About Our Wood & Wood Splits
Why Plum Wood Is Safer, Stronger and Made for Australian Backyards
Plum® outdoor play equipment is crafted from FSC® certified pine, sustainably sourced from Northern and Central European forests. Each timber piece is vacuum pressure treated to safeguard against rot, decay, and insects—delivering long-lasting protection that keeps your playset safe, strong, and standing proud in the Aussie climate.
You might notice a green hue in some parts of your playset. This is a natural result of our copper-based preservative reacting with the timber’s resin. It’s not a flaw—it’s a sign your wood is protected and weather-ready.
Benefits of Our Timber Treatment
✅ Pressure-treated for long-term durability
✅ Weather-resistant and child-safe
✅ Free from harmful chemicals
✅ Low maintenance with proper care
Understanding Wood Splits: What’s Normal?
Round Pole Timber
Wood is a living material. Our round pole wood expands and contracts naturally with changes in weather. In warm conditions it shrinks, and in wet weather it swells—causing visible splits or cracks to appear. These are completely normal and are accounted for in our designs. Our poles are intentionally made thick and strong, so minor wood splits won’t affect safety or structural integrity.
"Safety is as important to Plum® as having fun, and we assure families that most natural splits are purely cosmetic."
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Dimensional Timber
Hairline splits and small openings may also form on dimensional timber as it dries after rain exposure. All Plum® wooden sets are engineered with tolerances to accommodate this natural behaviour without compromising strength.
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Timber Care & Maintenance
While Plum® wood is low-maintenance, it still requires some care over time—just like any natural product. We recommend regularly checking your playset for:
Light sanding and following the maintenance guidelines included with your playset will help preserve safety and appearance for years to come.
Need Help with Timber or Splits?
Our quality control team makes every effort to reject wood with knots that could cause structural issues. If you’re ever concerned about a specific timber part, please contact our customer care team with clear photos for review. We're always happy to help.
