Rochester Hills & Oakland County
Wooden Playset & Swing Set Refinishing
We clean, sand, repair and re-stain wooden playsets and swing sets so they look good again, feel smoother to the touch and hold up to Michigan winters.
Signs your set needs it
Gray, faded wood
Sun breaks down the surface, and the original color turns silver-gray.
Rough spots and splinters
Railings, ladder rungs and seats get fuzzy and rough where hands and feet touch most.
Mildew or green film
Shady yards and humid summers leave dark spots and algae on the wood.
Water soaks in
Splash some water on the deck boards. If it darkens the wood instead of beading up, the finish is worn.
Our process
- Inspect. We walk the whole set and note soft, cracked or splintered wood, plus any loose or broken hardware.
- Clean. A gentle wood cleaner and low-pressure rinse lift dirt, mildew and gray fibers without gouging the wood.
- Sand. We sand handrails, rungs, seats and other high-touch areas smooth.
- Repair. We replace worn or cracked wood pieces, including the wood around brackets and bolts, and tell you about any parts that need replacing.
- Stain. A penetrating exterior stain, brushed on and matched to your wood and the color you want.
- Seal. Protection against water and UV, then cure time before anyone plays on it.
Sets we work on
Cedar and redwood playsets and swing sets, including sets from brands like Rainbow, Gorilla Playsets and Backyard Discovery, store-bought kits and custom-built forts. Toughgrain is an independent local company and isn’t affiliated with any playset maker.
Kid-friendly finishes
We choose low-VOC, penetrating exterior stains and sealers, apply them according to the label, and keep the set off-limits until the finish has fully cured. Ask us which product we plan to use, and we’ll share its product sheet.
Best season in Michigan
Stain needs dry wood, mild temperatures and a couple of rain-free days. That usually means late May through June and again in September. We book spring jobs early, so it helps to send photos in the winter or early spring.
How often to reseal
There’s no single number. It depends on the wood, the product used and how much sun your yard gets. Rainbow Play Midwest, a Rainbow dealer, suggests resealing Rainbow sets every 18 to 24 months. Your manufacturer’s care guide is the best starting point. The easy check is water: when it stops beading, it’s time.
Service area
Rochester Hills, Rochester, Troy, Shelby Township, Oakland Township, Auburn Hills, Lake Orion and nearby communities. See our full service area.
Playset refinishing FAQ
Do you work on Rainbow, Gorilla or Backyard Discovery sets?
Yes. We refinish wooden cedar and redwood sets from those brands and others, including custom-built ones. We are not affiliated with or authorized by any playset manufacturer, so check your set’s warranty terms before any work.
Is the finish safe for kids?
We use low-VOC, penetrating stains and sealers made for exterior wood, follow the label directions, and ask that kids stay off the set until the finish has fully cured. We’ll tell you the cure time for the product we use on your set.
How often should a wooden playset be resealed?
It depends on the wood, the product and how much sun and weather the set gets. Manufacturers give their own guidance. For example, Rainbow Play Midwest, a Rainbow dealer in the Midwest, suggests power washing and resealing every 18 to 24 months. The easiest check is water: if it soaks in instead of beading up, it’s time.
When is the best time to do it in Michigan?
Late spring through early fall, on dry days with mild temperatures and no rain in the forecast, following the stain maker’s temperature range. Late May, June and September are often ideal.
Can you fix splintered or cracked boards?
Yes. We sand rough spots smooth and can replace worn or cracked wood pieces. We’ll point out any broken hardware, swings or slides so you can get the right replacement parts.
How do I get a price?
Send a few photos through our quote form, including a wide shot and close-ups of rough spots. We’ll reply with a price range.
Send a few photos of your playset.
Upload a wide shot and a few close-ups of rough spots through our quote form, and we’ll reply with a price range.
Get a free quote