Marinelle Adams
Keeping your little ones entertained, especially in summers, can be an arduous challenge. But encouraging them to leave the house and go outside can be seemingly even a more impossible task. This is where playsets come into the picture. Installing a playset in your backyard will not only entice the kids to get away from their tablets, phones, or TV but also effectively keep them entertained for hours! Visit Vuly to see more play sets.
However, buying a playset for your backyard isn’t as simple as it may appear. After all, you would want something that’s not only fun but also safe, long-lasting, and affordable. Therefore, with extensive expertise regarding outdoor playsets, we decided to share some insights related to the things you must consider before buying a playset.
In this playset buying guide, we’ve outlined everything – from the material, size, to safety instructions are more So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Here are few integral things to consider when buying a playset for backyard use:
Materials
Outdoor playsets generally come in wood, metal, and plastic materials. Each type has certain pros and cons:
Wood – Wood swing sets are popular for being the sturdiest and enduring among all types of outdoor children’s playsets and Swing Set Mall offers a wide selection to choose from. However, note that all wood isn’t equal. Pine is the most economical option, but as this wood type is the softest, it doesn’t last as long. Pine-built playsets tend to wear off over time from the inside out, thus you might not be aware when a part is worn through till it breakdowns – not the safest option for sure!
On the other hand, there is pressure-treated and waterproof lumber. It’s usually the best option for wood playsets, just be sure to learn what was utilised in the pressure-treating process. Avoid chromium and arsenic pressure-treating, as they can be harmful to kid’s health.
Metal – Metal swing sets are less expensive and less durable than wood. Moreover, for safety reasons, metal hooks, chains, and bolts must be enclosed in rubber to prevent cuts or pinching from sharp edges. Metal playsets are also prone to rust, but this can be controlled by keeping an eye out for chipped or worn out paint and periodically coating it up.
Plastic – Out of the three options, plastic playsets are the least expensive and least sturdy. Additionally, mostly plastic playsets are designed for younger children and hence, might not carry the weight of grown-up kids and teenagers.
Furthermore, as plastic is lighter than metal or wood, it’s more prone to tipping over or cracking. If you plan to use the playset for only a few years and have a limited budget, plastic may be a decent choice.
Note: When picking playset material, always consider the climate and weather that it will have to endure. For instance, cold and wet climates can have adverse effects on wood playsets.
Yard space
Playsets come in various sizes and generally require more backyard area than many people suppose. To fulfill safety requirements, most playset manufacturers suggest at least six feet of additional space surrounding the set.
Hence, take out a measuring tape and buckle up to perform some leg work. To do it correctly, you’d want to measure as many dimensions of the backyard as possible by involving the whole space, the area between fences and trees, and other hazards.
Safety features
Though “fun” is the name of the game, all that fun can easily get ruined due to a lack of safety features. Before you buying a playset, be sure to check that the playset’s assembly and design have your child’s best interest and safety in mind. To ensure this, check that:
- Swing chains are enclosed with hand grips in order to avoid fingers from getting pinched.
- All edges are capped or rounded with no exposed sharp or rough edges to scratch, scrape, or cause any kind of injury.
- The playset structure has no wood treatment or leads paint as they can be hazardous to your kid’s health.
- Slide platforms and clubhouse decks are designed to prevent fall-offs.
Budget
This is probably one of the leading things to consider when buying a playset. If you’re on a tight or limited budget, plastic or metal playsets may be your best option. You can get a cheap wood playset as well, but chances are it would not be made well.
You may save some money on installation if you are very handy around the home or enjoy DIYs. However, know that an incorrectly installed playset can lead to severe injuries. So, this probably is not the project to showcase or practice your carpentry skills.
Installation
Ease of installation is another critical element to consider when buying a playset for your backyard. Nowadays, many outdoor swing sets replicate like the mega-playsets we used to find only at playgrounds and parks a few years ago.
Keep in mind that these elaborate and massive structures require meticulous precision and a good amount of time for assembly. If you are daunted by the expanse of assembly involved in setting up a playset, bear in mind that some backyard swing sets may require additional charges for professional installation.
In addition to this, please note that to provide stability, some playsets might even require an in-ground cement installation. However, there are many other playset designs that incorporate stability into a freestanding structure by having a wider leg stance.
Wrap Up
As stated earlier, buying a playset for your backyard is a massive deal. After all, having the right safety features along with high durability and most importantly – the ability to keep kids happy all at the same time is bound to be a bit tricky decision.
We hope our playset buying guide helps you keep the benefits of the different playset types in mind when making a decision. The entire process can get so much simpler when you know what you are in for.
Moreover, it will also significantly help you to make the right decision for you and your family and enjoy the extra summer hours with family-friendly play.