Unsure which climbing frame is right for your child? Asking yourself what are the best climbing frames? Well fear not, our climbing frame buying guide is here to answer all of your questions & guide you to the perfect play equipment for your child.
How to Choose The Ideal Climbing Frame?
Climbing frames are a great way to encourage active play, build motor skills and spark imaginative adventures. Before purchasing a climbing frame, consider your child’s age, their confidence when climbing and the space available in your garden or playground. It’s also worth thinking about assembly time, installation requirements and whether you want a quick-to-build frame or a more durable, long-lasting option. Both metal and wooden frames meet safety standards, so the right choice depends on the style and play features you prefer.
Metal Climbing Frames
Made with galvanised steel & coming with a host of accessories like monkey runs, slides & swing arms, a metal climbing frame is fantastic value. Generally cheaper than a wooden climbing frame & easier to assemble, a metal climbing frame is perfect for smaller gardens, for those on a budget & for parents wanting a quick to build frame.Shop Now Shop Now
Wooden Climbing Frames
Our wooden climbing frames are made with FSC wood, meaning they are not only sturdy & fun but also environmentally friendly. Wooden climbing frames do generally take longer to assemble & cost slightly more than metal frames, however they are more durable & have higher weight allowances so they can be used by older children.Shop Now Shop NowFinding the Right Frame for Your Garden
When it comes to outdoor play, deciding between a metal and a wooden playset depends on the durability you’re looking for, the ages you’re buying for and whether you want the option to add extra features as your children grow. Metal frames are great value and quick to build, while timber frames offer long-lasting strength, higher weight limits and a classic garden-friendly look. Both are great options — it just comes down to the style and play experience you prefer.
Compare Our Climbing Frames
| Features | Skywood | Explorer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | FSC Certified Wood | Steel | |
| Treatment | Pressure Treated | Powder Coated | |
| Age Range | 3 Years + | 18 Months + | |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 2 Years | |
| Add Ons | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Platform Height | 120cm - 150cm | 117cm | |
| In Built Climbing Wall | ✓ | ✗ |
Which Climbing Frame Should I Buy Based on Age?
When choosing a climbing frame, consider your child’s age, ability, confidence level and how their motor skills are developing. Younger children benefit from lower platforms, and gentle climbs, while older kids enjoy bigger towers, monkey bars, climbing walls and more challenging rope elements. Our playsets are grouped to make it easy to find the right option for your child at every stage.
Climbing Frame Accessories
Upgrades and modular add ons are a great way to add extra fun and help your playset grow with your child. From simple upgrades like wavy slide bodies and baby swings to larger additions such as swing arms, bridges, and dens, these add-ons let you personalise your frame and keep it exciting for years. Whether you want more climbing challenges, an extra slide, or a new play feature, accessories make it easy to refresh your climbing frame whenever you need to.
Space, Safety & Garden Preparation
Before buying your frame, think about how much space you have and the type of structure that suits your home garden or play area - compact frames are ideal for smaller areas, while larger towers and modular sets work well in bigger spaces. It’s also worth considering assembly time and tools needed, as some frames are quicker to build than others. Children develop at different speeds, so choosing a frame that can grow with them, or one that lets you add accessories later, can offer better long-term value.
For more information visit our climbing frame safety guide.
Distance From Walls
Always ensure there is an adequate distance between your climbing frame & all walls in your garden. We recommend at least a 1 metre gap on all sides between your climbing frame & any other walls or structures. Make sure to check the footprint of our climbing frames to make sure you have enough garden space.
Solid Ground
One of the biggest keys to climbing frame safety is ensuring you have a flat, level surface to place your climbing frame on. This makes sure there is no chance of the frame sinking or leaning to one side. On some of our bigger climbing frames we also require you to concrete in the anchors to secure the frame which means you need an area where this will be possible.
Safety While Playing
We always recommend that you keep an eye on your children while they are playing on outdoor toys. We appreciate this isn't always possible but we suggest where you can to have your climbing frame in view of your garden windows. That way you can supervise for your little ones even while cracking on with jobs.
How do you Protect Wood From Damage?
The best way to protect the wood on your climbing frame is to treat it with a suitable top coat that will defend it against the rain & snow.
This top coat would consist of a wood oil or a wood varnish that you can pick up from any DIY store. You should apply at least one coat a year ideally in the late Summer or early Autumn to allow it time to settle before the bad weather hits.
For more maintenance advice visit our climbing frame maintenance and aftercare guide here.
FAQs
Q - Do i need to anchor a climbing frame?
A - All of our climbing frames come with the correct anchoring equipment to make sure your climbing frame is safe & secure. Please make sure to use the included equipment to secure your frame.
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Q - Do climbing frames need planning permission?
A - Usually you do not as they aren't a permanent structure & for the most part they sit below the 4 metre height threshold. You can always check with your local council here.
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Q - Can i put a climbing frame on artificial grass?
A - It is absolutely fine to have a climbing frame on artificial grass as long as the surface is flat & the frame does not need to be cemented into the ground.
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Q - How easy is it to assemble a climbing frame?
A - Climbing frames are generally designed for simple DIY assembly, with clear instructions to guide you through each stage of the build. Smaller metal sets tend to go up quickly, while larger wooden designs may take a little longer and are easier with two people. Make sure you’re working on level ground and always test the frame for stability once it’s fully assembled. Avoid installing play equipment on hard surfaces such as decking, concrete or patio slabs — safer options include woodchip, rubber mulch, bonded rubber, wetpour or artificial grass.
