The cedar vs. pine debate is as old as the forests that produced these beautiful woods, but for our money, cedar wins hands down for the construction of wooden swing sets.

On the plus side for pine is that it is cheaply produced, is strong and takes stains well, making it popular for use in furniture, flooring and for other construction purposes. The major drawback, however, is the powerful chemicals that are used to prevent the immanent decay of, say, a pine picnic table or wooden swing set.

This chemical treatment isn't an issue with cedar. Besides its innate beauty and strength, cedar also possesses a natural resistance to decay and moisture rot, negating the need to use chemical preservatives to extend its life. This durability makes cedar the ideal material for a child's wooden swingset, or other piece of equipment that must withstand the elements and day-to-day wear and tear.

Learn more: Outdoor Swing Set.