Gorilla vs Rainbow Swing Sets

Gorilla vs Rainbow swing sets - two industry leaders in the world of swing sets. Both promise the most stable, high-quality wood. But how do these two brands stack up against one another? We’ll cover everything you need to know to make the right choice for your family/community.

While we don’t carry these brands, we know all about them from our more than 30 years in this industry. We carry a wide selection of heavy duty swing sets to meet your every need. Gorilla and Rainbow use expensive, high-maintenance wood, and the brands we carry offer metal and HDPE plastic sets that outperform theirs. 

For example, our Lifetime Adventure Tower Playset includes a climbing tower, while an equivalent set from Gorilla or Rainbow would cost hundreds more upfront.

Similarly, our Component Playgrounds Metal Super Swing Set has the weight capacity for several children and offers customization potential. Talk to our team today to learn more about our diverse selection of backyard swing sets! 

In the meantime, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Gorilla vs Rainbow Swing Sets.

Overview of Gorilla Swing Sets

Gorilla is one of the largest producers of wood swing sets for residential use in North America. They price their products reasonably when you compare them to other wood swing sets, and use laminated cedar to deliver industry-standard stability.

Materials and Styles

Both brands in the Gorilla vs Rainbow swing sets debate use wood as a base material. From there, they offer unique designs and styles that can directly affect your buying decision.

Gorilla’s calling card is laminated cedar. They hand-select each piece of lumber to ensure thickness and resistance to rot, insect damage, and decay. The lamination process also lowers the risk of warping and twisting.

When you purchase Gorilla sets, you’ll receive a shipment of several boards of lumber. You’ll assemble them using a mix of steel bolts, brackets, and lag screws.

Gorilla makes really safe swing sets. They use plastic-coated swing chains to prevent pinching and interior-mounted slats to avoid kids accidentally pushing a board loose. Each set supports multiple children playing simultaneously.

Typical Cost

Price is another vital factor to consider when weighing Gorilla vs Rainbow playsets. Gorilla’s fair-pricing model has driven the brand's success over the years.

Basic models with a couple of swings or a single slide start at $719. Gorilla uses a modular pricing model, allowing you to pay extra for accessories such as additional swing seats or premium sealants.

Larger swing sets in the Gorilla inventory range from $4,000 to $6,750, with prices approaching $8,000. You’ll also find Gorilla swing sets at big-box retailers like Lowe’s, Amazon, and Costco, but prices won’t deviate much from the manufacturer’s list price.

Are Gorilla Swing Sets Worth it?

Gorilla swing sets are competitively priced, even in comparison to equivalent metal or HDPE plastic sets. However, there are a few things you should consider. First, Gorilla playsets are rated for residential use only. You can’t install them on a commercial property for safety reasons.

Additionally, Gorilla sets use laminated cedar rather than metal. Wood swing sets need extra upkeep, which can cost you hundreds of dollars over the lifespan of the swing set. You must stain them annually, sand each board to prevent splinters, and monitor for signs of rot/decay.

While laminated cedar is better than budget options in the wood swing set space, it still lags behind metal or high-density plastic.

Overview of Rainbow Swing Sets

Let’s switch gears to the other half of the Gorilla vs Rainbow swing sets discussion. Rainbow is the upscale option in the world of wood swing sets with sturdier cedar and higher weight capacities.

Rainbow Play Systems offered its first swing set in 1985 and quickly became a popular choice for homeowners everywhere. The company relies on a network of local dealers and installers, which provides additional convenience to your shopping experience.

Materials and Styles

Rainbow uses cedar as a base material, similar to Gorilla. As a result, much of the debate between Gorilla vs Rainbow playsets is identical, as each brand shares the benefits and drawbacks of wood.

Rainbow boasts the same natural resistance to rot and decay as Gorilla’s cedar. Ultimately, this can be a smokescreen; wood will inevitably warp when exposed to the elements.

The real appeal of Rainbow comes from its unique designs. They offer designs with clubhouses, castles, and even a pirate ship option. Rainbow sets spark imaginative play, providing an excellent backdrop for games of princesses, ninjas, or pirates.

Rainbow also provides commercial swing set options, unlike Gorilla. That’s an important distinction to keep in mind as we progress through this comparison.

Typical Cost

Comparing prices is crucial to determining the right choice between Gorilla vs Rainbow swing sets. Yet finding prices for Rainbow play sets is more difficult than you may imagine.

Rainbow uses a network of local dealers to distribute its products. Go on their website, and you won’t find any direct prices - you’ll have to request a quote.

When you dive into the actual numbers, you’ll find that Rainbow products are more expensive than Gorilla or equivalent metal options. Basic sets start at $1,200 (nearly $400 more than Gorilla), while top-end models like the aforementioned pirate ship cost above $30,000.

Are Rainbow Swing Sets Worth it?

Given the price discrepancies between Gorilla vs Rainbow playsets, is the latter worth it?

It depends on your goals. Rainbow play sets offer numerous customization options and unique designs. It’s also easier to find installation help than with Gorilla.

However, the pricing is difficult to accept. For a similar price point, you can achieve better long-term stability with equivalent metal or HDPE sets and avoid burdensome maintenance.

Gorilla vs Rainbow Swing Sets: Key Differences to Know

There are plenty of similarities between Gorilla vs Rainbow swing sets. Both use cedar lumber, require maintenance, and have histories dating back 30 years or more. However, there are differences between the two brands you must know to make the right choice for your family.

