For a long time, slides have been the most common used playground equipment favored by kids and adults. They are solid, sturdy, and come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They are also made of different materials. The most common variety of plastic used to manufacture playground slides is HDPE or the high-density polyethylene. HDPE offers hassle-free maintenance, safety, and relatively high durability. Plastic is the most commonly used material for playground slides. Stainless steel slides are extremely strong and come in a wide range of sizes to suit different needs. You can easily get a metallic slide for young kids as well as adults. The strength of metallic slides makes them be used in unique ways such as wild slides. Metallic slides are usually made of stainless steel, making them sturdier and longer-lasting than those made of plastic and fiberglass. Metal won’t show the effects of general wear over time which is a big boost for commercial playgrounds. So, what makes plastic slides such an attractive option for many people? Here are some of the top benefits of choosing plastic.

Abrasive blasting or sandblasting process is used to make the metal surface relatively smooth. Galvanized steel is used to construct posts and tubes used to provide support for the slide, making it stronger. Advantages of Metallic SlidesThere are many types of playground slides to choose from; free standing, embankment or tube slides. It is also environmentally friendly which has a positive impact on our planet. Besides manufacturing playground slides, HDPE is also used to make a wide range of other products that we use every day. Plastic slides are relatively expensive, making them less ideal for individuals on a strict budget. In wild slides, multiple individuals are allowed to use the slide at once without the risk of injury. In most cases, metallic slides will come as part of a larger playground, but they may also be free-standing thanks to their sturdy and stable construction.

Some people think that steel is a little more upscale and attractive than plastic. Therefore, if your slide will be installed in a place where it will be highly visible, steel gives you the best option.The three primary materials used in the manufacture of slides are steel, plastic, and fiberglass. A few years ago, we had wood slides, but they are not so common today. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons, as highlighted above. The fiberglass has fire-retardant resins which make it fire-resistant. The glass may get scorched during hot summers, but it won’t burn out, minimizing the risk for heat-related injuries. As well as playground slides we also have embankment slides – scramble nets, rope ramps and wooden steps. These provide a challenging way to access an embankment slide (mound slides). We also offer a vast range of inclusive play equipment. So, what material are playground slides made of? Typically, playground slides are made of plastic, steel (metal) or fiberglass. Steel is the preferred classic option for many playground slides, thanks to the many benefits it offers. It is highly durable, sleek and allows kids to reach relatively higher speeds. Plastic slides aren’t that durable compared to steel, but they are cheaper and safer. They are the most preferred material for modern commercial playgrounds. While it is rare to find a fiberglass slide in a commercial or community playground, they are common in water parks. Fiberglass is sleek and durable but susceptible to breakage. It is also relatively more expensive than plastic and steel.

The most significant downside of metallic slides is that they get hot during summer, increasing the risk of heat-related injuries.

Embankment Slides

I love incorporating things for the kiddos in our decor. But it’s hard to make those colorful, loud, fun, bright plastic kid accessories blend into your design. Here’s how to paint a playground slide like we did… How to paint a playground slide: First off you absolutely NEED to use this Universal Paint and Primer in One from Rustoleum. It covers any surface, from any angle and was perfect for this slide project. I used Metallic Titanium Silver and I love the matte finish that it gave our slide. Both HDPE and LDPE plastics come from polymer polyethylene. The only difference between the two is that HDPE is usually harder and more durable. Most modern slides are manufactured from a process referred to as roto-molding or rotationally molded plastic. Plastic playground slides are typically made of HDPE or LDPE and they are among the cheap and safe options for the kids. Fiberglass is durable inside and out. Don’t be mistaken to think that it is weak and can easily break. Typically, fiberglass slides can last for as long as you want them to, provided you take good care of them.

The very sight of a hill slide is exciting to many children. Slides provide fast-paced fun, develop climbing skills, make children feel exhilarated with speed and movement and encourage sharing and teamwork. Examples of HDPE products include shampoo bottles, cutting boards, milk bottles, and industrial pipes made for fluid or gas transfer. In this post, we shall cover each playground slide material in detail, highlighting some of the pros and cons of each. So, let us get started. Plastic SlidesPaint the slide using even coats of spray paint, allowing it to completely dry between coats. I gave our slide three coats of spray paint for lasting durability. The fiberglass used in the construction of slides is more resilient and strong. In fact, it can only be compared to sheet metal and not other glass. It is highly durable and smooth to offer the best sliding experience ever. Fiberglass slides are resistant to hot weather and are commonly used in water parks to avoid heat-related injuries. Your answers to these questions, coupled with the pros and cons of each slide highlighted above, should give you a good starting point when shopping for a slide. Apart from the questions listed above, you need to pay special attention to the slide’s safety. You should choose a suitable playground slide material considering your budget, personal preferences, and your kids’ needs. Plastic is the most commonly used material for playground slides because it is lighter, and can be just as durable as steel if you take good care of it. Plastic is also safer because it doesn’t get hot during summer, which plays a critical role in preventing heat-related injuries.