Adding a high-quality and safe swingset to your outdoor space is a fantastic investment for a growing family. Choosing the right swingset can lead to engaging play experiences for children, promote socialization, and create lasting memories for your family.
While the list of swing set benefits is long, figuring out the best set for your needs will take some research. Cedar swing sets offer the best blend of aesthetic value, safety, and long-term durability, and there are two brands on the market you’ll see recommended often: Gorilla swing sets vs Rainbow brand sets.
Each brand comes with a rock-solid reputation spanning multiple decades - but which is right for you? We ultimately nod to Gorilla swing sets as they cost less and offer the same quality.
That being said, there’s a lot more to the story. Let’s compare Gorilla playsets vs Rainbow brand sets below to help you feel confident making the right choice!
The Importance of Choosing the Right Swing Set Brand
Investing in a backyard swing set is an exciting experience for your family. The right choice can bring decades of fun and fond memories while making the wrong choice could doom you to years of expensive repairs and safety concerns.
Learning how to choose a swing set is relatively easy, but you do need to look for a few key factors to make the right choice. These include climate conditions, product quality, pricing, and safety standards.
For example, take the differences between metal vs wood swing sets. Metal sets can be prone to rust and leave you wanting more aesthetically, while wood swing sets can withstand any climate.
What about the price? While it may be tempting to save money, we must discuss why you shouldn't buy a cheap swing set. Cheaper sets will jeopardize your family's safety and could require extra maintenance to survive harsh conditions.
Our comparison of Gorilla swing sets vs Rainbow swing sets involves two cedar wood-based sets that check every positive box, so we’ll need to dive into the details to find the best option for your family.
Gorilla vs Rainbow Playsets: What are the Key Differences in These Brands?
So, how do we compare Gorilla swing sets vs Rainbow brand sets? The two share similarities in compliance with industry safety standards, including ASTM and CSPC. They both make great swing sets.
But you'll see stark differences as we take a deeper look at these two brands.
An Overview of Gorilla Playsets
Gorilla Playsets was formed by Playnation, a company that's been around since the 90s. Since the brand’s inception, they’ve made it their mission to deliver high-quality sets of sturdy cedar wood with fun accessories and a commitment to safety – all at an affordable price.
The cedar used in Gorilla Playsets is top-grade, the same material used in outdoor decks, roofs, and patios. This ensures that all Gorilla products are moisture-resistant and less likely to rot or warp over time.
Gorilla Playsets also feature reinforced steel joints that bolster the weight capacity of their sets compared to similar options on the market. Coupled with adaptability that can accommodate several types of accessories, it's no surprise that Gorilla has taken its place among the best swingset brands.
An Overview of Rainbow Play Systems
Rainbow Play Systems has a long history dating back 35 years. Founded by Greg Foster in Minnesota, the company quickly became a trusted name in the industry.
Rainbow sets are known for their aesthetically pleasing and feature-rich wooden playsets. In fact, the company even featured on the White House lawn during the Obama Presidency.
Like Gorilla, Rainbow playsets use high-quality cedar wood and heavy-duty steel frames and structures to maximize weight capacity.
So, how do we compare Gorilla swing sets vs Rainbow brand sets? Let’s go step-by-step to help you make the right choice.
Gorilla Swing Set vs Rainbow Swing Set: Comparing Lines, Pricing, and More to Help You Make the Right Choice
When comparing Gorilla vs Rainbow playsets, it’s clear that both brands have storied histories and a reputation for quality and safety. We’ll compare the brands on 4 critical factors: their most popular designs, pricing considerations, product quality, and customer support.
Popular Lines
Choosing a swing set should involve your family's preferences, making this a crucial factor when comparing the two brands. The simplest way to compare Gorilla play sets vs Rainbow brand sets is to pit the Gorilla Chateau line against Rainbow's Circus offerings. Each set in these lines features a 5’ deck and sturdy wood that will last for years.
The major differentiating factor comes from price. We will use Rainbow Circus Clubhouse Package II and Gorilla Chateau with Vinyl Canopy as reference points.
Despite these two sets being virtually identical in terms of features and material quality, one is significantly cheaper.
The Rainbow Circus model costs $2999 plus a $299 installation fee, while the Gorilla Chateau option is significantly cheaper at $2199+$600 install.
Other notable Gorilla brand lines include their Nantucket sets, which contain clubhouses, slides, and rock walls. These sets offer fun themes and pristine aesthetics without breaking the bank.
If you are searching for truly unique designs, Rainbow has a slight edge. High end Rainbow sets contain themed options for kids to enjoy, like the Monster line with a built-in lemonade stand.
Both sets offer unique designs that can bring kids joy, with Rainbow offering a few more options at significantly higher price points.
