Suggested Maintenance

Swing Set Maintenance Guide: Seasonal Tips, Safety Checks & Wood Care

Keeping your kids safe while they’re swinging, sliding, and climbing starts with making sure their playset is in top shape. And let’s be honest, between weather, everyday wear and tear, and years of backyard fun, outdoor playsets often take a beating. That’s why a little regular maintenance goes a long way in protecting your investment and giving your family peace of mind.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through seasonal upkeep, simple safety checks, and smart wood care tips to help your outdoor wooden playset stay sturdy, safe, and ready for play all year long.

Why Regular Swing Set Maintenance Matters

It’s a good idea to give your playset a regular check-up, just like you would with anything that gets a lot of use. Take a look at all the nuts and bolts about twice a month during the active play season, and tighten anything that’s come loose. This is especially important at the start of each season when things may have shifted or settled.

Check swings, chains, and slides for any cracks or signs of wear. If something looks worn out or damaged, it’s best to replace it right away to keep everything safe for play. See our FAQ page for more information on playset safety, inspections, and maintenance.

Year-Round Safety Inspection Checklist

No matter the season, it’s important to give your swing set a regular once-over to catch any issues before they become safety hazards. Here’s a year-round checklist to help you stay on top of what to inspect and when.

What to Check During Every Inspection

A quick visual check can go a long way in keeping your playset safe and secure. During each inspection, take a few minutes to look over these key areas:

Bolts and hardware: Make sure all bolts, screws, and fasteners are tight and rust-free. Replace any missing or corroded hardware right away.
Chains and ropes: Check for fraying, rust, or weak spots. Chains should move freely without grinding or squeaking, and ropes should feel strong and intact.
Wood condition and splinters: Look for cracks, warping, or splintering wood, particularly in high-touch areas like handrails and steps. Sand down rough spots and reseal if needed.
Ground anchors and stability: The entire structure should feel solid and secure. Anchors should be firmly in place, and there shouldn’t be any wobbling when the playset is in use.

Regular checks like these help catch small issues before they turn into big ones and help you enjoy peace of mind knowing your kids can keep playing safely.

Signs You Should Repair or Replace Parts Immediately

If any of the following conditions are noted, they should be removed, corrected, or repaired immediately to prevent injuries:

Hardware that is loose or worn, or that has protrusions or projections
Scattered debris, litter, rocks, or tree roots within the play area
Rust and chipped paint on metal components
Splinters, structural wood imperfections, or decayed wood components
Missing or damaged equipment and or components, such as hardware, handholds, panel slats, etc.

Seasonal Swing Set Maintenance Tips

If you live in an area that gets regular snow, it’s a good idea to take down your tarp or canopy before winter hits. Snow can weigh it down and cause it to stretch, sag, or even tear. Just fold it up and store it indoors until spring arrives and it’s ready to be used again.

In places with really cold winters, it’s also smart to remove swing belts and other flexible parts. Freezing temps can make them brittle over time, so storing them inside will help them last longer and stay safe for future play.

Spring Start-Up Checklist

After a long winter, your swing set deserves a little TLC to get it ready for another season of fun. Here’s what to focus on during your spring maintenance routine:

Cleaning, inspecting, and tightening: Start by giving the entire playset a good cleaning to remove dirt, leaves, and any mildew that may have built up. Then, do a full inspection, looking for loose bolts, worn parts, or anything that seems out of place. Tighten hardware and make any quick fixes before the kids start playing.
Resealing wood: Winter weather can be tough on wood, so spring is the perfect time to reapply a sealant to protect against moisture, sun damage, and splintering. A fresh coat helps keep the wood looking great and lasting longer.
Checking for winter damage: Look closely for any cracks in the wood, rust on metal parts, or weakened ropes and chains. Ice, snow, and freezing temps can cause hidden damage. Even if everything looks fine at first glance, it’s important not to skip this step.

Summer Mid-Season Touch-Ups

By mid-summer, your swing set has likely seen plenty of activity. And with high temps and long sunny days, a few quick touch-ups can help keep everything in shape:

Heat-related expansion issues: Wood naturally expands in the heat, which can cause bolts to loosen or parts to shift slightly. Check hardware for any signs of movement or stress, and tighten things up as needed to keep the structure stable and secure.
Shade and sun exposure tips: Constant sun exposure can dry out wood and fade finishes. If possible, position your swing set in a spot with partial shade, or use a canopy to help protect it from harsh UV rays. And don’t forget to keep an eye on high-touch surfaces, like slides and swings, which can get hot fast. A quick temperature check before playtime keeps little hands and legs safe.

Fall and Winter Prep

As the weather cools down, taking a few simple steps to prep your swing set can help protect it through the off-season and make spring start-up a whole lot easier:

Removing accessories: Detach any removable parts like swings, gliders, or fabric canopies. Store them indoors to prevent damage from snow, ice, or freezing temperatures.
Covering or storing elements: If you can’t store the entire playset, consider using a weatherproof cover for added protection. Focus on shielding wood surfaces and metal hardware from moisture and freezing conditions.
Snow/ice safety reminders: Never let kids play on the swing set when it's icy or snow-covered. Slippery surfaces can lead to falls, and the added weight of snow or ice buildup can strain the structure.

For additional guidance, be sure to refer to our Outdoor Wooden Playset Winterization guide.

How to Stain and Seal Your Wooden Swing Set

Staining a swing set and sealing the wood are must-dos to keep your playset looking great and lasting longer. We recommend applying a sealant or semi-transparent stain with sealant within the first 90 days of owning your swing set, and then reapplying every couple of years. This not only keeps your playset looking fresh, but it also helps protect the wood from moisture and UV damage, which can shorten its lifespan.

For the best results, we suggest using the best playset stain or sealant you can find. Our water-based acrylic sealant is specifically designed for the cedar lumber used in our swing sets (clear sealant here or tinted sealant here), but you can also find a suitable swing set stain at any reputable paint store.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Staining, sealing, and restaining your swing set helps protect the wood from sun, rain, and general wear, keeping it safe, smooth, and looking great. Here’s how to stain a wood playset step by step:

Materials Needed:

Outdoor wood cleaner
Sandpaper or sanding block
Clean cloths or brush
Exterior wood stain/sealant
Paintbrush, roller, or sprayer
Drop cloth or tarp

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Clean the swing set: Use an outdoor wood cleaner to remove dirt, mildew, and buildup. Let it dry completely before moving on.
Sand rough spots: Smooth out any splinters or weathered areas with sandpaper, especially in high-touch zones like handrails and ladder steps.
Protect surrounding areas: Lay down a drop cloth to catch drips and protect grass or surfaces under the swing set.
Apply stain/sealant: Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply a thin, even coat of your chosen stain or sealant. Follow the wood grain and avoid overapplying.
Let it dry: Allow at least 24 hours for the sealant to fully dry before letting kids play.

When to Reseal:

Regular sealing keeps your playset protected and beautiful season after season. Plan to reseal your swing set every 1-2 years, or anytime the wood looks dry, faded, or feels rough to the touch. Spring and early fall are ideal times to refresh your outdoor swing set finish.

Need Help or Replacement Parts?

Need a replacement part or not sure which is the best sealant for your wood playset? Our team is here to help! Contact us for expert advice or browse our selection of sealants and hardware to find exactly what you need to keep your playset safe, sturdy, and ready for fun.