Outdoor play is one of the best ways to encourage kids to get active, enjoy fresh air, and engage in physical activity that helps them grow stronger and healthier.
Travelling to outdoor playgrounds and parks can be a hassle that not every family has time for, though – so the most convenient option is to install a jungle gym in your own garden.
If you have limited space for climbing equipment, a set of monkey bars is the ideal solution.
A simple frame of vertical and horizontal ladders can go a long way to inspire the imagination and help children and teens strengthen their muscles by climbing and swinging.
However, there are many different types of monkey bar sets to choose from, including frames made from traditional timber or more modern metal.
So, are wooden monkey bars better than metal monkey bars, or vice versa? Read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of both to help you decide for yourself!
Pros and Cons of Wooden Monkey Bars
There are many benefits of wooden monkey bars, which include:
- Aesthetic appeal – The natural appearance of wood is timeless and blends in well with most garden spaces, so kids can feel close to nature while playing.
- Sustainability – Wood is eco-friendly and renewable, with many monkey bar frames made from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
- Durability – Timber playsets are typically made from sturdy posts of pressure-treated wood, which can remain robust for many years with appropriate upkeep.
- Safety in most weather – Unlike metal, which can become too hot or too cold to touch in summer or winter, wood is comfortable to touch in most temperatures.
On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks to consider, as they are often:
- Larger and more expensive – Timber play structures tend to take up more space and come with a higher price tag in exchange for their premium aesthetics and strength.
- High maintenance – Wood must be treated at least annually with sealants or stains to prevent rot and deter insects. You must also check for splinters before every use.
Whether these are deal-breakers or worth the benefits will depend on your preferences!
Pros and Cons of Metal Monkey Bars
Amongst many advantages of metal monkey bars, you can benefit from:
- Affordability – Compact metal structures cost less to manufacture, so metal climbing frames are usually cheaper to buy without compromising durability.
- Customization – It’s often much easier to customize a smaller metal structure by adding or changing features to suit your family’s needs through the seasons.
- Little maintenance – Metal is simple to clean and doesn’t require regular treatments, as it should come with a rust-resistant coating to endure the elements.
- Safe and easy play – With simple assembly and ground anchors, plus rounded edges and smoother surfaces, playing can feel safer and easier with metal frames.
The downsides of installing metal monkey bars include:
- Unusable in certain weather – In high or low temperatures, metal can become too hot or freezing cold and shouldn’t be touched to avoid potential injury.
- Minimal aesthetic – Not everyone likes the look of slim powder-coated metal poles, though they can fit in perfectly well in more urban garden designs.
It’s important to remember that metal structures still need maintenance checks, too.
Which Material is Perfect for Monkey Bars?
Based on the pros and cons explored above, choosing the best monkey bars for your family will depend on factors like the size of your garden, your budget, your preferred aesthetic, and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to.
Of course, the most important factors are the age and size of the children who will be playing on the monkey bars. Structures made from both materials tend to be suitable for kids aged 3 years and up, with a maximum weight limit rather than an upper age limit.
The type of structure you’re looking for is also important, as they come with varying degrees of customization and extra features. For example, you can add climbing nets, trapezes, boxing bags, or even a hammock to a metal frame, while wooden frames are often more suited to swings, slides, and raised play platforms.
If you still aren’t sure which type you should buy, you can always ask experts like Wicken Toys – not only are they trusted UK suppliers of outdoor play equipment, but they also have an outdoor display site in Milton Keyes, so you can take the little ones down to try out different types of monkey bars for themselves!
