Choice of materials can make or break – quite literally – an outdoor playspace. Getting it wrong can lead to warping and corrosion, but getting it right can ensure a functional and durable playground that looks the part.
Playgrounds are a cornerstone of childhood experiences at school, fostering physical, cognitive, and social development amidst laughter and fun.
Selecting the right material for these spaces is crucial for schools aiming to provide a durable, safe, and visually appealing playground. Enter WillPlay’s timber-look TreeHouse Systems – an innovation that marries the classic charm of timber with the strength of more robust materials.
The magic of timber-look aluminium
Imagine combining the charming aesthetics of timber with the sturdiness of marine-grade aluminium – it’s now possible with WillPlay’s timber-look aluminium posts and battens.
Crafted to resist decay, weathering, and splintering, these components lend an enduring strength to playgrounds in versatile climates – including challenging coastal conditions.
Some of the key benefits of timber-look aluminium include:
- Strength and lightness: aluminium is lighter, stronger, and straighter than real wood, making building efficient and preventing warping over time.
- Environmental responsibility: aluminium is 100 per cent recyclable with VOC-free coatings and lead-free finishes, meaning a smaller environmental footprint for your school. Lightweight materials means reduced environmental impact in shipping and handling.
- Fire, pest, and corrosion resistance: aluminium is non-combustible, impervious to insects, and offers excellent corrosion protection – an ideal material for any school environment. Every WillPlay system meets the requirements for use in harsh coastal conditions.
- Practicality: its non-porous nature ensures aluminium doesn’t swell, grow mould or mildew when exposed to harsh conditions, thus requiring minimal maintenance.
Composite wood panels: the future of playground material
WillPlay’s composite wood panels are a superb alternative for schools that love the beauty of natural wood but require a more enduring solution. Designed to resist decay, pests, and moisture, these panels mimic the warmth and texture of timber while being almost maintenance-free.
Some of the key benefits of composite wood panels include:
- Aesthetic versatility: available in different colours, these panels can accommodate diverse design needs while maintaining the warm timber aesthetic.
- Environmental sustainability: made from recycled materials, composite wood panels not only stand the test of time but also reduce landfill waste.
- Safety: their high resistance to slipping makes the panels especially safe for children, even in damp environments.
Adopting WillPlay’s timber-look materials for your school playground is an investment in longevity, sustainability, and timeless aesthetic. You aren’t just choosing a product; you’re embracing an ethos synonymous with design excellence and respect for nature.
By selecting timber look materials, your school can create a long-term legacy, an outdoor space that generations of students can enjoy, appreciate, and remember fondly.
For more information, visit www.willplay.com.au/treehouse




