Since you're building it yourself, you can control the cost and quality, making it likely to last for generations. https://theassemblymen.com/preparing-your-yard-for-a-playset-installation-part-2 Do not install this type of playset on sloping ground. You will find rubber mats to be considerably more expensive than the loose fill products, however. Prepare the ground under and around the swing for safe landings. Solid rubber playground surfaces are becoming a common sight in neighborhood parks and under schoolyard play structures. These are a very popular kind of surface that are comparatively cheap and considered environmentally friendly. Installing a swing set in your yard can provide a safe, supervised area for your children to play. If the set's frame is not level, it will only take one rambunctious swinger to bring down the entire assembly. Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a common material used in public playgrounds and is increasing in popularity for home use. This is as simple as it sounds, just start rolling out the weed barrier row by row until all the ground is covered. If they land on a soft surface, they can look at their fall as a learning experience, rather than as a disaster. Using natural grass as a ground cover option provides a natural look that many homeowners prefer and is a popular choice for under backyard play structures, particularly since this often means simply placing the play set on an existing lawn. Swinging also helps burn calories and build strength. Having a play house underneath is such a fun idea! Don’t plant the play set in the center of the yard either. However, natural grass has several downfalls when considered for this use. This is one reason many homeowners are moving away from having natural grass at all and towards low-maintenance, drought-tolerant alternatives. A paving stone walkway or patio makes a great border for a play area. Proudly serving San Diego and Orange County, California. This springy material also acts as a weed barrier and is a low-maintenance option for play areas, which increases its appeal for homeowners. They are a natural part of play. … This means that you really should think about the type of surface on which you position your outdoor playset. a. Add a foot of mulch or sand under play equipment. Kids are kids, and they are undoubtedly going to take risks and push themselves in their play. If so, which playground surface did you select, and why? Slides for older children can go 10, 12 and even up to 25 feet high. No matter how well constructed the actual playground equipment is, you cannot guarantee that there won’t be any tumbles or falls. You will also want to define the play space with a border in order to keep your ground cover where it belongs, provide a designated area for play and help to ensure that your children’s play area harmonizes with your overall landscape design. how to prepare ground for a child playset + how to prepare ground for a child playset 09 Feb 2021 Paint all the wood rounds black. Make sure the play area surface is significantly larger than the actual play structure to make sure there is plenty of room for a safe landing after launching off of slides or jumping off of swings. Because real grass must be mowed, weeded, fertilized and watered, it also has the highest ongoing maintenance costs. Swing set on artificial grass. Then move on to a deeper section and dig down until it meets the first section. Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this: To avoid the turf getting uncomfortably hot, you can install it under shade trees or you can add a canopy or shade sails to provide shade over the lawn. The hole should be 3 to 4 inches deep to accommodate the pea gravel and sand. These are easy to find and install. This may be near the upper part of a slope, at the midpoint or near the base, depending on the landscaping or contour of the ground. Ground anchors for stability; Max. Playset kits allow you to create a home playground that helps your child realize the benefits above.. Wood chips and mulch are generally more expensive than sand or pea gravel, but they also provide a superior visual appeal that will complement any type of landscaping. Finally, you should place your play structure in an area that is easily observed by the adult or adults supervising the children. Older children especially love to relax, talk with friends side by side or spend the afternoon daydreaming on a swing. If you do, you can expect to end up on Christian name terms with the local paramedics. This is probably the longest lasting of the safe surfaces, too. First, find a safe, level area for your playset. It certainly would not hurt if you added extra fill, for instance making it up 20 inches deep, to add additional cushioning for young bodies that fall onto the playground surface. 