. At Vuly, we’re obviously biased towards a metal climbing frame like the one sold on our website. How can you go past the double galvanised steel combined with our signature powder-coating? 

Monkey bars swing sets and backyard playgrounds should be built to last - and metal lasts longer than wood. 

  Check out our customisable climbing frames here