Children playing outdoors in the snow with Outlast Mud Kitchen

Built to Last

What to Expect from Your Outlast Products over Time

"When the Outlast products arrive and we unpack them, there is a fresh look and so much potential in every box. But something beautiful happens over the years of use. Like a favorite pair of jeans that soften and fade the more you wash them, Outlast products look and feel so comfortable over time. The beautiful gray patina that appears as they age help them to blend in and become a part of our natural outdoor classrooms. The quality of the products is not diminished by this process, and as with everything else from Community Playthings, they seem to last forever. And like that old pair of jeans, we keep going back to them over and over again."—Ellen Veselack Co-Executive Director for Infant, Toddler and Preschool Programs at the Child Educational Center

Boy playing in front of beautifully aged mud kitchen

Uncompromised Durability

Outlast products are made from a unique water-resistant wood called Accoya. No matter the climate, Accoya will not rot, shrink, swell, or distort. Hardware and plastic used in Outlast product will not rust or degrade. Small dents from use will not impact structural integrity.

Child looking through handle of Outlast Wheelbarrow that is weathered to a silver gray color.

Aesthetic Changes

Over months of joyful outdoor play you will observe aesthetic changes to your Outlast products. The color will fade, and the wood will look more weathered, but remember, this is only aesthetic. Left unfinished, Outlast products will outlast the rest.

What if I like the Original Look

If you prefer the original look of your Outlast product, follow the instruction to re-stain your item.

To purchase a can of Outlast refinishing stain contact your customer service representative by phone: 800-777-4244, email: sales@communityplaythings.com, or directly here.

How to re-apply Outlast stain:

Scrub your product with soapy water to remove dirt. Allow to dry completely before applying stain.
Using a paint brush, apply a non-toxic penetrating stain supplied by Community Playthings. (If you get some on the plastic parts, don't worry, just be sure to wipe it off with a damp cloth before the stain dries.)
Allow stain to dry for a few minutes before removing extra drips with a dry paper towel.
Stain will be dry to the touch in a couple of hours but it's best to let the stain dry overnight before continuing to play with your items.