Cedar vs Pine Swing Sets

Cedar vs pine swing sets - a showdown between two of the most popular wood species used for DIY playgrounds. There’s plenty of overlap between the two - both are widely available, easy to work with, and strong enough to support years of climbing, swinging, and backyard wear.

But, it’s the differences between pine vs cedar swing sets that matter most. There are subtle nuances in terms of how each wood handles weather, moisture, insects, upkeep, and long-term value. Cedar is more naturally resistant. Pine is more affordable and stronger.

Neither option is a bad choice, just like neither is necessarily the right fit for your backyard or playground. It really comes down to climate, budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on. 

We’ll break it all down for you below, including alternatives to wooden swing sets. After all, vinyl, metal, and hybrid swing sets each bring their own advantages. 

Swing Set Mall is your trusted choice for heavy-duty swing sets or a backyard swing set, with more than 35 years of experience serving families and communities across the country. Get in touch today for a personalized recommendation on the right playset for YOUR property!

Quick Cedar vs Pine Swing Sets Comparison

Factor	Cedar Swing Sets	Pine Swing Sets
Upfront cost	Higher price point	More budget-friendly
Rot & insect resistance	Naturally resistant to rot	Relies on pressure treatment
Weather performance	Handles moisture well	Needs sealing to hold up
Maintenance	Lower ongoing upkeep	More frequent sealing
Strength feel	Lighter, slightly softer	Heavier, more rigid
Splinter risk	Typically smoother	Needs sanding checks
Appearance over time	Silvers naturally for a  beautiful aesthetic	Best stained or painted, but looks great alone as well
Best for	Low maintenance yards	An affordable DIY swing set

Pros and Cons of a Cedar Swing Set

This is the most popular wood choice for backyard swing sets, especially for families who want something low-maintenance that holds up for decades with proper care. It’s really lightweight and naturally resistant to insects, weather, and age.

Pros

• Naturally resistant to rot and insects, thanks to cedar’s natural oils
• Handles moisture well, making it a strong choice for humid or rainy climates
• Lower maintenance over time compared to treated woods
• Lighter weight, which makes assembly and adjustments easier
• Smoother surface that’s generally easier on kids’ hands
• Ages beautifully, developing a silver-gray look if left unstained
• No chemical treatment, which some parents prefer for play equipment

Cons

• Costs more upfront than most pine swing sets
• Softer wood, which can dent or scratch more easily
• Lower load-bearing strength compared to dense treated pine beams
• Still needs sealing or staining if you want to preserve the original color
• Availability can vary depending on the exact species you’re looking for

Pros and Cons of a Pine Swing Set

Pine swing sets may not be as popular, but they still have their place. Families who want a sturdy, cost-effective foundation for their play structure are drawn towards pine. 

Most swing sets are made from pressure-treated pine specifically, so the wood can stand up to outdoor use while keeping the overall cost lower than that of cedar. Even still, regular maintenance is going to be an essential aspect of ownership.

Pros

• Lower upfront cost - one of the most affordable wood options, in fact
• Strong, dense lumber that feels solid under load
• Widely available, so parts and replacement boards are easy to source
• Works well for larger structures with multiple swings or heavy accessories
• Takes stain and paint well, so you can customize the color and change it over time

Cons

• Requires pressure treatment to resist rot and insects
• Needs regular sealing or staining to prevent moisture damage
• The lumber itself is heavier, so assembly can be more demanding
• More prone to checking and shrinkage as the wood dries over time
• Surface can roughen, meaning periodic sanding and inspections are important
• Chemical treatment may concern some parents, especially for younger children

Cedar vs Pine Swing Sets: Key Difference to Consider

These are two of the most popular natural swing set materials you’ll come across in DIY plans, and it’s easy to see why. They’re sturdy, stunning, and easy to work with. So what’s the difference between cedar vs pine swing sets? 

Natural Resistance to Rot, Insects, and Moisture

This is the most important distinction between pine vs cedar swing sets, at least to us. One of the materials is far more susceptible to rot, insect damage, and warping from moisture. That’s pine. It can still survive outdoors, but pressure treatment and constant sealing are essential.

On the other hand, cedar has natural oils that make it more resistant to the elements. It can handle damp soil, rain splash, and humid air better right out of the gate. While you can stain it for aesthetic purposes, it’s usually not as important for protection. 

Long-Term Durability in Different Climates

Climate matters more than most people expect when comparing cedar vs pine swing sets. Cedar works really well in wet, coastal, or humid regions where moisture hangs around longer. It dries faster and resists decay when airflow isn’t perfect.

