A common question we hear from customers is, “What material should I choose for my commercial playground equipment?” The answer depends on several factors — including your climate, maintenance expectations, budget, and design goals. From durable steel to recycled plastic playgrounds, each material offers unique benefits when it comes to weather resistance, longevity, and safety

Commercial playgrounds endure constant exposure to the elements — sun, rain, snow, heat, and humidity. To build playgrounds that are both fun and long-lasting, it's critical to choose materials that can withstand various weather conditions with minimal maintenance.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common materials used in commercial playground construction — steel, plastic, recycled, and composites — and how they hold up across different climates. Whether you’re building a new playground or upgrading an existing one, understanding these material pros and cons will help you make a smart, weather-conscious decision.

Why Weather Resistance Matters 

The materials used in a playground don't just affect its look — they impact:

• Durability and safety
  
• Maintenance frequency and cost
  
• Lifespan of the equipment
  
• User experience and comfort (e.g., heat retention or slipperiness)

When materials degrade due to UV exposure, rust, or moisture, they can become unsafe or unsightly. Choosing the right materials upfront saves money over time and ensures a better experience for kids and communities alike.

1. Powder-Coated Steel Playgrounds: Strength and Durability

Best for: Most climates, especially dry or mild regions

To enhance its performance outdoors, steel playgrounds are often powder-coated — a process that bonds a protective, colorful layer to the surface. This layer helps prevent rust, fading, and scratches.

Steel is a widely used material in commercial playground equipment because of its strength, longevity, and ability to support large structures like swing sets, climbing towers, and modular systems. Discover Zoom’s steel playground equipment.

Pros:

• Extremely strong and durable
  
• Resistant to vandalism
  
• Available in a wide range of colors
  
• Low maintenance when powder-coated
  

Cons:

• Can become hot in direct sunlight
  
• May corrode over time in coastal or very humid environments if not properly treated

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Maintenance Tips:

• Regularly inspect for rust near joints or scratches
  
• Touch up chips in powder coating promptly to prevent corrosion
  

2. High-Density Plastic: Lightweight and UV-Stable Playground Equipment

Best for: Hot, sunny climates or areas with heavy rain

Plastic, especially rotomolded or blow-molded HDPE (high-density polyethylene), is commonly used in different commercial playground elements like slides, panels, tunnels, and roofs. It’s highly weather-resistant, especially when UV-stabilized during manufacturing.

Pros:

• Won’t splinter or rust
  
• Stays cooler to the touch than metal
  
• Fade- and crack-resistant
  
• Comes in bright, kid-friendly colors
  

Cons:

• Less structurally strong than metal
  
• Can warp or degrade if poor quality plastic is used
  

Maintenance Tips:

• Clean with mild detergent and water to remove mildew or dirt buildup
  
• Inspect for cracks or fading in high-use areas
  

3. Composite Materials: The Best of Both Worlds

Best for: Wet, humid, or coastal environments

Composites blend recycled plastic and wood fibers (or other resins) to create a material that mimics the look of wood without the high maintenance. These are often used for decking, borders, benches, and even structural commercial playground equipment.

Pros:

• Highly weather-resistant and won’t rot or splinter
  
• Requires minimal maintenance
  
• Eco-friendly and sustainable
  
• Slip-resistant
  

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than plastic or untreated wood
  
• Can still fade slightly over many years
  

Maintenance Tips:

• Wash annually to prevent mildew buildup
  
• Check for expansion or contraction in extreme temperatures
  

4. Recycled Playground Material: Eco-Friendly and Coastal-Ready

Best for: Humid, wet, or coastal environments where durability and sustainability are top priorities

Recycled playgrounds — such as reclaimed plastics and synthetic lumber — have become a popular choice for play equipment, site furnishings, and borders. These materials are typically made from post-consumer plastics, like milk jugs, and engineered to withstand tough environmental conditions. Learn more about eco-friendly playground equipment.

Pros:

• Extremely resistant to moisture, salt air, and mold
  
• Won’t splinter, rot, or crack like wood
  
• Long-lasting with minimal maintenance
  
• Sustainable and often LEED-point eligible
  
• Comes in a variety of colors and natural wood-look finishes
  

Cons:

• Higher initial cost than traditional materials
  
• May expand or contract slightly in extreme temperatures
  

Maintenance Tips:

• Rinse with water or mild detergent to remove sand, salt, or mildew
  
• Inspect fasteners periodically for loosening due to temperature shifts
  

Because they are impervious to rot and moisture, recycled plastic materials are especially effective in coastal environments where salt air and humidity can quickly degrade untreated wood or poorly coated metals. They’re also a great solution for parks and schools looking to incorporate sustainable design into their playgrounds.

Climate Considerations: What to Choose Where

Climate and Best Materials

Hot & Sunny: UV-stabilized plastic, powder-coated steel playgrounds

Cold & Snowy: Steel (with rust protection), plastic recycled playgrounds

Coastal (Salt Air): Marine-grade stainless steel, recycled playgrounds, HDPE plastic

Humid & Rainy: Composites, plastic, galvanized or powder-coated steel playgrounds

Desert (Dry + Hot): Plastic for surfaces, steel for structural strength

Other Design Factors That Improve Weather Resistance in Commercial Playgrounds

Choosing the right materials is just one part of building a weather-resistant playground. Additional design features that extend longevity include:

• Drainage planning: Prevents puddles and water damage
  
  
• Shade structures: Reduce UV exposure and heat on surfaces
  
  
• Proper surfacing: Rubber or engineered wood fiber helps manage moisture and wear
  
  
• Elevated components: Avoids contact with soggy ground

Build to Last

When investing in commercial playground equipment, durability matters as much as design. By selecting materials suited to your climate and expected wear, you’ll reduce maintenance, improve safety, and extend the life of your playground.

At Zoom Recreation, we help schools, parks, and communities across California and Arizona build commercial playgrounds that stand the test of time — and the weather. Our team is ready to help you choose the right materials and design features for your environment.

Ready to start your next playground project?

‍Explore Zoom’s types of commercial playground equipment!