Using Timber In Commercial Playground Equipment: AN Essential Maintenance Guide

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Timber playgrounds offer a natural warmth and beauty that few materials can match, blending seamlessly into their surroundings and inviting authentic, nature-based play. Like any organic material, timber evolves over time, shaped by weather, use, and environment. When you understand its maintenance needs, you can ensure safety, preserve aesthetics, and extend the life of your investment. 

Here’s what to expect and how to get the best out of your timer equipment.

What to Know Before You Buy

Moduplay has crafted much-loved and long-lasting play equipment from selected Australian timbers for over 35 years; we know timber can perform well in harsh Australian environments and how to take care of it.

Firstly, while timber is celebrated for its beauty and rustic warmth, it is a natural, organic material. Being organic means it will inevitably break down over time. In saying that, the timbers we selectively work with will easily outlast the life of an average playground in Australia, with minimal maintenance.

Here are a few points to consider:

• Re-coating Timeline: Timber coatings typically require re-application every 6–12 months, depending on exposure and wear. A quick water-bead test can help determine when re-coating is needed.
• Ease of Maintenance: Many coatings, such as Intergrain Universal Timber Oil, are straightforward to apply. Keeping the surface clean and free from debris simplifies the process.
• Natural Imperfections: Expect ‘checking’—minor cracks or splits in the timber—as it acclimates to its environment. This is entirely normal and does not compromise structural integrity.
• Weathered timber effect: Often our clients are looking to achieve a driftwood grey appearance of naturally weathered timber. Great! It is likely you will only need to check the playground routinely for excessive checking or wear and tear and, depending on local conditions, it may need no coating at all.

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Understanding Timber Coatings

The type of coating on your timber dictates its maintenance needs:

• Intergrain Universal Timber Oil (Dusty Oak): A user-friendly, durable choice for most applications.
• Quantum Timber Finishes ‘Timbre Plus – Decking’: Renowned for its long-lasting protection.

Inspect for water penetration every six months. If water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to re-coat​.

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Common Challenges and Solutions

Timber is resilient, but exposure to the elements can lead to certain issues:

• Footing Rot: Often caused by poor drainage or constant shade. Ensure proper installation and water runoff to prevent this.
• Mould and Moss Growth: Clean timber surfaces regularly with a mild detergent. Avoid products with wax additives, which can hinder recoating​.
• Splinters and Roughness: Light sanding removes splinters and smooths rough areas. Remember, a slightly rough texture can(will) enhance grip for playground users.

These worry points are mitigated by the use of stainless steel and galvanised bolts. Our Australian Cypress pine is seasoned for over three months, while our DAR hardwoods such as Spotted Gum and Blackbutt are kiln-dried for dimensional stability. Cypress logs are turned down to remove sapwood and are sandblasted to achieve a clean, slip-resistant surface. Hardwood elements are sanded with 120-grit paper to remove splinters and ensure safety.

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Proactive Maintenance Tasks

Adopt these essential tasks as part of your routine:

• Inspections: Check for cracks, wear, or structural concerns every six months.
• Cleaning: Remove dirt, moss, and mould using mild cleaning agents. In many cases, a simple hosedown is all that’s needed.
• Re–coating: Depending on usage and environment, reapply a recommended timber oil every 6–12 months.
• Drainage Checks: Prevent waterlogging by ensuring proper drainage around footings​.

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Advanced Strategies for Longevity

Going beyond basic maintenance can further enhance the lifespan of your equipment:

• Professional Inspections: Engage certified inspectors annually to address any emerging issues.
• Record Keeping: Maintain a log of inspections, repairs, and recoating to track maintenance history and warranty requirements.

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The Importance of Timber Education

Customers often express concerns about natural timber features such as ‘checking’ or minor splitting. At Moduplay, we educate our clients to differentiate between normal occurrences and actual issues:

• Checking: A harmless process as the timber adjusts to its environment.
• Surface Splits: Addressed with prompt sanding and recoating to prevent further wear.
• Natural movements: As with all natural materials, timber will expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity—this is normal and accounted for in our designs

Remember, timber’s natural resilience, when combined with proper maintenance, makes it an excellent choice for playgrounds, blending aesthetics with durability.

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Need Help?

Contact us for more information or download our Playground Maintenance & Inspection Handbook and our Timber Coatings Maintenance Guide for detailed guidance.

By following these practices, you’ll ensure your playground remains safe, inviting, and beautiful for years to come.

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Why Moduplay?

At Moduplay, we have decades of experience creating Australian-made playgrounds that inspire joy and connection. Our collaborative approach to community consultation ensures every project reflects the unique identity and needs of its users while upholding the highest standards of design, quality, and safety.

Together, we can create spaces that bring people together, foster well-being, and celebrate the spirit of your community.

Let’s build something extraordinary.

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