Plum Round Pole Climbing Frames

In many cases, yes. Because round poles keep the full natural grain of the wood, they retain more of their original strength. This is one reason they are commonly used in climbing frames and garden play equipment.

Round poles are made from whole tree trunks. As the wood naturally adjusts to outdoor weather, it expands and contracts slightly. This movement can cause surface splits (also called shakes) to appear. This is completely normal.

Cracks can appear more or less noticeable depending on temperature and humidity. They often open in hot weather and close again in cooler, damp weather. This is just the timber breathing.

No. Shakes are surface-level only. The wood fibres that give the pole its strength run the full length of the timber and remain intact. The frame stays structurally strong and safe.

Yes. Allowing some free play space around the frame ensures children can move safely. Each product page includes measurements, but if you’re unsure, we can help you choose a model that suits your garden comfortably.

Most round poles are pressure treated for outdoor use, so they require very little maintenance. Occasional checks to remove any sharp splinters and optional wood staining can help preserve appearance, but the frame remains safe without it.

Yes. You can visit our outdoor display site in Wicken, Milton Keynes to see climbing frames set up at full size and compare tower-only vs tower-with-swing vs PlayBase in person.

If your garden is more compact, a tower-only climbing frame is a great choice. It offers climbing and sliding fun without taking too much space. If you have a bit more room, a tower with a single swing or Monkey Bar adds extra play value while still keeping the footprint manageable. For flexible play that grows with your family, consider the BERG PlayBase Large — it can be used for children’s play and adult fitness in the same space.

Yes. We can level climbing frames during installation, even on sloped or bumpy gardens. This is one of the advantages of buying from Wicken Toys — we install using our own team, not third-party contractors.