Rubber Vs. Wood Outdoor Playsets for Kids

Wood - Pros

• Wood playsets are popular for a variety of reasons. For one, playsets constructed out of natural wood can be attractive, and can add to the look and feel of one's landscaping. Additionally, playsets that are made out of properly treated wood can last for a long time, withstanding the elements with ease. Wood playsets often come with lifetime warranties as well, which many people find to be a good reason for purchasing them.

Wood - Cons

• One of the biggest issues with wood playsets is that those that are made out of high-quality wood that has been treated correctly tend to be rather expensive. Conversely, budget wooden playsets are often made out of low-quality wood, which can warp and deteriorate rather quickly. Another issue is that wooden playsets often feature hard angles, which can increase the chances that a child will injure himself while playing. Since many wood playsets feature exposed hardware, it's even more likely that a child can get hurt on them.

Rubber - Pros

• Playsets that are made out of synthetic rubber materials are quite popular among parents who are concerned about the safety of their children. This is because rubber playsets rarely feature hard edges, and are usually made out of a material that is far softer than wood. Rubber playsets tend to be rather inexpensive in comparison to wooden models, which makes them far more attainable for those who need to stick to a budget. In addition, rubber playsets are practically indestructible, and can last for a long time when properly cared for.

Rubber - Cons

• One of the main reasons many people tend to stray away from rubber playsets is that many models tend to look clunky and unattractive, hence taking away from the overall look of the yard. This is especially true for budget models, which are often constructed out of materials that are far from flattering in appearance. Also, it is usually not possible to add on to a rubber playset, whereas wooden playsets tend to offer quite a bit more room for creativity to those who are handy.