Richter Spielgeräte as a craftsman's business

About our wood processing, materials and designers

Zwei Kollegen die sich um die Lagerung von Holz kümmern

Richter-Mitarbeiter mit Lärmschutz-Kopfhörer am Bearbeiten von Holz

50 years of experience working with wood

Our work is based on over 50 years of experience working with wood. With our technical skills, our creativity and our knowledge of the subject of people and play, we tailor our production and our product range to current needs, without losing sight of our key focus in the process: the creation and maintenance of a product quality that enriches the lives of people. Treading lightly on nature and its resources has been near to our hearts since the very beginning. This is the reason why we pay very special attention to our wood and use certified wood from Austria.

No industrial manufacturing characteristics

Our play equipment is manufactured piece by piece in craftsman work steps. There are no industrial manufacturing characteristics. This results in play equipment that is superior to industrial products both in its uniqueness – each piece of equipment is an original – as well as in the quality of the work itself.

Almost no other material is as well suited to handcrafted processing as wood. Our employees work with and treat the material wood with respect. As we provide a good atmosphere through a high degree of self-determination and a positive working environment, we benefit from the great sense of responsibility with which each individual pursues his or her work.

We place the following aspects in the foreground in our work: We focus on the following aspects in our work: self-determination, easy maintenance, necessary safety, high play value, lasting stability and on environmental friendliness.

Our materials

Which material would you like to know more about?

At Richter Spielgeräte, we primarily rely on our favorite material, wood.

However, individual pieces or parts of equipment and product groups are also made of stainless steel, rope or concrete. We are particularly proud of the fact that we have had our own rope workshop on the company premises for several years now, where our master rope maker produces individual hemp-colored and colored ropes.

Our slides and many of our water play equipment are made of stainless steel. The natural material concrete, which has an interesting feel due to its rough surface, can be found in our petting stones or water basins, for example.

PEFC certification

Since October 2001, our wood supplier is PEFC certified. Our production, certified since 2015, ensures sustainably sourced coniferous timber. Official assessment rates larch as moderately rot-resistant, surpassing spruce and fir but falling short of oak and robinia durability.

Exact selection

Our mountain larches are felled in winter so that the cut wood can dry before fertile fungus spores appear which can lead to early decomposition. The tree's natural aging deposits core materials, visible as red corning, enhancing rot resistance. Tight year rings in the wood signal increased resistance.

Use

For ground-inserted and horizontal beam wood, tight rings are crucial. Our poles boast a minimum of eight outer two-centimeter rings, ensuring centered rings for optimal outer-edge close ring wood. Pith eccentricity is strictly limited to three centimeters.

Processing

Since 1989, our wooden play equipment is crafted from untreated mountain larch. Typically, we use steel feet for support, but shorter vertical poles omit this for simplicity. To prevent water absorption, end-grain timber surfaces feature angle cuts with paraffin wax coating.

High-quality appearance

The material inspires our designers to create special shapes and concepts. In particular, water play equipment made of stainless steel facilitates the experience of water as a pure, clear element.

Playground equipment made of stainless steel

In urban environments, in pedestrian areas or in squares, activity and play equipment made of stainless steel harmonises particularly well with the environment. Products made of stainless steel in combination with other high-quality materials lend character to a location and are a sign of high standards.

Sensory experiences

The play value of stainless steel, like wood, can be attributed to its special sensory appeal. Temperature differences can be very clearly felt, the reflection of light is appealing to look at, the possibilities of making noises with stainless steel is very interesting – especially for children.

What is the material suitable for?

The durable and robust properties of the material mean concrete play equipment is ideally suited for the design of outdoor areas such as amusement parks, schoolyards and other public areas. Assembly, inspection and maintenance of the concrete equipment is also very easy to carry out compared to other systems.

Creation of different surfaces

The playground equipment can be individually processed and coloured. The irregular surface structure, similar to what wood also displays, offers playing children a special tactile experience, which is an important experience while playing.

The profession of ropemaker

The profession that has fallen into obscurity in recent years has its place with us. The in-house ropeworks supplies the business with high-quality ropes and nets to meet the special requirements of our company.

Hercules-style ropes

Hercules ropes blend galvanized steel with polyester yarn. Each strand is wrapped and glued for superior abrasion, cut, and fire resistance. Noteworthy UV resistance and a robust metallic cross-section enhance stability. With embedded wires in adhesive, these ropes excel in bending cycles. We offer flexible or stiff constructions based on application needs.

Our designers

Our play equipment is designed by a wide variety of designers who incorporate their own personal philosophy into the play equipment and thus make it possible to experience different educational approaches through play.