How to Select a Backyard Slide
Slides are a common fixture at playgrounds across the world. They can be straight or winding, steep or relatively flat. Instead of heading to the park everyday, though, today's children can enjoy slides from the comfort of their own backyards. When personal play yards began gaining popularity, the slide was one of the first items added as a standard feature.
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Instructions
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Select a Backyard Slide
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Decide what kind of material you want your backyard slide to be composed of. The most popular types of slides are made of either hard plastic or metal. Plastic is often cooler than metal, but it may not suit your aesthetic tastes.
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Look at both individual backyard slides, and those offered as part of a set. An individual slide may be better suited to a smaller backyard, while a larger set may provide more use throughout the years.
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Consider the ages of the children you're buying for before you commit to a particular slide. A well-constructed slide may last you more than 10 years, during which time your kids may use it fairly consistently. You'll want to make sure you buy a slide which can be suitable and fun for both toddlers and young children.
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Think about construction needs before purchasing a slide. Slides that can be put together right out of the box with a minimum amount of tools may be favorable because of their time-saving features. However, those which require several hours of construction may be sturdier and might last longer.
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Ask about the maintenance procedures before you select a slide. Some slides, especially ones made of plastic, require little to no care. Metal slides, however, may require frequent polishings to keep them smooth and rust-free. There are also a variety of metal slides on the market which come with a rust-repellent coating.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (see Resources below) on a frequent basis to make sure the backyard slide you've purchased isn't subject to a recall.
Select slides with rounded steps and handles to avoid injuries caused by hitting or stepping on sharp edges. Square handle bars can be particularly unforgiving, especially when young children crowd around the top of the slide.
Never allow children past the suggested age and/or weight limit use the slide. Doing so could compromise the structural integrity of the slide, making it hazardous for other users.
