Should I Repair or Replace Commercial Playground Equipment?
Deciding whether to repair or replace an aging playground on your Central Florida property can be a tough call, but it often boils down to one key principle: return on investment. By evaluating factors like the age of your commercial playground equipment, the parts that need replacing, cosmetic versus safety concerns, and hidden costs, you can make a well-informed decision that maximizes value and safety.
Here are four things to consider as you determine if you should repair or replace your commercial playground equipment:
1. How old is your commercial playground equipment?
Age is the most critical factor in this decision. Commercial playground structures typically last about 15 years, but exposure to harsh elements like intense sunlight, heavy rain, or poor drainage can shorten their lifespan. Equipment older than 15 years is rarely worth repairing, as it’s nearing the end of its useful life, and repair costs are unlikely to provide a significant return.
For equipment between 10 and 15 years old, repairing one or two components might make sense if the costs are reasonable. However, remember that, even after repairs, the rest of the structure is aging, and a full replacement may be necessary in just a few years. Think medium- to long-term. Repairing an old commercial playground set may cost less than buying a new one, but with new equipment, you’re also resetting the clock on the item’s life expectancy. Saving some cost upfront may not sound as good if you’re only extending the life of an old set by a few years, whereas investing a bit more in a brand new one that provides 15 years of maintenance-free ownership saves money in the long run.
For smaller items like swing sets or spring riders, replacement is often more economical than repair since these items tend to be inexpensive.
2. Which parts need to be replaced?
The specific components that require attention can also help determine whether repair or replacement is the better option. Larger components like slides and roofs often cost over $1,000.00 each, not including shipping and labor. If the playground is relatively new and still has many years of potential use, replacing these parts can be worthwhile.
Rubber-coated metal components, such as decking and stairs, are other common wear points. Cracking in the rubber coating allows moisture to seep in, leading to rust and bubbling beneath the surface. Once one deck starts to fail, others often follow soon after. Replacing a single deck, which costs between $600.00 and $1,000.00, might make sense if the damage is isolated, but if multiple parts are deteriorating, it’s often wiser to put the money toward a full replacement in the near future.
3. Cosmetic versus safety concerns
Florida’s intense sun and humid climate are tough on playgrounds, causing plastics to fade and metal components to develop surface rust quickly. Normal wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas, can also make equipment look old before its time. But while cosmetic concerns are understandable, they rarely justify the high cost of refurbishment.
For instance, faded plastics cannot be effectively restored. Paint won’t adhere properly and often peels quickly, leaving the equipment looking even worse than before. Replacing damaged or faded plastic elements is often the only option, but as mentioned, these replacements can be costly.
The same goes for repainting faded metal components. Weathered, often chalky paint makes a poor surface for new paint to adhere to, making refurbishment a short-term and expensive solution at best. In most cases, cosmetic issues are not worth refurbishing and are often a “live-with” condition during the last years of the play equipment’s life. Again, your funds are much better spent saving for a replacement in the short- to medium-term.
On the other hand, safety concerns—like cracks, loose hardware, rusted structural components, or damaged parts—should always be addressed immediately. When safety is at stake, repairs are non-negotiable. Close off access to unsafe equipment until it has been repaired or replaced, and consider contacting a professional playground company for an inspection.
4. Hidden costs, like freight and labor
Shipping and labor costs can significantly impact the total price of repairs. Smaller components, like swing seats or accessories, are often affordable to ship, but larger items like slides or metal decks are heavy and bulky, requiring truck shipping, which means higher freight costs that must be factored in.
Labor costs are another consideration. Many playground repairs involve removing old concrete footers, pouring new ones, disassembling multiple components, or dealing with corroded hardware, all of which can be labor-intensive and drive up the cost. To avoid surprises, ask your playground supplier or maintenance company for a detailed quote that includes both freight and installation costs so you’re looking at the full picture.
Deciding whether to repair or replace Central Florida commercial playground equipment comes down to weighing costs against the remaining lifespan of the structure.
Repairing older equipment may save money in the short term, but replacing it often provides greater long-term value by offering years of maintenance-free use.
If you’re unsure which option is best, consult your local playground professional. If you’re in the Central Florida region, the team at Creative Recreation Products is here to help! Give us a call at 407-695-8855 or email photos of your playground to FLPlaygrounds@gmail.com. We’ll provide expert guidance to ensure you make the smartest decision for your organization.