The Materials That Make Years of Play Possible

Little Tikes Commercial uses high-quality materials engineered for durability, safety, and fun. We’re committed to building strong communities through play, providing inclusive designs and durable, safe equipment that stands the test of time. Components and playground structures are made of nontoxic materials and are treated to withstand corrosion and decay.

The Steel Backbone

The steel we use is incredibly strong yet lightweight, making it ideal for creating the intricate shapes and structures of our play equipment. A three-step finishing process for posts fortifies high-tensile, cold-formed steel, resulting in exceptional durability, color fastness, and corrosion resistance.

Steel posts get a detailed finishing process so they can fight off rust and corrosion like a champ:

1. Zincrich^TM internal coating: Even steel needs a little support, so we use Zincrich^™ internal coating on tubes, including weldments. This coating adds a layer of protection to posts against corrosion.
2. Pure zinc: We use Flo-Coat^TM pure zinc galvanizing on the surface of the tubes. The process involves a continuous galvanizing technique where steel tubing passes through a molten bath of pure zinc, resulting in a uniform coating on the surface. Pure zinc offers excellent corrosion resistance, which is critical for extending the lifespan of steel products exposed to moisture and corrosive elements.
3. Powder coating: We finish with polyester dry powder coating for vibrant color. Who knew steel could be so stylish?

The Power of Rotomolded Plastic

Rotational molding is a high-temperature, low-pressure process that makes seamless, highly durable playground components. A compound resin is also added to the material, making it resistant to fading and chipping, even under prolonged exposure to the elements.

The result is playground equipment that keeps colors bright and cheerful, resists the weather and UV rays, and provides a smooth, seamless ride. The color goes beyond the surface, and the structure can resist impact, mechanical stress, heavy use, and the outdoor elements.

We know that children touch, play, and share on a playground surface — that’s why we use nontoxic, hygienic materials. The smooth, gap-free surfaces are easy to clean and sanitize, helping prevent mold growth and promoting a cleaner play environment.

Light Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)

From ladybug climbers and mushroom path steppers to under-the-sea theme elements, we create creative, durable, and colorful elements for imaginative play. We updated from traditional reinforced concrete products to glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), a lighter, smoother-to-the-touch alternative. GFRP combines the strength and stiffness of fiberglass with polymers, creating durable, safe, and imaginative play structures.

Some benefits of GFRP components include:

• Exceptional durability: GFRP is highly resistant, enduring harsh weather conditions, UV radiation, saltwater, and acid rain. This means that playground elements will keep their bright colors and creative appearance for a long time, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
• Lighter and stronger elements: This material is lighter than traditional options like concrete or steel but just as strong. This makes GFRP elements easier and cheaper to transport and install while providing the structural integrity for safer play.
• Low maintenance: GFRP materials, especially those with hard coatings, are easy to clean and maintain. They resist chipping, cracking, and corrosion, so that the playground elements remain in excellent condition for decades with minimal upkeep.

Decks, Ropes, and Hardware

Smaller components make a big difference. We offer a wide range of options from the classic slides, swings, and climbers to activity wall panels, motion play, and pretend play elements. Every piece is designed with the kids in your community in mind, featuring decks with super-grip for little feet, ropes designed for determined climbers, and clever hardware that stays put.

Some of the ways we use quality materials and expert design to build long-lasting playgrounds include:

• Steel clamps: Kid Builders structures use a nonslip clamp design to support kids as they climb. This design includes tamper-resistant hardware and offers the superior strength of steel.
• Direct connect: This system is featured in Play Builders structures, providing a dual-tempered fastener. This means greater strength and durability, thanks to a self-drilling tip and threads.
• Vinyl deck coating: We coat every deck with vinyl to minimize heat transfer and promote resilience against aging and corrosion. This process makes the surface more comfortable for children.