I live in PA and looking to build a kids outdoor playset for my granddaughter. What is a good relatively splinter free wood to use? Is red cedar a good all around choice? I built one many years back for my kids using pressure treated pine but really don’t want to go that route again – that had it’s fair share of splinters. I’d like to think I’m older and wiser now.
Thanks in advance!
Fred
Replies
Ours was pressure treated posts and some 2X4 Fir for decking
If I did it again I'd consider Trex or some other composite.
dusty
In your area I would look at either northern or atlantic white cedar for parts of the structure which will be touched. Western red cedar or redwood would also work. The composite materials (i.e. Trex et al) can get uncomfortably hot in direct sun.
Rather than look for a specific species, I'd look around at local supply sources to see what they have on hand. Many better lumber yards have exterior materials. You never know what you might find. A while ago I found some beautiful Alaskan yellow cedar at one yard, other times I've found redwood and red cedar in nice dimensional stock.
Regardless of the species, spend some time with a round over bit and sandpaper. Eliminating sharp corners will go a long way in preventing splinters.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Many moons ago, I built my kids an outdoor playset out of western red cedar. I took the time to round over all endgrain cuts on boards, which eliminated splinters for the kids. It's a nice, lightweight wood that holds up to the elements very well.
Jeff
Rot resistance is important, but strength may also be a consideration- especially if you are thinking of including swings or a slide. Cedar and redwood are not particularly strong. Fir and/or white oak might be better choices, depending on the load requirements.
Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
Not fir! I have actual scars on my right hand just from trying to lightly sand it. Of course that was dry Clear Vertical Grain ("CVG"). Man I hate that stuff, and everyone else likes it so much! Anyway, it's an interior wood.
Brian
"<...Anyway, it's an interior wood...>"I haven't had your problem with fir splintering, especially when properly finished. If you pick your boards carefully, and use less face sawn boards (e.g. more rift or quartersawn) on the lower surfaces where little hands are likely to come in contact with it, splinters are less likely. It's often the edges of secondary growth fir where widely spaced growth rings wrap around and are given to splintering. The same is true with cedar, BTW. For higher timbers, such as the cross piece of a swing set, this is less of an issue, and fir's strength is very helpful. You can buy common boards- e.g. 2 x 10's or 2 x 12's and cut them down, selecting the best heartwood for the project.As for being an "interior wood", fir is a pretty standard choice for exterior doors, windows, trim, etc. Used above grade, it should be fine.Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
I don't disagree, really, just have a sort of playful grudge against the sh*t. I know that fir has 'moderate' rot resistance, and I guess your right about it splintering on the more flatsawn parts, namely the edges of QS boads that I have been known to try and sand (lightly) by hand . . .Brian
Unfortunately, we tend to judge most woods today by their second growth properties. My house is balloon-framed. I have some fir studs that are clearly first growth (>30' long) and have very tight grain- with a very smooth surface and no splinters. In the 19th C this was the rule, not the exception. Too bad we don't have a few from an old barn to contribute towards a swing set...Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
fseider,
These guys make magical swing sets. Seriously, I've never seen anything like it, kids are attracted to them like bees to honey. http://www.childlife.com/
They are made of yellow cedar and, in our case, lasted about 13 years between MA., MI., and IN.
Edited 7/28/2008 2:08 pm ET by BG
BG - Thanks for the response - should there have been a link there? I'm not sure who you are referring to.
Thanks,
fseider,
Sorry about that, I went back and corrected my message..
http://www.childlife.com/
My vote would be white oak. I have recently done a hollow column / pergola with Western Red Cedar and I can tell you that although it is a very nice wood, it is not very strong.
Rounding over edges is highly recommended.
Lyle
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