Splits and cracks in timber – no need for concern

With the recent sunny and dry weather we have recently we have had an increased amounts of splits and cracks appearing in the timbers in the yard. This means that there will be a range of our products delivered with splits in the timber before the product has even been assembled. We understand that this can cause concern particularly on a brand new product.

Splits and cracks will occur in timber as it expands and contracts with humidity and temperature changes. They will occur particularly in the round pole timbers, but also in square cut timber and they are in new sets as well as old.

The key fact is that we use round timbers for our play equipment equipment. Most people are used to working with square timbers. Round timbers – due to the nature of their structure are more prone to splits and cracks so that when people see the cracks they become concerned as they are not used to seeing this happen.

Whilst these can appear quite large and alarming, these cracks DO NOT affect the strength, integrity and durability of the play equipment. The splits and cracks happen because timber is a natural product and is a living material, and through the year the wood expands and contracts, often meaning quite large cracks appear in hot, dry weather, and then close up in the wetter, winter months.

If you are still concerned about the safety of your play equipment due to splits and cracks in the wood then please get in touch on gardenplay@caledoniaplay.com. If you send us a picture of the timbers causing concern that would be particularly helpful.