About Our Wood - Limited Warranty - KidKraft CASTLEWOOD Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

About Our Wood
KidKraft Premium Play Systems uses only premium playset lumber, ensuring the safest product for your
children's use. Although we take great care in selecting the best quality lumber available, wood is still a
product of nature and susceptible to weathering which can change the appearance of your set.
What causes weathering? Does it affect the strength of my Play System?
One of the main reasons for weathering is the effects of water (moisture); the moisture content of the wood
at the surface is different than the interior of the wood. As the climate changes, moisture moves in or out
of the wood, causing tension which can result in checking and or warping. You can expect the following
due to weathering. These changes will not affect the strength of the product:
1. Checking is surface cracks in the wood along the grain. A post (4" x 4") will experience more checking
than a board (1" x 4") because the surface and interior moisture content will vary more widely than in
thinner wood.
2. Warping results from any distortion (twisting, cupping) from the original plane of the board and often
happens from rapid wetting and drying of the wood.
3. Fading happens as a natural change in the wood color as it is exposed to sun-light and will turn a grey
over time.
How can I reduce the amount of weathering to my Play System?
At the factory we have coated the wood with a water repellent or stain. This coating decreases the amount
of water absorption during rain or snow thus decreasing the tension in the wood. Sunlight will break down
the coating, so we recommend applying a water repellent or stain on a yearly basis (see your local stain
and paint supplier for a recommended product).
Most weathering is just the normal result of nature and will not affect safe play and enjoyment for your
child. However if you are concerned that a part has experienced a severe weathering problem please call
our consumer relations department for further assistance.
Complete and mail registration card to receive important product notifications and assure prompt
warranty service.
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