Title pretty much says it all. We just installed a full-sun, cedar playset, in New England (very rough winters). We only have one child, so the "life" of this product will be about 5-6 years. (i.e. if it lasts that long, we'll be happy (and the sooner I'll get my garden back in that spot. ;) )

Primary concern is my child's safety (toxicity, not splinters).

Should we stain? We don't care about the cedar graying at all, but do worry about checks/splinters, etc.

If we should stain, (a) when should we do it (6 months?) and (b) with what?

Thanks for all your input...