How to Level a Foundation for a Swing Set
Providing a firm, flat foundation for a swing set can go a long way toward ensuring that children (and grown-ups) can enjoy a safe, stable place to play. It isn't necessary to place your swing set on a perfectly level spot, which is also nearly impossible unless you intend to pour a concrete foundation or pave over part of your yard. Instead, create a site that is relatively flat and free of obstructions, which can be a fairly quick and easy process. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Yard stakes (plastic or wood)
- Twine or string
- Level
- Long 2-by-4 (optional)
- Shovel
Instructions
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1
Determine measurements. For outdoor playground equipment, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends leaving at least 6 feet of open space on all sides. In front of and behind swings, the open space should extend further, to a distance two times the height of the swing (from ground level to anchor points). Use these guidelines and the dimensions of your swing set to determine how large your site will need to be.
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Mark corners. Using the dimensions from Step 1, measure out the perimeter of your site, and place a stake where each corner will be.
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Mark the perimeter. Tie string or twine firmly to one stake, and then run a length of it to the next corner. Wrap the string around the stake several times, and then continue on to the next stake. Repeat this process until you have enclosed the entire site and created a string line to mark the entire perimeter.
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Evaluate site. Check the ground within your site to locate any noticeable unevenness, including humps, divots and slopes. Use a level to confirm your observations and identify any more subtle variation in the terrain that may be significant enough to address. To extend the reach of your level, you can rest it on a long 2-by-4 to check a longer stretch of ground.
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Level the foundation. According to The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) of the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should place safety mats or a loose-fill material such as wood chips or shredded rubber under the playground equipment to reduce the risk of injury from trips and falls. Safety mats tend to work best over a flat, rigid surface such as concrete, so loose fill is a popular choice for home playgrounds. The Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests installing 6 inches to a full foot of material. Use a shovel to dig the site to a consistent depth adequate to accommodate the loose fill.
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