Material Quality and Frame Engineering

You’re getting cedar with either half of the Gorilla vs Rainbow swing set choice. Gorilla uses laminated cedar with precise cuts to create a sturdy frame. The majority of boards will be 4x4, 4x6, and 2x4, which will facilitate installation.

Rainbow also uses cedar. It comes with a lifetime warranty, which demonstrates their confidence in the product's quality. Rainbow sets have higher weight capacities, and some are even commercial-rated thanks to 5x5 beams.

Both brands use frames that meet ASTM and CPSC standards.

Customization and Flexibility

Customizing a swing set is a great way to add more personality to your backyard. There’s a clear winner here in the debate between Gorilla vs Rainbow playsets.

Rainbow offers near limitless customization potential. Their flagship sets (including a literal pirate ship) are unlike most other structures on the market. You can also swap in new types of swings to one of their existing designs.

In many cases, you can even work with a designer from Rainbow to ensure a swing set matches the dimensions of your yard, including safe landing zones.

Gorilla isn’t completely inflexible, but it does pale in comparison. Gorilla offers some customization options, including different stains and swing options.

Safety Features and Weight Limits

Both sides of the Gorilla vs Rainbow playsets debate have top marks from safety organizations such as ASTM and CPSC. Gorilla uses rounded edges, coated swing chains, and sturdy anchor points. They have decent weight limits, though none of their products are for commercial use.

Rainbow has a slight edge due to its higher weight capacity. The 5x5 beams in higher-end sets can handle over 1,000 pounds simultaneously. Rainbow also offers a wide platform and spacing that reduces the risk of collisions and pinching.

There’s a drawback in most Rainbow sets, though. Rainbow tends to have the highest play sets overall, with some reaching 7 or 8 feet. This increases fall height and can be intimidating for younger kids.

Installation Difficulty

Both brands advertise a simple installation process, but the reality is more complicated.

Gorilla ships a bundle of flat boards, connective screws, and bolts. Once that package arrives, you’re on your own. You’ll be contending with hundreds of pieces on your lawn that you have to assemble.

While Gorilla provides ample information, including installation manuals, installation is still a laborious process. You must level the ground, ensure each hole is aligned, and hold beams weighing up to 50 pounds overhead during the process.

Rainbow is easier, but only by default. Some rainbow dealers offer installation as part of the process, but there’s no guarantee there. You’ll also need to manage potential scheduling delays and be comfortable with an entire team on your property.

Long-Term Maintenance

Long-term upkeep for both brands is relatively similar. Cedar wood sets will inevitably decay over time. Changes in temperature, insects, rot, and mold can cause warping. Additionally, you must stain or seal your set at least once a year to slow the damage.

The only difference in maintenance between Gorilla vs Rainbow swing sets comes from the size of the set itself - the more moving parts, the more likely you’ll need to deal with impromptu repairs.

Brand Support and Warranty

We prefer the warranties from Rainbow. They offer a lifetime warranty on lumber, which is excellent for the industry. This doesn’t cover cosmetic imperfections, but the company will replace unsafe parts to ensure a stable play experience.

Gorilla has a standard warranty for cedar sets. You’ll receive 10 or 15 years, depending on the specific coverage, covering rot, insect damage, and decay.

Since both brands sell through dealers, customer support varies. Walmart or Amazon may not care that your Gorilla set isn’t working. Your local Rainbow dealer may be too far away to send a technician to fix a problem.

With either brand, you have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best regarding support.

Price and Value for the Money

How much does a swing set cost for either brand? Gorilla prices are easy to find, since several retailers carry their products. They are priced similarly to equivalent metal sets. Rainbow sets can change in price depending on dealer quotes, distance, and markups.

Rainbow’s lifetime warranty is appealing, but its upfront pricing is higher. You can often find better value with Gorilla alone or an equivalent metal set, given long-term upkeep costs.

Which Brand is Right For You, if Either?

Gorilla swing sets are a good choice if you want a simple wood swing set without the upfront price. However, it can struggle to deliver long-term value, eventually becoming an expensive headache with significant upkeep.

Rainbow is excellent if you want a fully custom build. However, you may pay up to $30,000 for that privilege.

In either case, you’re not getting fair value for your money or long-term peace of mind with minimal upkeep. Thankfully, there are better options that combine the best of each brand without the stress.

Shop Other World-Renowned Swing Set Brands at Swing Set Mall

The best swing set for your family is waiting right here at Swing Set Mall! We curated an inventory of reliable brands known for quality, durability, fun, and safety. For example, the Lifetime 10ft Metal Swing Set shares a price range with Gorilla’s entry-level swing set, but boasts long-term stability and minimal upkeep. Here are some of our best brands:

• Component Playgrounds
• Lifetime Products
• SportsPlay Equipment

Families and park managers have trusted us for over 3 decades. Our family-owned business will go above and beyond to ensure you get the best price and play experience. We carry over 1,000 residential and commercial products, including unique swing seats without the expensive markup of Gorilla sets, as well as custom swing set parts and accessories to make your play structure truly unique.

We offer a 30-day price-matching guarantee so you can get the best deal. Contact us with any questions you may have, whether you want to know the difference between Big Brutus vs Lifetime swing sets or need advice on creating a level base in your backyard.

Wrapping Up Our Gorilla vs Rainbow Playsets Comparison

Overall, Gorilla and Rainbow Playsets are incredibly similar brands. Both use cedar wood and promise long-term stability. However, they fall short in key areas. 

Gorilla is rated only for residential use and offers limited warranty options. Rainbow is expensive and requires excessive upkeep.

Instead, you can find the best swing sets right here at Swing Set Mall. Visit our store or speak with our team for a personalized recommendation for your home or playground!