5. Adding a play structure or full playground to your backyard, a common area in a multi-family residential complex or a community space makes the property more family-friendly and increases the enjoyment of children who live in or visit your home, rental property or park. This attractive, slip-resistant option provides a springy cushion for falls and is generally considered a better option than mulch or wood chips. One potential downfall of synthetic turf is that it will get hotter than natural grass when in direct sun on hot days. And one that you could build yourself then … It is slippery when wet, cannot be used after rain until it has had time to dry out, and creates a situation where mud and wet blades of grass will be tracked into your home if your children walk or play on it too soon after rain or irrigation. You also need to think carefully about where your kids are likely to fall. Give yourself a little wiggle room and make the area you decide to level slightly larger than the playset. This is particularly true if you choose groundcover options for playgrounds that visually complement other ground covers and landscaping features in the area. How to Install Ground Anchors for a Swing Set. In time, wood chips will compact, so every 2-3 years, you should add a fresh top up of new chips. Fill the hole with 2 inches of … Here are some of the crucial things you need to consider while choosing the right spot in your backyard for playset installation: It must be free of tree stumps, large rocks/bricks, and roots. Each of these has its pros and cons, but play sets made from any of these material options can be incorporated into your landscaping for a seamless transition from the play area to other functional areas of your yard or common area. You will not need to carry out much maintenance on these surfaces, either. It provides a natural look at an attractive price and can help limit weed growth but does not provide a lot of protection for soft landings. We have photographed most of our playsets on grass not only because it's beautiful, but also because many playsets are installed on grass. Dig a hole at least 18 inches deep at each of the footing locations. At the same time, it is also the least natural surface, and the one most likely to ruin your natural setting (although they do come in a variety of colors and can be made to look very attractive). Make sure the legs are even and the swing set does not wobble. And it also looks like a great way for kids to be active and enjoy themselves at the same time. the further a child could fall, the thicker the surface needs to be. Make as many slits … Proudly serving San Diego and Orange County, California. The easiest way is to lay your rafters on the ground like I did and trace where you need make the cut on the collar ties. Choose between a wood playset and a metal playset.Wood playsets offer a warm, rich look that blends in well with the landscape. Finally, the water required to keep natural grass looking its best can damage your playground equipment by causing rust on metal play sets and causing wood play sets to rot. Rubber playground mulch is a good choice for parents looking for a mostly low-maintenance option that provides a softer place to fall while playing. The wood chips also seem to be less inviting to your pets, so they are likely to remain cleaner for longer. This means if you expect your playground to accomodate 50 kids, plan for $50,000. This popular playground surface option is considered one of the safest, but it is also one of the most expensive, making it a bit too pricey to fit into many property owners’ budgets. Look for potential hazards in the area, such as low-hanging branches or utility lines that may be too close to the equipment or the children playing on it. There should be fewer potential health concerns related to rubber tiles or poured rubber as compared to rubber mulch, because it is not tiny particles that can be breathed in or swallowed, but you should still do your own research to make sure you are comfortable with this option. Check the hardware on play equipment. A baby swing is lovely for a year or so, but if your youngest is already two, it will have a very limited life span. Fake grass is also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and it does not get slippery when wet like natural grass. With vertical posts laid flat on the ground in proper … A soft landing surface; Really think about your space. This type of surface is, unsurprisingly, generally your most expensive option for a safe area underneath your outdoor playset, but you will, at least, know that your kids will come out of any falls from the playhouse equipment relatively unscathed. If your child (or a regular visitor) is handicapped, you should think about rubber mats around your playset as it should be easy to get a wheelchair onto this type of surface. Examine the ground to make sure it is smooth and even to prevent tripping. As with rubber tiles, the Poured-in-Place Rubber surface’s thickness will depend on the height of your play equipment, i.e. Place your new playset or playbed on carpet or some sort of shock-absorbent surfacing, particularly if there are higher decks. Your kids need loose fill to cushion them should they fall and land on the ground. Although this is hopefully less of an issue in a private playground than it is at a public playground, do keep your eyes open for hazardous objects hidden in the sand or pea gravel. Ideally, the groundcover for your play structure will be safe, low maintenance, attractive and affordable. So if you are looking for a swing set that has all of the basic needs of a typical swing set. Sand and pea gravel surfaces are not considered particularly suitable for kids with wheelchairs and are not recommended for your playground if your child is disabled. If you choose this option, make sure you purchase EWF