As outdoor learning becomes a key part of the school curriculum, investing in durable, long-lasting garden furniture has never been more important.
Its natural, warm aesthetic and versatile nature make timber the preferred choice for schools and education settings.
This article will explore why timber is the best choice for outdoor learning environments, supporting both practical and educational needs.
At MG Timber, we appreciate the growing demand for quality playground furniture and recognise the important role it plays in creating engaging learning environments for students.
What Makes Timber Suitable for Outdoor School Use?
Timber has a naturally strong structure that stands up to rain, wind and colder temperatures. This makes it a practical option for Britain’s unpredictable weather.
Softwoods such as Swedish Redwood, as used by our team at MG Timber Products, contain resins that slow down moisture absorption, helping the wood resist rot and decay over time. Key benefits also include:
- Good resistance to moisture and fungal damage
- Flexibility that reduces cracking in temperature changes
- Long-lasting performance when pressure-treated to recognised durability standards
Why Swedish Redwood Is a Popular Choice
We’ve always found Swedish Redwood to be a suitable choice for outdoor furniture in educational settings for a number of reasons…
- It features a tight, even grain
- Has low moisture content when processed
- Excellent compatibility with common pressure treatments
These qualities will help your outdoor furniture stay stable over extended periods, while also reducing the amount of maintenance required.
How Does Timber Improve Safety and Comfort?
Wood feels comfortable to sit on all year round. It doesn’t heat up in the sun and doesn’t become slippery or brittle when it’s wet or cold.
It also provides a softer surface than metal or plastic, which can help reduce the impact of bumps and knocks during play.
Our outdoor garden furniture and wooden picnic tables also feature a range of additional safety features, made possible through our timber usage:
- Smooth, rounded edges to prevent common playground injuries
- Natural texture for better grip
- Recessed nuts and bolts to avoid exposed metal
It’s these sorts of details that make timber suitable for daily use in busy school playgrounds and outdoor learning areas.
Is Timber Cost-effective for Schools?
School budgets can be tight, so investing in high-quality, long-lasting outdoor furniture is essential in avoiding long-term spending commitments.
While timber products may cost a little more at the start, they often save money over time.
Wood is easy to repair, and small marks or scuffs can usually be fixed through sanding or refinishing rather than replacing whole pieces. Other cost advantages include:
- Straightforward repairs when surfaces become worn
- Long lifespan when well cared for
- A classic appearance that doesn’t go out of date
For schools working within tight budgets, these factors make timber a practical long-term investment.
How Does Timber Support Sustainability?
Timber is a renewable, low-carbon material.
When it comes from responsibly managed forests, it will help support the wider sustainability goals many schools promote.
Compared with plastic or metal alternatives, choosing timber outdoor furniture will help UK schools put their environmental values into practice.
How Does Timber Support Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing?
Natural materials create a calm and inviting atmosphere, which encourages pupils to spend more time outside.
Timber tables and chairs will also better blend into other outdoor settings such as gardens, fields, woodland areas etc., which will help teachers create better, more flexible learning spaces.
At MG Timber Products, we stock a range of wooden furniture products such as 8-seater circular tables which promote group discussions, wheelchair-accessible tables that ensure all pupils are able to participate and dedicated kid-friendly picnic benches too.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that timber has proven itself to be the best material for outdoor school furniture.
Its incredible durability, sustainability and natural appeal make for long-lasting furniture that positively invests in children’s learning and wellbeing.
At MG Timber, our products, crafted from premium Swedish Redwood, are designed to withstand daily use, unpredictable weather and active pupils.
When purchasing from us, you are making a long-term investment in your outdoor space to enrich the learning experience for students.