How to Select an Outdoor Playset

Most people have many fond memories of a childhood spent on playsets. They were everywhere--at friends' homes, fast-food restaurants and maybe even in your own backyard. Swings, bridges, slides and interactive games interface to provide kids with enough joy and entertainment for hours each day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Money
• Measurements of your space
• Construction materials
• Tools

Select an Outdoor Playset

1. Know the different construction materials. Wood, plastic, metal and recycled materials are common. Each type has its own advantages relating to wear and tear, durability and ease of use.
2. Ask about assembly. Because of their large size, most outdoor playsets do not come pre-assembled. However, you can talk to a salesperson about paying extra for home assembly.
3. Save a little cash. You can assemble it yourself, but you'll want to find one that is pre-drilled, pre-stained and pre-beveled to save yourself the extra work.
4. Know how much space you have to work with. Get measurements on the space and playset to prevent purchasing an oversized playset.
5. Pay attention to safety features. Since your playset will likely attract neighborhood kids, make sure you select the safest one you can find. Safety latches, railings and non-slip accents will enhance any playset.
6. Look for playsets with add-on features. For example, some playsets have the ability to turn into a pirate's ship or castle.
7. Talk to a salesperson about maintenance. Wood playsets may need to be re-stained every few years and some maintenance is covered under a limited warranty.
8. Select a playset with some sun coverage. Many outdoor playsets have tents or roofs keeping the playset in partial sunlight.

Shop for an Outdoor Playset

9. Shop for the playset. You will likely find them at hardware stores, large retail stores or at toy stores.
10. Buy one during off-peak season. Prices are best at the start of shipments, when the weather is still cool, or at the end of summer.
11. Take your kids along when you shop. Toy stores usually have playsets set up so that kids can try them out.
12. Check secondhand stores. Once the kids are all grown up, most parents quickly abandon large, cumbersome toys like playsets. You can score a good deal by checking with resale stores often.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're handy, you can even build the playset yourself!
• Although more expensive, wood playsets generally last longer than metal playsets which are vulnerable to rust.
• Safety features on playsets are continuously evolving. Nonetheless, never leave young children unattended when at play.

Who Can Help: