How to Build a Jungle Gym for Kids

Building a jungle gym can be a challenging process.

Building a jungle gym for kids can be a daunting task. With all of the accessories and equipment involved, many people opt for a professional handyman to put it together. However, building a jungle gym yourself will save money on labor and may be a little less expensive to put together yourself. There are various jungle gym kits to choose from.

Things You'll Need

• Power tools
• Measuring tape
• Jungle gym materials
• Money for funding
• Space for jungle gym
• A friend

Instructions

1. Give yourself a budget. Depending on the type of swing set you want to build for your kids, a swing set can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. Make sure you stay within your budget.

2. Design the layout of your jungle gym. Decide which area of the yard you want to use, what type of jungle gym you plan to build, what type of wood or other material you want to use. Some companies offer jungle gym kits with materials for an indoor structure. The companies offer accessories from climbing rope to swings and slides. Decide which accessories your child or children will like best.

3. Purchase the types of wood you would like to use for your jungle gym. Cedar, pine and redwood are the most commonly used types of wood for kid jungle gyms.

4. Measure the area where your jungle gym will be located to ensure that there is enough space to fit your jungle gym. Use measuring tape to determine exact height, width and length.

5. Gather the power tools necessary to build the jungle gym. Necessary equipment may consist of a tape measure, post-hole diggers, saw horses, circular saws, a hammer, a ladder, a spirit level, an electric or cordless drill and drill bit. Equipment needed normally depends on the jungle gym or playground plan you decide to build.

6. Find a friend to help with assembling the jungle gym. Paying for labor by a professional may be quite expensive. Depending on the size of the jungle gym, you may or may not need assistance putting it together.

7. Check all nuts and bolts to make sure that they are secure before allowing children to play on the jungle gym. It may also be best to apply a wood preservative to the jungle gym set to prevent termites from attacking and to prevent rotting.

References

• Renovation Headquarters
• Tool Crib