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The wood we use for our play equipment

The wood we use for our play equipment

The material of your bought play equipment is very important in many ways. It plays a role in the look and feel, but most importantly in the safety and the durability of your climbing frame or playhouse. At Wickey, we use wood. Wood is a living, natural material that withstands weather, intensive use and time. By carefully selecting and

Table of Contents

The types of wood we use
Wood characteristics
What is pressure impregnated wood and why do we use it?
Do I need to treat or maintain the wood?
Should I paint the wood?
Summary

The types of wood we use

Wooden play structures are stable and durable, and blend naturally into the garden. Compared to metal or plastic alternatives, wood offers a warmer, more natural look and remains comfortable to the touch in both sunny or cooler weather. At Wickey, we use two carefully selected types of wood for our play equipment: spruce and pine wood. There are many advantages of spruce and spine wood:

  • Both offer a natural and warm look that fits perfectly in gardens.
  • Both types are lightweight, making them very easy to work with.
  • They have harmless impregnation properties for long-lasting protection. When they are treated, they are very durable and weather-resistant.
  • They are cost-effective because we impregnate the wood. This means that the wood does not need to be treated against weather influences every year.

Most of our wood comes from domestic forests in Central-Europe. Due to the slower growth in this region, the wood becomes harder and more durable. This local sourcing reduces transport distances and supports responsible forestry, making it a sustainable choice for Wickey, and also for its consumers. The wood is grown and processed with a strong focus on quality and responsible use of natural resources.

Wood characteristics

Wood is a natural, raw material. During the growth process each tree develops its own characteristic features. Typical wood features such as branches and grains make each piece of wood a genuine one of a kind. The distinctive natural features are deliberately accepted and do not constitute a defect.

What is pressure impregnated wood and why do we use it?

Pressure impregnated wood is wood that has been treated under very high pressure so that protective preservatives are pressed deep into the wood fibers. This process, also known as boiler-pressure impregnation, protects our climbing frames against rot, mold, fungi and insect damage. It also provides strong resistance against long-term contact with soil and water.

The advantages of pressure-impregnated wood are:

  • Longer lifespan thanks to long-lasting protection.
  • Low maintenance: no regular sanding or painting required, although optional finishing is possible.
  • Safe for children, animals and nature, as the impregnation is harmless.
  • High weather resistance, making the climbing frame ideal for year-round outdoor use.

Do I need to treat or maintain the wood?

Treatment before usage

Wood is a living material and can change a bit in volume due to humidity or temperature. That’s why we recommend unpacking the wood immediately after receiving it and to let it dry for a minimal of 2 days before starting with the assembly. This allows any moisture from the impregnation process to fully escape and ensures that the wood fits.

For the same reason, some holes should be drilled during assembly to guarantee a precise fit and long-term stability. We also recommend lightly sanding the edges created during production for additional safety.

You may occasionally notice small white/greenish spots on the wood. These are caused by leaking resin and ingredients of the pressure impregnation and are completely harmless. Their appearance will even out over time due to outdoor weathering. If preferred, these areas can be lightly sanded.

Should I paint the wood?

Thanks to pressure impregnation, you do not need to glaze or varnish the wood. However, if you wish to add some colour, you may paint it using child-safe, environmentally friendly paints or varnishes certified according to DIN EN 71 Part 3.

Maintenance

Because our wood is pressure impregnated, maintenance is kept to a minimum. However, we still recommend the following:

  • Regularly inspect the climbing frame for loose screws, splinters or cracks. Cracks are a totally normal element of wood and usually harmless. Cracks up to ¼ of the timber length or ¼ of the cross-section depth are good to use according to DIN 4074 and do not affect stability or safety at all.
  • Avoid standing water on and around the climbing frame, by ensuring good drainage.
  • Clean annually with mild soap and water to keep the play area pleasant for children to use.

Summary

Wickey uses high-quality spruce and pine wood for play equipment, pressure-impregnated for durability, safety, and low maintenance. Proper handling and minimal care ensure long-lasting, safe outdoor play structures.

Key takeaways

  • Spruce and pine are durable, lightweight, and naturally safe.
  • Pressure impregnation protects against rot, fungi, insects, and weather.
  • Let wood dry 2+ days before assembly; sanding edges improves safety.
  • Optional child-safe painting is possible.
  • Regularly check for loose screws, cracks, and maintain good drainage.
  • Small cracks are normal and don’t affect stability.
  • Annual cleaning with mild soap and water keeps the play area pleasant and safe.