Pine can hold up just fine in dry or moderate climates, especially when sealed regularly. But it could start to show wear sooner in areas with heavy rain, snow, or freeze-thaw cycles.

Neither wood is necessarily fragile, but cedar is just more forgiving in touch climates.

Maintenance Requirements Over Time

Either way, you’re going to need to learn how to maintain a wooden swing set. But the actual workload and frequency of maintenance vary quite a bit between cedar vs pine swing sets. 

Pine demands more attention without a doubt. Sealing the lumber is an ongoing battle for owners. Expect to recoat pine more often and keep an eye on exposed cuts, bolt holes, and high-contact areas.

In contrast, cedar is low-maintenance. Not maintenance-free. It still benefits from staining or sealing, especially if you want to keep its original color. Hardware checks matter for both, but pine owners usually spend more time sanding rough spots as the wood dries and moves.

Structural Strength and Weight Capacity

There are also physical differences between cedar vs pine swing sets that matter when building your structure. Pine is denser and heavier, so it can be more physically demanding to bring the swing set to life. This pays off in terms of capacity, though. Wide frames, longer beams, and multi-swing setups benefit from the extra weight.

Cedar is plenty strong for backyard play, but it’s softer and lighter, so beam size and design matter more. A well-built cedar set holds up fine; proper engineering is just a bigger consideration. You get a little more margin when building with pine. 

Appearance and How the Wood Ages Outdoors

There’s nothing quite like that warm, natural tone that cedar starts out with. Eventually, it begins weathering into a soft silver-gray (if left untreated). It’s like a patina for wood - absolutely beautiful.

In contrast, pine doesn’t age as gracefully without help. Its treated color fades unevenly, which is why staining or painting is common. The upside is control. You can match your swing set to your house, fence, or yard style more easily. 

Cedar leans natural. Pine leans customizable.

Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Value

Finally, compare the cost between pine vs cedar swing sets. Not just upfront costs, but the long-term ownership cost as well. The gap can narrow over 10-15 years, depending on the climate you’re installing your swing set in and how well you maintain it. 

Pine usually wins on sticker price. It’s easier on the budget at checkout, especially for larger builds. Cedar costs more upfront, but often pays for itself through lower maintenance and longer-lasting boards. 

How Do Other Swing Set Materials Compare?

As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer in choosing between cedar vs pine swing sets. Both bring something special to your play area. If we had to recommend one over the other, though, it would be cedar. It costs more upfront but we think it looks better and it typically lasts longer, with less maintenance required over time. 

That being said, wooden swing sets aren’t always the right fit. size, climate, maintenance tolerance, and how your kids actually play all matter. Here’s how some other popular swing set materials stack up:

• Vinyl Swing Sets: Built over a wood core, then wrapped for protection. Resistant to moisture, don’t need staining, and stay cooler to the touch than metal in sunny yards. Vinyl is expensive, though, with fewer customization options once it’s installed.
• Metal Swing Sets: Metal sets are durable and low-maintenance. Galvanized or powder-coated steel resists rot, insects, and most weather issues. They’re common in smaller yards and high-use playgrounds. Just know metal gets hot in direct sun and won’t offer the same visual warmth as wood.
• Composite or Hybrid Sets: These mix materials (often wood frames with vinyl, plastic, or metal components) to balance strength, weather resistance, and upkeep. They’re a good middle ground for families who want fewer chores without going fully metal or vinyl.
• All-Plastic Playsets: Best suited for toddlers and younger kids. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and simple to move or reconfigure. Most families outgrow them quickly once kids start climbing higher or swinging harder.

Every style has its place, and most of these alternatives are available at Swing Set Mall - your one-stop shop for playground equipment since 1989. Get in touch with our team for personalized guidance on picking the optimal material for your swing set today. 

You can also learn more about plastic vs wood swing sets or metal vs wooden swing sets in our blog. Otherwise, it’s time to take the next step towards building or buying your dream swing set!

Parting Thoughts on Pine vs Cedar Swing Sets

We hope this cedar vs pine swing sets comparison has left you totally clear on what makes each special, and which best suits your backyard or playground. 

But here at Swing Set Mall, we’ve handpicked the top structures from trusted brands like Lifetime, Child Works, SportsPlay Equipment, and more - and you’ll gain access to the lowest prices online, guaranteed. Your order is also protected by our money-back guarantee.

From structures themselves to swing seats and other swing set accessories, this is your one-stop shop for all things outdoor play. Shop today and discover the Swing Set Mall difference!