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How To Build A Backyard Playset

How much does it cost to build an outdoor playset?

The national average is between $500 and $5,000 to build a backyard playground, with most homeowners spending around $2,500 to build wooden playground with swings, a slide, and a climbing area with shade and mulch for the ground.Cost to Build a Playground. Build Playground Cost Average Range $500-$5,000 Minimum Cost $375 Maximum Cost ​$10,000.

How much does it cost to build a DIY swing set?

According to The Spruce, prices can range from $200 to $6,000 or more, depending on materials, features and equipment. A custom set with multiple features such as rock walls, tire swings or a lookout deck can easily reach $10,000 or more. Wooden outdoor play areas are generally made of redwood, cedar or pine.

Is it cheaper to build your own playset?

When you break it down in cost, most DIY swing set kit builds are going to be cheaper than their store-bought counterparts.

Is it better to buy or build a playset?

In theory, building your own playset is a great idea. You get to save money while enjoying a fun outdoor project that your kids will absolutely love. In addition, if you build the set out of wood, there’s always the risk of your kids getting splinters — which is why ALL of our sets are sheathed in protective vinyl.

How much would it cost to build a playground?

You should budget around $1,000 per child for playground equipment. The average cost of playground equipment for schools is between $15,000 and $50,000. If you are looking for a larger play structure with inclusive (accessible) features or a custom design, set a budget closer to $150,000.

What type of wood is used for playsets?

The most common woods used for playsets are redwood, cedar, and pine. All wood should be stained and sealed, keeping it structurally sound and looking good for years. Redwood and cedar naturally repel insects and water, making them low-effort choices. Redwood can be more expensive, and cedar is growing in popularity.

Can you build your own swing set?

Swing sets are great projects for beginning DIY and mid-level DIYers. The place to start is with hardware kits that supply the fittings and fasteners, but not the lumber, or kits that supply finished lumber, fittings and fasteners. There are a few things you should know to build a safe set.

Is a 4×4 strong enough for a swing set?

Yes, a 4×4 that is 20′ long will work. A 4×4 that is 12′ long will support about 4,000 lbs. each (depending on the species and grade). A 16′ 4×4 will support about half that and a 20′ 4×4 will support almost 1,000 each, if its horizontally braced about half way up.

What do I need to build a swing set?

Wooden Swing Set Supplies: Swing Hangers (a set of 2 per swing) Galvanized Bolts for the swing hangers (3/8 inch carriage bolts, 7 inches long) + Lock Washer (4 bolts and 4 washers per swing) Swing Chains. Swing Seats. Swing seats & chains–no brackets needed (another option) A-Frame Swing Set Brackets.

How long does it take to build a playset?

Most installs can be completed for small to medium sized sets by professional installers in 1 day. Larger sets can be done by professional installers in 2-3 days.

Why are playsets so expensive?

Playground material costs Only the best materials will do for building long-lasting safe playsets. From tempered steel nuts, screws and bolts to plastic that needs to withstand a lot of UV punishement without fading or getting damaged, these specialty materials come with a high price tag.

How far apart should Swings be on a swing set?

All swings should be at least two feet apart from each other. The distance between the main support frame and the swings should measure at least 30 inches to prevent entanglement and collision. Two feet should be between the swing set and the ground.

Do you need to anchor a swing set?

When installing any swing set, you should anchor the equipment into the ground to prevent it from flipping over while in use. Concrete anchors are the most secure. Conversely, if you’re anchoring a swing set to hard ground, you can also use a 1-piece or 2-piece twist-in anchor.

Does a swing set add value?

From our experience, a well-built swing set or play set will absolutely add resale value to your home — and can even make your house a must-buy for the right person. Of course, lots more homeowners want to take their sets with them when they move.

When should I buy a swing set?

November or December is the best time to buy a swing set for many reasons. While many parents choose to buy swing sets in the summer, November and December are better times to buy them.

What should I look for when buying a swing set?

9 Things to Consider When Buying Playground Equipment Avoid Non-Expandable Swing Sets. Top Heavy Swing Sets are a Safety Hazard. Avoid Vertical Climbing Swing Set Features. Avoid Wooden Dowels on Swing Set Ladders. Don’t Buy From Photos Only. Know What Options Are Included (And What’s Not!) Inspect Kit Swing Sets First.

What kind of wood should I use for an outdoor swing set?

Cedar and redwood are the most commonly selected wood for outdoor swing sets, and for good reason. These woods are known for being naturally resistant to disease, rot, and insect infestation. You will also find swing sets made of spruce, pine, or fir.

Should you use pressure-treated wood for playset?

Pressure-treated lumber is an excellent choice for any outdoor playset, regardless of how concerned you are about safety. Just be sure to use highly corrosion-resistant fasteners. The new copper preserving compounds are very corrosive – more corrosive than the arsenic of years ago.

Is pressure-treated lumber safe for playgrounds?

Children should not be exposed to preserved or pressure-treated wood or its dust during construction. Adults should use special precautions in handling pressure-treated wood when constructing the playground or play structures.

Is it hard to build your own swing set?

A simple swing set will only take a weekend to build and will be fairly gentle on the budget. After you’ve taken a look at these free swing set plans, check out free plans for playhouses and treehouses. The kids will love them!Mar 14, 2021.