How To Install A Swing Set

Memories of childhood often include memories of outdoor play involving laughing, running, kicking a ball and playing on neighborhood or park swing sets. Purchasing and installing a swing set is sometimes an overwhelming task, but with a little planning and some help from friends or relatives, you can have a great swing set for your little ones to enjoy.

Types of swing sets

There are several different types of swing sets on the market today. First, there is the standard swing set that many of us grew up with, made of metal bars, with chain swings, rings or a trapeze bar, and sometimes a metal slide. This is probably the most inexpensive type of swing set to buy; it is also the easiest to assemble due to its simple design. Secondly, there are plastic swing sets for toddlers or young children. These often include multiple climbing platforms, swings and a slide. These sets usually snap together and require a few screws and bolts to complete the connection. Finally, the most popular type of swing set on the market today is the wooden tower swing set. There is much varied design in this set; multi-level platforms and towers, curved or straight slides and multiple accessories make this the most customizable option. This article focuses on this third type of swing set, as the wooden swing sets are the most difficult to install.

Buying your swing set

If you decide on a wooden swing set, you have several options. The first is to purchase from a company such as Rainbow, which delivers and installs the swing set for you. While incredibly convenient, this is not always the most cost-effective option. Next, you could buy a swing set kit that includes pre-cut boards and all the pieces you need. Finally, you could buy the individual pieces you want and either make your own plans or buy a starter kit and adapt it as needed.

Preparing to install your swing set

Preparation is key to successful and stress-free swing set building. If your boards are not pre-cut, you need to cut and measure them first. Once all your boards are cut, the next step is to lay everything out and label by part number. This makes your job much easier when assembling the swing set. Also, make sure that you have all the tools you need to install your set; these are listed in the first few pages of the instruction manual. There is nothing worse than getting halfway through a construction project and realizing that you do not have what you need to finish.

Installing your swing set

While you can assemble certain parts of the swing set anywhere and then move them, you want to assemble a majority of the set where you plan to install it, as it is very heavy and difficult to move. Make sure to check the size of the footprint that the swing set requires, so you are sure to have enough room. Follow the directions in your manual to assemble the swing set, working slowly and carefully so that no steps are skipped. You should follow every step closely for safety's sake, especially the final step of anchoring the swing set to the ground. You may find that some steps are more easily done with several people, as the wood is heavy and sometimes needs holding in position while being attached.

Once your swing set is installed, the hard work is done, and it is time to sit back and enjoy watching your kids run around and play! Perhaps you may even decide to join them on the swings or at the top of the tower. This is a great way to rediscover your childhood with your kids.

Preparation is key to successful and stress-free swing set building