Wooden swing set rot prevention

[TT86]

Sorry for the Dad post but I thought you guys would know the answer!

I have ordered this swing set for my girls. Will assemble it in the spring



I plan to protect it with protek clear wood protection.

My worry is the feet where they contact the grass. Whilst I know it'll need anchoring down I was wondering if rubber/metal feet exist for ground contact to prevent rotting? Also thinking about putting one of those plastic grids under each foot to stop it sinking.

Any advice most appreciated!

[Techno9000]

Dipping the ends that will be in ground contact in a bucket of a wood preserver for five minutes or so will soak up plenty into the end grain and forestall the rot for several years.
If you're going to keep the wood spaced off the ground as well, then even better again.

[Tim Cognito]

A lot of council play parks which have any wood set in the ground are wrapped in that black membrane stuff. Whether that's effective or not I don't know.

[Mazinbrum]

Black Jack paint.

[TT86]

Thanks folks some good suggestions. Soaking the ends sounds like a good shout. I'll try and work out what the black wrap is too to be on the safe side!

[Timmos1974]

Careful of that wrap, it must be applied properly or moisture can wick down..

[Chumley.mouse]

Standing the feet in preservative and letting it soak it up is a good idea then as you say standing it on plastic grids of some sort will keep it from being on wet ground , will let access water run off and also create airflow around them. Wood is fine if it gets wet …then dries , it’s when its constantly wet that rot sets in.

[The Rotrex Kid]

I did nothing on the last one I put up and I’m just replacing it after 10 years. I think the timbers are pretty well treated anyway?

[Milkyway]

My Dad's recipe..., Creocote mixed with some old engine oil. (Approx 2:1
(Available in dark or light.)

NB: It might smell a bit oily for a few days though...& take a bit longer to dry properly.

Edited by Milkyway on Sunday 16th November 21:02

[Simpo Two]

Your children will be too old to use it before it rots.

[Promised Land]

Chumley.mouse said:

Standing the feet in preservative and letting it soak it up is a good idea then as you say standing it on plastic grids of some sort will keep it from being on wet ground , will let access water run off and also create airflow around them. Wood is fine if it gets wet then dries , it s when its constantly wet that rot sets in.

So how do traditionally built timber hulled boats go on then?

It’s also called timber, not wood.

From google … Wood is the general term for the raw material from trees, while timber is wood that has been processed and prepared for construction or carpentry.

[blueg33]

Simpo Two said:

Your children will be too old to use it before it rots.

That’s what happened with the stuff we bought.

[TT86]

Simpo Two said:

Your children will be too old to use it before it rots.

Probably a very valid point albeit number 3 is on the way. I think I'll just soak each foot well and use the plastic grids under each. That way I should get a few years out of it at least all being well.

[Chumley.mouse]

Promised Land said:

So how do traditionally built timber hulled boats go on then?

It s also called timber, not wood.

From google Wood is the general term for the raw material from trees, while timber is wood that has been processed and prepared for construction or carpentry.

Not to me if its from a tree its called wood.

I don’t know much about boats but I’m guessing they are not built from cheap fast grown pressure treated wood.

[sherman]

Paint the first foot of each foot in bitumen paint and it will outlast you

[Andeh1]

sherman said:

Paint the first foot of each foot in bitumen paint and it will outlast you

This would be my default. Make sure the wood is dry, then give each two layers if a bitumen 'sock' above wet grass height. It's horrible stuff to use, but great at it's job.

[dundarach]

I bought this 16 years ago and it's still going strong and still used (now as a shed!!)



Bung on slabs \ bricks set in the ground and plenty of Cuprinol Ducks Back every few years.

(I also stuck a new roof on this year)

Just look after it if you want it to live.

https://www.cuprinol.co.uk/product/cuprinol-five-y... this has been brilliant for my stuff, I'm sure others will have their opinions.

Edited by dundarach on Monday 17th November 07:53

[DonkeyApple]

TT86 said:

Sorry for the Dad post but I thought you guys would know the answer!

I have ordered this swing set for my girls. Will assemble it in the spring



I plan to protect it with protek clear wood protection.

My worry is the feet where they contact the grass. Whilst I know it'll need anchoring down I was wondering if rubber/metal feet exist for ground contact to prevent rotting? Also thinking about putting one of those plastic grids under each foot to stop it sinking.

Any advice most appreciated!

Mowing is your true nemesis. After a season you'll be praying for rot and woodworm to rescue you from your imprisonment.

Steeping the ground timbers is a good plan but I'd also investigate what type of base to put down under the tower and feet for ease of mowing and this will slow rotting as an aside.

[GasEngineer]

Haven't tried it myself but saw a tip for cutting the bottom off a suitably sized plastic bottle, slipping it over the bottom of the post and shrinking it on with a hot air gun.