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Timber - Why we use it

When we could quite easily produce our play equipment in plastic or metal like other companies, we choose to craft our play pieces out of Timber. Here's why...

Timber - The Fifth Element?

We believe in creating natural play spaces and to do this we create the majority of our play equipment from timber. Our timber is sustainably sourced high up in the Alps from environmentally managed sites. As our timber is taken from such high altitudes it provides moderate rot resistance, which is excellent for our changeable British weather.

Our Choices of Wood

Different types of timber have different qualities and so we use different types of wood for different purposes. All come from sustainable sources - mainly we use Mountain Larch (larix decidua).

Mountain Larch - Successfully used for hundreds of years in the Alps to construct buildings that are designed to weather well.

An important reason for Larch wood being particularly suited to use as play equipment, are the conditions in which it grows. Farmed for avalanche protection, it grows high up in the Alps. At such high altitudes it grows very slowly (close year rings) and this allows the wood to develop its´ natural resistance to a considerably higher degree, something that does not happen in valley regions. We use no chemical protection with Mountain Larch.

Robinia - Also highly naturally rot resistant, Robinia has an attractive organic form which blends well with the natural environment. Whilst still nicely shaped, we tend to use the straighter available timbers from this tree as otherwise finding replacement timbers if necessary would be nearly impossible. Robinia is mainly suitable for climbing equipment and support posts rather than for high energy moving equipment. We use no chemical protection with Robinia.

Oak - We use heart of Oak for square timbers and Climbing Forest Trunks which are installed directly into the ground as this is very rot resistant. We use no chemical protection with Oak.

Ash - Ash has high elasticity for a wood and is very hard wearing. We use this wood for ladder rungs.

Pines & Firs - Where chemical protection is required, we use pines and firs.

For more information about chemical impregnation, please see the download below.

Positives of Timber

Timber provides children with many sensory experiences. They can feel the texture of the timber through their hands and feet. It is also easier to grip. Nothing in nature is straight, so an irregular shape becomes something interesting to play with. The natural feel of wood gives a calming vibe throughout the playground and the textures add play value.

- Unlike metal, timber won´t feel icy cold, even during the winter. Nor does it heat up too much when the sun shines on it, making it a more comfortable ‘all year´ play material.

- Graffiti can be easily removed and any damage or problems are easily repaired.

- As we use the WHOLE trunk it is far harder to set fire to the play equipment. Generally, any fire damage is superficial and can be quickly and easily repaired.

- Unlike metal play equipment, timber pieces are not valuable as scrap.

Sustainability

Our timber is a sustainable raw material - it comes from the earth and returns to the earth. We feel timber is the only true sustainable material for building the best playground equipment. The way in which we use it does not exploit natural resources and is in correspondence with the environmentally friendly attitude of the enterprise. Since 2001, our timber supplier is certified according to EN45011 PEFC.

Children can learn as they play

As wood is an organic material with an uneven structure with lumps and bumps. Children can discover many things in it from grain, year rings, knots and the varying colours. Children can understand how our play equipment is constructed. They will gain the fulfillment of discovery and exploration as they work out how their play equipment is fixed together.

0.04 MB  Chemical Impregnation