5
About Our Wood
KidKraft Premium Play Systems uses only premium playset lumber, ensuring the safest product for your
children’s use . Although we take great care in selecting the best quality lumber available, wood is still a
product of nature and susceptible to weathering which can change the appearance of your set .
What causes weathering? Does it affect the strength of my Play System?
One of the main reasons for weathering is the effects of water (moisture); the moisture content of the wood
at the surface is different than the interior of the wood . As the climate changes, moisture moves in or out
of the wood, causing tension which can result in checking and or warping . You can expect the following
due to weathering . These changes will not affect the strength of the product:
1 .
Checking
is surface cracks in the wood along the grain . A post (4” x 4”) will experience more checking
than a board (1” x 4”) because the surface and interior moisture content will vary more widely than in
thinner wood .
2 .
Warping
results from any distortion (twisting, cupping) from the original plane of the board and often
happens from rapid wetting and drying of the wood .
3 .
Fading
happens as a natural change in the wood color as it is exposed to sun-light and will turn a grey
over time .
How can I reduce the amount of weathering to my Play System?
At the factory we have coated the wood with a water repellent or stain . This coating decreases the amount
of water absorption during rain or snow thus decreasing the tension in the wood . Sunlight will break down
the coating, so we recommend applying a water repellent or stain on a yearly basis (see your local stain
and paint supplier for a recommended product) .
Most weathering is just the normal result of nature and will not affect safe play and enjoyment for your
child . However if you are concerned that a part has experienced a severe weathering problem please call
our consumer relations department for further assistance .
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warranty service.