that is made from virgin wood, since engineered fibers made from used wood may contain contaminants. To do that you might dig holes, pour concrete footers, add PIPE before the footers set and arrange the swing set to couple with those pipes protruding, using galvanized bolts/nuts, etc. This helps ensure that the swings operate properly, and helps prevent the swing set from falling over. Locating your playground under a canopy of trees provides natural shade and protection from the elements. Slip-resistant, skid-resistant pavers can help limit potential injuries while significantly enhancing the visual appeal of your yard or common area. The tiles are designed in such a way that they interlock with each other. To make sure your child gets the most out of their playset, aim to include the following features: 1. It only takes one slip, and your child could be lying on the ground. Add 2 small wheels & 1 large wheel to each side of the toy box. Otherwise, you are simply repeating the problem that dirt has - compacted fill makes for a hard and painful surface. It is also considerably more difficult to install rubber mats around your play equipment, and you may need to ask for professional help. If your play equipment is less than eight feet high, 12 inches should be a deep enough fill - but don’t try and compact it. However, if the price is not a problem, this one should be high on your list of considerations due to the level of safety it offers, the limited maintenance requirements and its visual appeal. As with the other types of loose fill material, you need to build a frame to keep your shredded rubber within, and you need to ensure that your surface is 12 to 20 inches deep. In an area of the country where the ground freezes during the winter, the footing should be 24 inches deep. Backyard Playground: Best Ground Cover Options, morgueFile, Penywise; morgueFile, kenny123; morgueFile, gracey; morgueFile, sideshowmom; morgueFile, nurbis; morgueFile, sideshowmom. Squirrel design structures are as individual the trees or … These playground surfaces absorb moisture, and they do freeze in cold conditions. Equipment and Furnishings. It is a low-maintenance landscaping material, which may appeal to some property owners, but parents might not find the bumps and scrapes nearly as appealing. Mulch or Chips. The problem is that while grass can provide some cushioning for small bodies that fall on it and even dirt can be okay when it is loose, weather and constant use can wear out the grass cover and compact the soil. This is a good option if you do not like bugs and other insects crawling … For instance, if a child extends themselves too much on the swings, and falls off mid-air they won’t just drop. If should, of course, also be noted that gravel of any type can be a choking hazard. Our new #swing #set 2 6x6x10 & 1 6x6x12. All equipment must be maintained in a safe condition as well as kept in a good state of repair. My husband says it’s just a matter of simple trig. Even gravel can easily spread away from the play area, and so you may need to regularly rake it back into place. These fires give off toxic fumes, and you definitely would not want your kids anywhere near your backyard playset until you remove and replace the rubber surface. If it is any higher than that, no surface material will effectively prevent your child from harm if there is an accidental fall from the highest point. 4. Dig out the area inside the rectangle with a shovel. Add 2 small wheels & 1 large wheel to each side of the toy box. Also, if you have deliberately bought a naturally stained outdoor playset, because of its looks, then rubber mats may well take away from your vista. Tie the string to the … At the corners of the rectangle, pound wooden stakes into the ground using a mallet. Swings are fun for all ages. This is unlikely to be a job for a DIY home handyman. You do need to make it part of your weekly routine to rake your shredded rubber chips back into position. Use your utility knife to cut each row to the correct length. Grounding your child means banning them from leaving the house or their bedroom, except for necessary obligations like school and meals. Place each anchor in the ground … Swings. Safety in playground ground … The whole thing ends up being about 18 feet wide and 15 feet deep. Watch out for windows. If you adjust the swing set portion, the only other adjustment we can think of is that you’d need a longer slide and ramp/ladder. A good rule to follow is about $1,000 per child. They also drain well, provide a level and even surface for playing, and are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Additionally, the gravel may hide potential hazards, such as broken glass, and small pieces of gravel can become lodged in the tread of children’s shoes, which can lead to it being tracked into your home or scratching wood or laminate flooring. There should be … The amount of water required to keep a natural grass lawn green and lush can also be an issue in times of drought, which occurs often in areas like Southern California. 