They say kids grow up fast, but if you’ve ever been around a playground, you know equipment ages even faster when it’s constantly under the stress of eager hands, stomping feet, and Mother Nature’s unpredictable moods.
At AAA State of Play, we know that choosing the right materials isn't just about aesthetics or upfront costs. It's about long-term performance, maintenance requirements, and ultimately, the experiences of the children who depend on these spaces.
In this article, we’ll break down how long you can expect different playground materials to last, what factors affect their durability, and how AAA State of Play helps ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Metal playgrounds are the backbone structures of community play spaces. From sturdy climbers to swings and monkey bars, steel and aluminum are chosen for their unmatched durability.
Typical Life Expectancy:20–30 years with proper care.
Galvanized steel, when treated against corrosion, is especially reliable. Powder-coating provides an extra layer of protection while also allowing for vibrant colors that resist chipping and fading. However, metal does require ongoing care since moisture and salty environments can accelerate rust if protective coatings are compromised.
AAA State of Play Tip: For schools and municipalities seeking long-term investment, we recommend metal for heavy-use playgrounds. It’s ideal for areas where high traffic and rough play are expected, such as public parks or large community centers. Regular inspections and repainting can easily extend the lifespan to the higher end of the spectrum.
Plastic is one of the most common materials found on modern playgrounds, especially in slides, tunnels, and climbing features. Today’s high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics are engineered to be more durable than the plastics used in decades past.
Typical Life Expectancy:10–15 years, depending on climate and maintenance.
Plastic playground components resist rust and splintering, making them a safe and reliable choice for younger children. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading, brittleness, or cracks over time. Locations with intense sun and heat may see equipment age faster unless it’s UV-stabilized and regularly inspected.
AAA State of Play Tip: We often recommend plastic components for early childhood playgrounds because they offer a softer, safer feel for little hands and knees. When paired with proper shade structures, plastic play elements can thrive for years without significant degradation.
There’s something nostalgic about wooden playgrounds—they carry a rustic charm that many communities love. However, even pressure-treated wood has its limits when exposed to the elements.
Typical Life Expectancy:10–20 years, depending on wood type and environmental conditions.
Cedar and redwood are naturally more resistant to rot and insects, while pressure-treated pine requires chemical treatment to stand up to moisture. Despite protective coatings, wood is vulnerable to splintering, warping, and termite damage over time.
AAA State of Play Tip: If your community values the natural aesthetic of wood, we advise incorporating wood into smaller, decorative play structures rather than relying on it for the core playground. Alternatively, hybrid designs that blend wood with more durable materials can provide both style and strength.
Eco-conscious communities are turning to recycled materials, such as reclaimed plastics and rubber, to build sustainable playgrounds. These materials are engineered for strength while reducing environmental impact.
Typical Life Expectancy:15–25 years, depending on the composition and design.
Recycled plastic lumber, for example, won’t splinter, rot, or attract pests the way natural wood does. Recycled rubber surfacing also provides added safety benefits by cushioning falls, while resisting cracking and fading better than asphalt or poured concrete alternatives.
AAA State of Play Tip: We often recommend recycled materials to organizations seeking both sustainability and resilience. They strike an excellent balance of durability and eco-friendliness, making them perfect for communities that want to highlight green initiatives.
Playground equipment doesn’t exist in isolation. It rests on surfacing that protects kids and plays a role in long-term durability. High-quality surfacing reduces impact on equipment and helps extend its life.
AAA State of Play Tip: We often recommend surfacing as part of a total equipment strategy. Durable equipment paired with low-maintenance surfacing ensures the entire playground investment lasts longer and performs better.
No matter the material, several universal factors affect how long playground equipment lasts:
At AAA State of Play, we design playgrounds with these factors in mind, helping customers match materials to their unique environment and needs.
Playgrounds as a whole can be greater and live longer when the sum of its play equipment parts are durable and withstand the external elements.
Whether you’re drawn to the sturdiness of steel, the charm of wood, the versatility of plastic, or the eco-benefits of recycled materials, AAA State of Play has the expertise to guide you toward the best choice for your needs.
If you’re ready to invest in a playground that will deliver lasting fun and value, contact us and explore our wide range of products and services. Together, we’ll create a play space that not only meets today’s needs but also endures for tomorrow’s generations.
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Mandy has been a playground salesperson and CPSI-certified playground inspector for 12 years. Her passion for play shines through her work, and with years of experience in the playground world, her knowledge of playground safety is unparalleled. In her free time, Mandy enjoys watching her kids play baseball.
