Before we designed our own, Evgeny and I spent weeks testing wooden climbing gyms in our living room — assembling them, watching our son use them, checking how they held up after a month of daily play.

We learned a lot. And eventually, we built something based on everything we wished we'd known at the start.
This guide is what we learned — as parents first, and eventually as the people behind AVDAR.

Why Wooden? The Case for Natural Materials

Plastic climbing sets are cheaper and often brighter-colored. So why choose wood? There are several reasons that matter in the long term.

First, durability. Solid hardwood like beechwood or birch doesn't crack, warp, or degrade the way plastic does under repeated stress and UV exposure. A well-made wooden climbing gym should last through multiple children. Plastic sets frequently develop stress fractures at joints after 12–18 months of regular use.

Second, material safety. Plastic products often contain phthalates, BPA, or other additives that aren't present in natural wood. Look for certifications like CPSIA (US) and EN71 (Europe), which test both structural integrity and material safety including coatings.

Third, the Montessori philosophy — which has influenced the design of most high-quality wooden climbing sets — suggests that natural materials, neutral colors, and open-ended play structures support better cognitive and motor development than brightly-colored, prescriptive toys.

5 Things to Look for When Buying

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  Safety Certifications — all three

  Look for ASTM (USA structural), CPSIA (USA chemical), and EN71 (European). A product with only one or two of these hasn't been fully tested. AVDAR's Rainbow Climber holds all three.
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  Solid hardwood, not plywood or MDF

  Beechwood and birch are the gold standard. They're dense, splinter-resistant, and hold fasteners firmly. MDF or particle board can delaminate at joints over time.
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  Modular configurations

  A set that only works one way becomes limited quickly. Look for products that can be rearranged as your child grows — this is the main factor in long-term value.
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  Age range and weight capacity

  Confirm the set is rated for your child's current age and that the max weight capacity gives you enough headroom. Most quality sets are rated 60 kg and up.
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  Dimensions that fit your home

  Measure before you buy. The AVDAR Rainbow Climber fits in a standard living room at 120 × 110 × 110 cm — but larger sets exist that require dedicated playroom space.

Which Configuration Is Right by Age

One of the most common questions we get is: "Is this right for my 18-month-old?" The answer depends on configuration, not just the product. Here's a simple breakdown of how the Rainbow Climber Set works across ages:

How the Premium Market Compares

The wooden indoor climbing gym market has grown significantly. Here's an honest look at how the top brands compare on the factors that matter most to parents:

Frequently Asked Questions