Wood in Our Products - MASGAMES
Wood in Our Products
At MASGAMES, wood is one of the most appreciated and used materials in the manufacture of our products. From swings and playgrounds to picnic tables, playhouses and sandboxes, wood plays a vital role. Here we tell you everything you need to know about the wood in our products and its special treatment.
The Singularity of Wood
Each piece of wood is unique and has special characteristics, such as knots and cracks. These traits are inherent to the wood and contribute to its beauty and uniqueness. It is important to understand that these elements are part of your natural aesthetic and should not be considered defects.
The Type of Wood We Use
All our wood comes from small fir and pine trees due to their solidity and resistance. This wood is more durable than that of larger trees and also comes from renewable forests. It is important to note that the way the wood is cut, whether round or square, affects its appearance, but not its strength and safety. Square wood tends to have fewer cracks since it is cut from the edges inward. In addition, the wood is allowed to dry naturally before cutting.
Cracks in Wood
It is common for wood to experience shrinkage and expansion due to weather conditions. In summer, wood can lose moisture and shrink, which can make cracks more noticeable. In winter, with higher humidity and lower temperatures, wood tends to expand, which can lead to the closure of cracks. It is important to note that, according to regulations, cracks do not represent a safety and quality problem in our swings and playgrounds.
Autoclave Treatment
The wood in our products undergoes an autoclave treatment that guarantees its resistance to prolonged weathering, humidity, rot, sun, temperature fluctuations and possible insect infestations. This treatment is non-toxic and does not contain arsenic. The wood is impregnated with this treatment to ensure that its entire thickness receives the same protection. If upon receiving the swing you notice the presence of green or white mold on the wood, please note that this is normal and will disappear with a cloth. Autoclave treatment, by moistening the wood, prevents the future appearance of mold.
Autoclave Treatment Levels
Wood is classified into five levels of outdoor durability. Our MASGAMES swings and playgrounds are manufactured with level IV outdoor treated wood, which is the most recommended for these products. Here are the levels detailed:
- Level 1: Woods for interiors not exposed to humidity.
- Level 2: Woods for interiors with occasional exposure to humidity.
- Level 3: Wood for outdoors under some cover and without direct contact with the ground. It is the treatment used on many low-cost picnic tables. We do not recommend it.
- Level 4: Woods for outdoor use with direct contact with the ground and fresh water, suitable for playgrounds, swings, wooden houses and our picnic tables, etc.
- Level 5: Woods for maritime applications, such as docks and ship hulls, in contact with salt water. For our products it is not necessary.
Wood Maintenance
The wood you receive has been treated by autoclave impregnation. Although it may appear untreated at first glance, this treatment ensures protection of both the interior and exterior of the wood against rot, moisture damage and insects. The wood may be wet at first due to the treatment, but this does not affect its safety. Dry or not, the park is just as safe.
It is recommended to inspect the wood annually for possible damage. Every 3 or 4 years, it is advisable to apply a layer of lasur to keep the wood in optimal condition, protect it and preserve its original beauty. For detailed information on maintaining the wood in our swings, check out our video on applying lasur to wood .
Information about Wood
Cracks in the wood
Origin: The expansion and contraction of wood
Solution: They are not a problem, they are absolutely normal. Wood is like that. There's nothing to do.
Superficial green spots
Origin: The effect of autoclave treatment
Solution: Clean with a dry cloth and expose to weather.
White surface spots
Origin: Surface mold due to storage
Solution: Clean with a dry cloth and expose to the elements
Autoclave treatment
The pre-dried wood is placed in an autoclave tank where it is impregnated with a preservation solution under pressure. This solution contains concentrated fungicides and insecticides. After the process, the wood is moistened and this is why it is normal for white spots to appear when stored. Green stains are proof that the wood has been treated for the exterior.
