Jungle Gym FAQs

Q. How long does it take to build a Jungle Gym Playset?

A. It does vary depending upon how many accessories are going with the system. Generally we say allow a weekend to build the frame. To read the instructions, lay out all of the tools and to make a good job out of the climbing frame rather than rushing to finish as fast as possible.

Q. Where does the timber you supply for Jungle Gym play sets come from?

A. The timber comes from European sources where a responsible management programme is in place.They are FSC certified.

Q. Do I need planning permission for a climbing frame?

A.  In general, there is no need for planning permission for play equipment in a UK domestic garden. However you should check if one of the following applies to you

a. If your neighbour has cause for complaint

b. If you live in a conservation area, there may be specific planning regulations.

c. You are going to build the climbing frame in your front garden

d. the equipment is going to be within 5m of the main dwelling

e. the equipment will take up more than 50% of your garden area.  

f. The equipment is going to be built in a field, as it may constitute a change of use.

 These are only guidelines. If in doubt do check with your local planning office.

Q. What timber do you use for the Jungle Gym climbing frames?

A. We use Russian Redwood, from forests running a sustainable management policies. It is pressure treated and comes with a 10 year anti rot and anti infestation guarantee. It is also planed to reduce splinters and has chamfered edges.

Q. Is the timber treated?

A. Yes. all of the timber that we sell is pressure treated with either Tanalith E or Osmose Naturewood. Both of these products are water based and comply with all regulations that apply to children's play equipment, see description below.

Q. The timber has changed colour, why is that?

A. Tanalised timber will naturally weather over the months finally mellowing to a soft grey. This is caused by the effects of sun, moisture, wind and other exterior conditions, however the efficacy of the preservative continues.

Q. There are cracks in the timber, is that bad?

A. The timber will produce cracks that will open and close as an effect of atmospheric changes. They are not detrimental to the long term durability of the product.

Tanalised timber is particularly recommended for all exterior timber applications including construction, fencing, playground equipment, climbing frames, furniture, etc.

Q. My climbing frame has got green mould, how can I clean it?

A. If the product is located under trees you may get a build up of green mould. This can be removed effectively with a standard figicide or detergent applied with a stiff brush.

Q. Does the timber come pre-drilled.

A. No, however most of the fixings on the Jungle Gym playsets do not require drilling right through the system, they require a pilot hole and then drive into the timber using an electric drill. This makes the building of the playset much easier. All of the drill bits and drive bits you need to build the kit are included within the hardware set.

Q. Do you supply all of the timber for the pic-nic tables as standard?

A. No, the picnic set hardware comes as standard in the Palace, Fort, Barrack, Mansion and Chalet models. You still need to buy the timber for it as an accessory. Please check the Jungle Gym accessories page for details.

Q. Does the vinyl roof only come in Blue?

A. Yes, the vinyl roof is blue on the outside and green on the inside (it is not reversible).

Q. Can I choose the colour of the slide?

A. Yes, blue, green, yellow or red are available, please choose when ordering.

Q. What is the recommended age range for the Jungle Gym play equipment?

A. The recommended age is 3-10 years old.

Q. Can you give us more information about the preservation method on the timber used in Jungle Gym equipment?

A. Yes!

Garden/play equipment timber is exposed to damp, the sun and UV rays. When in contact with the ground or exposed to fungus and insect attack, the timber is also affected. Untreated softwood is very vulnerable. Preserving softwood protects it against rot and provides a longer life span resulting in less trees being cut down which reduces the pressure on the world's natural resources.

There are various ways in which to preserve timber, the most usual being painting or staining; however this method is not an effective treatment for timber used in many applications such as floor-joists and foundation posts. In addition, some paints and stains can be very damaging to the environment. Another method is to impregnate the timber with chemicals using an impregnation receptacle; which penetrates the timber more than surface treatments such as painting or staining, but the untreated timber can be exposed through relatively shallow shrinkage cracks.  The most advanced method of preserving timber is the vacuum pressure impregnation process, whereby the preservation material impregnates the timber under pressure and steam is used to fix the product which prevents the preservative leaching into the ground. The timber used for Jungle Gym play equipment uses this method and wholeheartedly endorses the criteria government and interest groups impose on timber preservation companies in general and the environmentally responsible working practices in particular.

You can rest assured that our responsible selection of timber from forests in  Europe running sustainable management policies is certified according to PEFC or FSC requirements.

There is 10 years guarantee on all pressure treated garden timber. This guarantee can be offered because of the quality of timber used, the unique preservation procedure  and the quality of its manufacture.

Q. Does the timber need treating after the climbing frame has been installed for a while?

A. Pressure treated timber does not require further treatment with paint or wood preservative. The Blue-Green timber colour fits perfectly in any garden concept, and is never an eye-sore. The timber can of course be painted if you wish.