| It is difficult to decide which type of climbing | | | | Wooden climbing frames |
| frame is best for your children. If your children | | | | Wooden frames will need to be treated as wood |
| have been nagging you for a new play frame | | | | naturally expands and contracts throughout the |
| don't simply rush out and buy the first one you | | | | year, this will affect the colour of your frame. |
| see in a children's mega store or at the local | | | | The natural colour of wood will blend into your |
| garden centre. Take time out research the pros | | | | garden rather than stand out. I advise to look out |
| and cons of metal frames against wooden | | | | for a pre-treated (ideally pressure treated) |
| frames to find out which is the best option for | | | | climbing frame which will usually give you 15 years |
| your children. | | | | of service life. Some manufacturers guarantee |
| You will find a whole host of different sized play | | | | their products. Also, look out for the FSC logo. |
| frames available to suit small, medium or large | | | | This means the wood has been sourced from a |
| gardens. Small children will not require a large | | | | sustainable forest that is properly managed. |
| climbing frame however you may want to | | | | Metal climbing frames |
| consider buying a larger play frame in advance to | | | | This is generally the cheaper option and has less |
| save you having to upgrade as your children | | | | maintenance issues. However please check which |
| grow. Depending on the size and style of your | | | | type of metal is used as steel, the cheaper but |
| garden there are a huge range of play frames | | | | heavier option, tends to rust after 4-5 years |
| currently available. Some are modern and | | | | where as an aluminum frame which costs a little |
| contemporary, others more traditional in look and | | | | more lasts a great deal longer. |
| feel. For instance, a traditional climbing frame is | | | | Choosing the correct sized climbing frame is |
| usually wooden, simplistic and can be a lovely | | | | another important consideration. When planning |
| feature to look at in your garden. A modern | | | | your purchase, measure the space in your garden |
| frame can also be pleasing on the eye and made | | | | where you plan to put the frame. Make sure any |
| from either wood or metal. The modern frame | | | | frame you are looking to buy will fit comfortably |
| can include a range of swings, slides, ropes, | | | | into that area. Allow room around the frame for |
| beams, climbing walls, trampolines, bridges, tunnels | | | | your children to run freely. Also take into |
| and ladders. | | | | consideration your child's age, size, current |
| Please remember that the more gadgets and | | | | capabilities and requirements for the next few |
| features your frame has the higher the price is | | | | years. |
| likely to be. A child's greatest tool is his or her | | | | Important note- in the UK the specified height |
| imagination; they will not require a huge fortress | | | | restriction for a climbing frame is 13ft. If you do |
| to entertain themselves; even the simplest of | | | | however wish to erect a larger structure you can |
| climbing frames can bring hours of joy to any | | | | do so but you will need to contact your local |
| child. | | | | council to seek planning permission. |