4. These surfaces are definitely wheelchair friendly if that is relevant to you. Sand is certainly an affordable option that will work in a playground setting, but it is also a messy one that may become annoying over time. Next, Copyright © 2020 Leisure Time Products, LLC, Be the first to know about discounts and specials, 5 Surfaces Underneath Your Cedar Playsets to Save Your Child From Harm, Kids Health have published a comprehensive. Here are some pros and cons of the most popular playground ground cover options to help you decide which one is best for you. Make a transition to “empathic parenting” techniques. One more thing to be aware of is that new rubber chips may smell a bit when the temperature rises on hot summer days. Of course, one of the pluses of choosing artificial grass is that you can save thousands of gallons of water, so you may not want to spray it down any more than you have to. One disadvantage of sand and pea gravel, compared to some the alternative surfaces, is that your cats and dogs may consider it a personal toilet, just for them. Purchasing from a well-known, trusted rubber mulch company should help you avoid this; however, you may want to research the potential long-term effects of exposure to rubber before opting for this more expensive option. The reality is that most outdoor playset owners do not place their outdoor playground equipment on soft surfaces (yet they expect local authorities and schools to do so with public playgrounds). Rubber mats can be bought in a variety of different colors, so you can pick one that suits your playground and yard decor. Depending on your climate, they may attract roaches, however. Rubber mulch is generally more expensive than some other play area ground cover options, and there may be concern over long-term exposure to these small bits of rubber. Additionally, most of the bags of bark or wood chips you will find at your local garden center or home improvement store are made with dyes that enhance the color. Examine the ground to make sure it is smooth and even to prevent tripping. how to prepare ground for a child playsethow to how to prepare ground for a child playset for Its a tale of two coasts for one family and their new pacific. “Is Artificial Grass Safer than Natural Grass for Outdoor Play Areas?”, Paver Patterns and Design Ideas for Your Patio, Artificial Grass Installation Services in San Diego and Orange County, Artificial Grass Cost – Installation Price Guide. When building a playset from scratch you can make it a DIY job, but that means you need the tools and skill to build it, or you can hire it out and have someone build you one. The process of leveling the ground for a swing set is much the same as for a pool or patio. Photo Credits (in order of appearance): morgueFile, Penywise; morgueFile, kenny123; morgueFile, gracey; morgueFile, sideshowmom; morgueFile, nurbis; morgueFile, sideshowmom, 7310 Miramar Rd #300, San Diego, CA 92126. Synthetic turf provides an even, level playing surface that drains well, never needs weeding or watering, provides the lush look of natural grass, and offers a softer cushion for rough play or awkward landings. Cut ½ inch piece of wood ... how to prepare ground for a child playset Also in the background is the Rustic X console as well. These surfaces do not have any give at all if a tiny body lands on them. Since safety is one of the most important features of any children’s play area, this should be a consideration from the very beginning of the design process. Start at the lowest spot in your area and dig down 2 inches. In our opinion, it is best to choose artificial grass without crumb rubber infill if it is going to be used in play areas. As an added bonus, if you remove the play structure after your children have outgrown it, you will still have a beautiful, functional lawn area that you can use for other purposes. It has higher upfront costs than some other options, but can save significant amounts of water, time and money over its lifespan. Sep 7, 2020 - Explore Jen's board "DIY Playground ideas", followed by 600 people on Pinterest. The swing set structure is made up of four vertical support beams (4x4 pressure-treated pine) and one horizontal crossbeam (2x6 pressure-treated pine). Prepare a safe surface. how to prepare ground for a child playset + how to prepare ground for a child playset 09 Feb 2021 Paint all the wood rounds black. When you buy furniture, think about things like: Would a young child be safe on this bed (i.e is it low enough to the ground, or does it have rails)? Most playground sets with swings, slides and other enticing features are made from plastic, metal or wood. So, assuming that you want a safer surface under your playground equipment, what are some options you could consider? Sand has long been the ground cover of choice for play areas, most likely due to its affordable cost and ability to absorb falls. After all of the holes are dug and Form Tubes are in place. Shredded rubber mulch is a newer player on the playground scene and is quickly growing in popularity, particularly for its ability to provide a nice cushion when children fall. Mark the position of each swing set leg with spray paint or a stake and move the swing to the side. Shredded rubber is another loose fill surface that you could consider placing under your playground equipment. Alternatively, you may want to consider installing a shade structure to provide protection from the sun. While it can become uncomfortably hot, the temperature drops immediately when the direct sun is removed or you spray it down with a hose.
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