Lumber for a new swing set/playhouse?

E

ek49ten

New member
I'm designing a big outdoor playset for my girls. I was talking to someone at home depot and they said that seeing how I"m painting the entire thing that I don't HAVE to use treated lumber. I want to know how true this is from someone with experience. I know it will be better to use treated lumber but it would save me a good chunk of money.
 
Use treated lumber for sure. Don't paint the playset after you're done building it. Just not worth the hassle. Use a stain. They make solid stain that looks like paint and yet won't chip or peel, and it sinks into the wood to protect it further.
 
DON'T USE TREATED LUMBER on something kids will be playing with and coming in contact with their skin. The chemicals can leach out and who wants to play Russian roulette with their kid's health. It's true you don't have to use treated lumber or the more expensive natural woods resistant to water etc. if you paint it. Sure it won't last as long, but the kids will out grow the swing set in not time anyway.
 
Use treated and wait a year till it dries out then paint it. Its true you dont need to use treated if its pained but if your burying any part of it it underground it should be treated Iatuthose points.
 
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