We have the lifetime brand play set for 10 years and it’s been great and still strong, but we regret didn’t get the one with monkey bar.

https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-90042-big-stuff-adventure-playset-earthtone

Also - one of the selling points I have heard for Swing Kingdom is they coat the wood with vinyl (?) so it makes it more durable, whereas the wood needs a lot of maintenance. If anyone has experience with this and can let me know how much of a pain wood is to maintain, I would appreciate it

Hello! I'm mired in playset options and wondered if anyone had any particular love (or the opposite) for your playset? Any "must haves," in terms of what you purchased and are really happy about, or anything you bought and found less than fun for your kids?
Do folks have rubber mulch installed underneath and if so, pros/cons? thanks so much. I am overwhelmed by all the options. This is for a toddler, hoping they can grow into the playset and keep it for at least 5 more years.... thanks!!