Ahhhh - a nice wooden swing set is such a comfort. Did you know, Elves live in the trees? That's why I love a wooden swing set - it reminds me of home! There are more wooden playsets on the market today than ever before - wonderful for you as a parent, and even better for kids and Elves! Just think about the benefits!
- Exercise - Your kids will have a great time and will be getting lots of exercise at the same time. Climbing, jumping, sliding and swinging their way fitness.
- Safety - When your kids are in their own backyard, they are not wondering around the neigborhood. Keep them within sight and having fun.
- Variety - A captain of a pirate ship one day and a secret hide out the next - your kids will have a million ways to play!
So you already know why you want a backyard wooden swing set, now let's look at how to decide what to buy...
Wooden Swing Set Shopping
- Quality is important! Read our reviews to find a sturdy model that will hold up.
- You'll have a choice to buy plans only or buy a wooden swingset ready to assemble.
- For a mid-sized, ready to assemble swing set, plan on 2 adults spending 6-10 hours on assembly.
- Look for pre-drilled and pre-cut kits - this will save a TON of time and the project will come out perfect.
- Plan for a "safety zone." That means add at least ten feet of open space on each side of the play set.
How to Choose?
When you begin to narrow your search for the perfect wooden swing set, you'll need to make a few key choices.
- Cost - how much do you want to spend? There are some very economical ways to do this. For example, Tacoma makes a set that goes for under $300.00. The Tacoma Wooden Gym and Play Center consists of 2 swings and a ladder/slide. On the other hand, the Gorilla Sequoia Summit retails at over $3,400.00. It has several levels, slides, rope ladders, even a climbing wall! Best bet is to set an approximate budget when you first start.
- Age - what are the ages of your kids? This one is easy...there are playsets designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers, these sets may do a great job for a year or two, but they are quickly outgrown. A well built, high quality wooden playset (like all those you'll find at theKIDshoppe.com) will last for years and accomodate children of all ages.
- Space - When selecting your play set, make sure it'll fit in your backyard! Dimensions are always listed in the product specs - make sure to add your safety zone. Also - it can't hurt to check with your HOA - many neigborhoods have regulations on the type, size, and visibility of your backyard swing set.
- Plans or Pre-cut? - This is a BIG one. You will find complete plan kits, which usually come with hardware. These kits will typically cost between $200.00 and $500.00. But you have to go out and buy your lumber, then do all the cutting yourself. I have a friend who is a cabinet maker - he chose to buy pre-built! That should give you an idea of the effort required to buy just plans and hardware and do-it-yourself.
Go exploring our site! Check out all the great wooden swing sets by the best manufacturers.
Our featured playsets are:
- Tacoma Wooden Gym Playcenter
- Durango Wooden Play Center
- Odyssey Wooden Gym Play Center
- Larkspur Wooden Gym Playcenter
- Gorilla Playsets Blue Ridge Retreat
- Little Tykes Endless Adventures Playset
- Little Tykes Endless Adventures Variety Climber
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