Choosing Childrens Wooden Swing Sets or Playsets
The modern version of swings and slides combined into one unit is the wooden swing set or playset equipped with a multitude of challenging activities for up to 10 or more chlidren at any one time! Tire swings, belt swings and gliders, acrobatic swings, trapeze bars, wave slides, tube slides and spiral slides.For those who prefer to climb there are ladders, rope ladders, cargo nets and rockwalls to clamber up and down to and from the crows nest, fort or playhouse. From the balcony or deck players can descend by a different route. On the lower level a sandbox or picnic table will keep the younger ones occupied.
Some models have monkey bars combined with the swing beam that holds the swing shackles for the swings. A recent innovation is a separate monkey bar system away from the swing beam allowing children to to use the monkey bars at the same time as the swings are being used without risk of collision.
Tire swings on a single mounting shackle are usually suspended from a seperate beam too as a tire swing will cover a 360 degree circle when in use. Sturdy anchoring systems are supplied where necessary in the kits so children of all ages (Up to 210lbs each) can enjoy themselves.
Ready to Assemble Kits
Outdoor wooden swingsets and backyard playsets come in ready to assemble kits so all you have to do is work out the amount of space you have bearing in mind that a 6' play perimeter is needed for safety. The kits are designed to be asembled safely using non specialist tools in 5 to 7 hours depending on the size and features.
Your wooden swing set will be shipped to you in multiple boxes with all the wood components pre-cut, drilled and sanded as well as all the hardware and accessories. To make home assembly easy detailed step by instructions are supplied with the kits
As one would expect it is far easier to assemble a complex construction with the assistance of a friend or neighbour but only after unpacking the boxes to identify the contents in relation to the detailed plans and instructions. If you have the space and good weather then the pieces could be laid out on the ground and labelled before assembly.
Build Your Own?
If the price of a wooden swing set or playset is prohibitive then plans drawn up by specialists can be obtained so you could build your own using lumber and hardware from your local supplier.
Fixtures and fittings not available in your area could be fabricated by your local craftsmen or even easier you could buy online from specialist suppliers who will supply plans, kits and accessories down to the last nut and bolt to your door.If you relish the thought of building your own wooden swingset or playset you could save up to 50% of the cost by DIY (Doing It Yourself)
Quality Materials
The materials used in modern wooden swing set and playset construction are durable and environmentally friendly. The wooden swing sets are constructed with choice grade wood, naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage.Factory stained and sealed the wood is also arsenic and chromium-free.
The precut and predrilled cedar or yellow pine lumber sections are connected with 7 gauge steel powder coated brackets and braces eliminating the need for mitered wood joints. The manufacturers warranties on wood rot, decay and insect damage range from 5 years to 10 years depending on the make and model. The wave, spiral and scoop slides are designed to be self supporting and are one piece injection molded with UV inhibitors to prevent heating and fading
Consumer Safety Specifications
Look out for the consumer safety specification ASTM F1148 - 09 which provides safety requirements for various types of home playground equipment intended for use by children aged from over eighteen months through 10 years. It further provides such requirements for swings intended specifically for toddlers.
Different age limits for various requirements are found in this specification. These limits reflect the nature of the hazards and the expected mental or physical ability, or both, of the child to cope with the hazards. ASTM F1148 - 09 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Home Playground Equipment
If you head over to Childrens Wooden Swing Sets you can browse amongst wooden swing sets and playsets from the most popular brands such as:
- Big Backyard
- Gorilla
- Adventure Playsets
- Swing N Slide
- Backyard Play Systems
