Machined round posts/poles strong enough for swing?

[DaKid]

Just been on the phone to a local timber merchant and they've said that their machined round posts/poles are not rated for commercial playground usage, but I reckon that 125mm/150mm machined round poles ought to be strong enough for a pair of swings for two young children (4/6), even lasting up until teenage years?

Would welcome some opinions from others on whether I'd be putting them in any danger by doing this!

 

[foxhole]

Just use treated 4x2 , easier than round poles.

 

[DaKid]

Just use treated 4x2 , easier than round poles.

Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately the boss has said she wouldn't be happy with that.

 

[opps]

From what I have read elsewhere, landscaping poles are far more likely to split in hot and dry weather. Radiata pine poles are rated as play grade.

http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product/radiata-pine-machined-round-play-grade-poles-150mm/

 

[Old Salt]

Scaffold poles

 

[DaKid]

From what I have read elsewhere, landscaping poles are far more likely to split in hot and dry weather. Radiata pine poles are rated as play grade.

http://www.chilterntimber.co.uk/product/radiata-pine-machined-round-play-grade-poles-150mm/

Unfortunately the prices are eye-watering in comparison to the normal ones, but the point is well made.

 

[DaKid]

Scaffold poles

It's also been mentioned, but my wife flat-out refused to consider the idea!

 

[DaKid]

Thanks for all the ideas, guys.

I think the option I'm going to go with is a couple of 6x6 posts buried 1 metre in the ground and a crossbar between them. Definitely not as traditional as a standard round-post a-frame design, but also looks a bit neater to my eyes than a 2x4 (or similar) a-frame design, not to mention simpler to construct.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

No doubt swings aacross the world are constructed with 100dia fence posts, I think it'd be fine, metal brackets are also readily available to connect the members at the top.

 

[lostinthelight]

If using square you could bevel the corners a little which may soften the look and a bit more forgiving if the little ones collide with them...I would still do it in 6" round though.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

https://theoutdoortoycentre.co.uk/product/wooden-jump-poles/