Cunninghamia Cedar vs. Redwood: The Best Wood for Your Playsets
In recent years, we’ve seen a huge uptick in families choosing playsets made out of wood versus other materials like plastic or metal. This is because wood is long-lasting, durable and safe. If you’re thinking about a wooden playset, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is the type of wood you want for your playset.
While there are many kinds of wood to choose from, some are better than others. Two popular choices for wood playsets are cedar and redwood. While both cedar wood and redwood make for great playset materials, there are a few differences between the two. Let’s compare cedar wood and redwood, discussing some key factors to consider as you’re thinking about your playset.
Cedar Wood Playsets vs. Redwood Playsets
Durability
Wood playsets in general are extremely durable. You don’t have to worry about rust as you would with a metal playset, not to mention wood doesn’t get burning hot in the sun like other materials! Both cedar and redwood playsets are good choices for avoiding rot, decay and damage caused by insects.
Rainbow Play uses a specific type of cedar called Cunninghamia lanceolata. It’s grown and harvested in China and is a prized species. It’s renowned for its durability for hundreds of years in outdoor applications.
Cedar playsets use wood that is grown in harsh conditions where it gets exposed to the elements, making it super sturdy. It also won’t warp in humid weather. Because redwood is known for its durability, it can be quite costly. Cedar playsets are usually just as strong and typically cost a little less.
Sustainability
We’ve got good news for you! Whether you choose redwood or cedar for your wood playset, you’re making an environmentally friendly choice! Wood is a natural product that is harvested in ways that meet eco-friendly standards. Because both redwood and cedar playsets are durable, you’re also making a great choice by picking playsets that will last a long time, decreasing waste. Here are some tips on making them last even longer:
- To avoid risks of rotting, during wet seasons, cover your playset with tarps or add sealant to ensure moisture stays out.
- If you live in an area that gets extra cold in the winter, covering the plastic parts, or the whole playset, is also a good idea. Some components aren’t designed with sub-zero temps in mind.
- Conduct regular maintenance inspections! A good way to keep replacement issues from arising is to check in often. If you catch an issue with your playset early, it’s likely to be a minor repair over having to replace the whole thing!
Aesthetics
Both redwood and cedar playsets are extremely attractive options. Like its name suggests, redwood usually has a reddish tint while cedar wood will give your playset a more yellow shade. Picking a wood type for your playset based on aesthetics is totally up to you. Just make sure you’re maintaining it properly, such as refinishing a section if a chunk were to come off, otherwise, the wood will turn a silver-ish shade.
Choose Rainbow Play’s Cedar Wood Playsets!
Though there are similar benefits to using redwood or cedar wood for playsets, Rainbow Play is proud to use Cunninghamia Fir, a Chinese cedar! Our playsets prove time and time again to withstand years of play while providing limitless fun. You never have to worry about quality when you choose cedar wood playsets from Rainbow Play. Explore our cedar playsets and swing sets, or find a Rainbow Play showroom near you!