Bring Real Timber Into the Playground
October 28th, 2026
Sometimes the landscape should have a say in what the playground becomes.
Playcraft Systems is adding six new real-timber play elements through our partnership with WholeTrees, giving designers another material to work with when they want the playground to feel more connected to the site around it.
WholeTrees works with whole timber rather than milling every piece into a uniform shape. The bends, taper and natural character remain visible, so the material still looks and feels unmistakably like a tree.
And because the pieces keep those natural shapes, they create some different ways to play.
A log maze gives kids routes to weave through and climb around. Steppers add balance and movement. The ropes course changes the challenge underfoot, while the Pole Climber and Tree Fort bring height, exploration and a little of that “can I get up there?” feeling that makes natural play so much fun.
They can also be worked into a larger Playcraft layout.
That matters because the playground doesn’t have to feel separate from the park around it. The landscape, materials and character of the site can all influence the choices we make inside the play area. Whole timber gives our consultants and designers one more way to respond to that.
The six standard WholeTrees elements are now available through Playcraft consultants.
If your next playground could use a little more bark, branch and actual tree, connect with your local Playcraft consultant to explore the WholeTrees options available for your site.
