Is Cedar a Hardwood? The Difference and Why It Matters for Playsets

Cedar is often confused with hardwood, but in reality, it is not a hardwood. It belongs to the softwood category. Despite this classification, cedar offers a range of properties that make it ideal for outdoor structures like backyard swing sets. Let’s learn why cedar is not a hardwood and why that works in its favor for playsets.

What is Cedar?

Cedar comes from coniferous trees, which are classified as softwoods. Unlike hardwoods like oak or maple, which come from deciduous trees, softwoods like cedar grow faster and have different structural properties. Cedar’s lightness and straight grain make it easy to work with, while its natural oils provide resistance to decay, pests, and moisture.

Cedar’s Unique Strengths for Playsets

pacific cedar wood

While cedar may be softer than hardwoods, this doesn’t compromise its durability in outdoor settings. Cedar’s natural resilience makes it one of the best materials for outdoor playsets:

  • Natural Resistance: Cedar’s oils help protect it from rot, mold, and insect infestations without the need for chemical treatments.
  • Weather Durability: Cedar stands up well to weather extremes. It doesn’t warp or crack easily, and its moisture resistance is better to many hardwoods, which can make it last 20 to 30 years outdoors.
  • Safety Features: Cedar is less prone to splintering compared to pressure-treated woods. It also doesn’t absorb heat the way metal or plastic does, making it safer for kids to play on during hot summer days.
  • Maintenance: Many less expensive woods require more frequent maintenance. With cedar you can apply sealant every 1-3 years so the wood maintains its look and feel.

Cedar vs. Hardwood for Playsets

Hardwoods are denser and typically more durable indoors, but for outdoor playsets, cedar has significant advantages over hardwoods:

  • Weight: Cedar is lighter, which makes it easier to construct large structures like playsets without compromising strength.
  • Workability: Its softer texture allows for easier shaping and assembly, leading to more intricate designs without risking breakage or splintering during construction.
  • Sustainability: Cedar grows faster than many hardwoods, making it a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice for outdoor projects.

What wood are swing sets commonly made from?

Swing sets are commonly made from Pacific Cedar due to its combination of durability, resistance to rot, and relatively lower cost compared to hardwoods like redwood.

Pacific Cedar has become the more popular choice, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic which caused supply chain issues. This made redwood harder to source and meet the demand during an increase of backyard activities. Many swing set manufacturers shifted towards using pacific cedar as an alternative, while still providing a reliable and durable material for outdoor swing sets.

Less common is pine, often used for DIY swing sets. However, pine needs more frequent maintenance, including treatments to protect against insects and rot.