Pricing
Speaking of price points, factoring in swing set costs is a critical factor to consider when comparing Gorilla vs Rainbow playsets. When comparing Gorilla swing sets vs Rainbow brand sets, there’s a clear winner regarding price.
Gorilla sets are built with affordability in mind. You can find basic sets starting around $1400, like the Gorilla Outing set. Even luxury designs from Gorilla hover around the $5000-$7000 range.
Conversely, Rainbow Playsets are priced with their brand reputation in mind. Entry-level sets from Rainbow begin at around $2500, with deluxe editions clearing $10,000.
If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, the Gorilla swing sets vs Rainbow brand debate is a clear win for Gorilla.
Quality
Comparing Gorilla playsets vs Rainbow sets along the lines of quality is the most difficult. Both brands use cedar, widely considered the best wood for swing sets, and have a strong reputation for durability and success.
While this category is a tie for each brand, the cedar used in Gorilla may require less maintenance over time when compared to similar lines in the Rainbow brand.
Brand Support
When you invest in an outdoor play set, you want to ensure you receive the best possible product that creates a fun and safe play experience for your family. Brand support can arise in several ways, including installation, warranties, repairs, and shipping concerns.
Both brands have strong customer service, with comprehensive warranties. Gorilla Playsets have a slightly smaller footprint, making them more accessible for issues arising after purchase.
However, brand support will also be influenced by where you purchase your set. If you are working with a retailer, that brand’s reputation for customer support is another factor to weigh while shopping. That’s why customers in the New Jersey area prefer to shop with us.
So, Which is Better: Gorilla Swing Set vs Rainbow Swing Set?
Now that you know all the details, which is better: Gorilla swing sets vs Rainbow swing sets?
While you can’t go wrong with either brand, we give the nod to Gorilla for most families, thanks to their affordable prices and similar product quality.
But what if you fall in love with the extra design options offered by Rainbow Playsets, even if they may not be affordable? There’s another brand on the market that combines reasonable prices with the versatility found in Rainbow sets: Playground One.
For example, the Rainbow Clubhouse II and Playground One Turbo Deluxe Fort Combo 2 sets contain identical features and quality. However, if you opt for the Playground One set, you will save over $1500.
What about if you prefer a vinyl swing set vs wood? In that case, we recommend King Swings, a premier manufacturer of vinyl swingsets. Investing in a clubhouse swing set made by King Swings will help you provide an unforgettable outdoor play experience for your family.
No matter what choice you make, finding the right brand isn’t the only decision you need to make. The other key thing to consider is where to shop for swing sets in the first place!
Get More Guidance on Choosing the Right Swing Set at NJ Swingsets!
Finding the best place to buy a swing set may seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think. If you are looking for swing sets in NJ, you are already in the right place here at NJ Swingsets!
We are the premier local retailer of wooden swing sets in Bergen County and the surrounding area, with a storied history of providing high-quality playsets and installation services to families throughout New Jersey.
Founded by our passionate owner, Jay, we believe that buying a swing set should be a fun and friendly experience for every family. When you stop by our Bergen County store or contact us by email or phone, Jay and our team will personally work with you to find the perfect set for your home.
We offer personalized consultations to analyze the dimensions of your outdoor spaces and will always recommend the best playset for your needs. Our inventory features swing sets across several reputable brands, including Gorilla, Playground One, and King Swings.
Among our inventory, you can find multiple fun options, including:
- swing sets with monkey bars
- swing sets with rock walls
- swing set with tire swings
- swing set with tube slides
And if you want your children to get involved in choosing their future playsets, our showroom is an exciting weekend destination. We are one of the best places for kids' birthday parties in Bergen County, NJ, and we also host open play sessions with six large swingsets.
So, if you need a helping hand in shopping for an exciting new playset for your family, we have your back here at NJ Swingsets. Reach out to us anytime to receive personalized guidance and installation quotes!
Wrapping Up Our Gorilla vs Rainbow Playsets Comparison
With the two brands having storied reputations for high-quality and safe products, comparing Gorilla vs Rainbow playsets can be tricky. If you are seeking a premium-quality set at a price that won’t break the bank, Gorilla is a winner, thanks to a diverse inventory perfect for any family.
But where should you go to purchase a Gorilla playset?
From backyard swing sets with sandboxes for a growing family to complex commercial swing sets that offer fun for everyone, we’ve got you covered here at NJ Swingsets. We carry several swing set lines, from the best bang-for-your-buck brand of Gorilla to models with all the bells and whistles like King Swing or Playground One.
Now that you have your Gorilla vs Rainbow swing sets checklist, the only thing left for you to do is to begin shopping. We encourage you to contact our friendly team here at NJ Swingsets so we can get you started on a consultation. We will work together to find the perfect swingset for your home that brings you and your family decades of joy!