Play Structures & Play Spaces

Parent Q&A

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  • Natural playspace

    Mar 23, 2023
    4 replies

    We wanted to create a simple natural playspace in our yard using some tree stumps, logs, rocks, ect..

    Just wondering if anyone has built something similar, or worked with someone to build it. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

    Thanks in advance.

    We’re working on our backyard space and planning to do something similar! No particular tips yet, since we haven’t finished ours, but I will say that the nice thing about a play space like this is that it’s very DIY and scrap-friendly, since you don’t need to do any real building. You can find tree stumps and logs around town (people are often giving away stumps on Craigslist, FB Marketplace, etc.)—you just want to make sure the wood isn’t from a tree that was cut down because of pests or disease—and I’ve found lots of good inspiration on Pinterest and online by looking up “play gardens.” Good luck and have fun! :)

    I am currently working with Miri from https://www.feastgardens.com/ on our backyard, and we're trying to make it fairly kid-friendly. We got a bunch of the teeny round pebbles from American Soil to make a beach-y area (along with a turtle sandpit) which my preschooler loves. Also making a small kid-safe pond-fountain thing using a solar-powered fountain (Eco-Worthy brand on Amazon), which is also fun. 

    There are some natural-like playgrounds at Tunnel Tops Park in the Presidio of SF, for ideas.

    Following! I’ve been trying to find someone who can be a thought leader with my yard to make it toddler friendly.

  • Handyman to Build Compact Play Structure

    Nov 5, 2021
    2 replies

    Hello,

    Does anyone have recommendations for a handyman who can build a compact play structure in our backyard?  I have a design (small tower with a swing) in mind but am hoping to hire someone to build (no one in my family is at all handy).  I would really appreciate any recommendations if anyone has worked with anyone for this purpose in the past!

    Thanks, Claire

    I can't help with a handyman, but we installed this space saver swing set in our yard a few years ago. https://gorillaplaysets.com/five-star-ii-space-saver-swing-set/  As our yard is so tiny, we didn't use the slide (it didn't fit), and instead of a sandbox at the bottom, bought some extra cedar from the store to make a floor on the bottom, giving the kids two play areas. They put their tiny table and chair set on the bottom deck and play restaurant all the time.

    As this was our first project of this kind, it took my husband and I four weekends to assemble it by ourselves! I think the directions say 2-3 days, as you have to let the concrete around the pillars dry. It's super sturdy and even I can hang out in the upper club house with the kids. We also purchased some other things to hang off the swing hooks (like spinners) to change the fun.

    I have other friends that have the larger Gorilla sets, and all are high quality.

    We searched high and low and learned that most reputable people did not want to design and build a play structure due liability. As part of a larger landscaping job, some designers will incorporate a play scape and I have seen beautiful play structures. Unlicensed people were willing to build but not many would be able to design to ensure safety and structural integrity. Most handyman/landscapers are willing to assemble a kit that is sold commercially (e.g. Gorilla brand). What we ended up doing is to find a design from Pinterest (not just a picture but with measurements, blueprint, instructions on recommended materials) and build it ourselves with the help of a handy relative whom we flew in from out of state. Our friend worked with a handyman and used different parts of the commercial play structure in separate areas of the yard. Swing in one part and tower in another part and the slide on the sloped part. Climbing wall on the side of their shed.  What your mind’s eye can see cannot easily translate into a detailed instruction for the handyman. A detailed design is critical. (We learned it the hard way after 2 failed attempts that cost $$$ and kept producing results that were far from my vision.)

  • Playset for sloped yard

    Oct 6, 2020
    2 replies

    Hello,
     

    Does anyone have experience installing a play-set or swing set in a sloped yard? We want to install one in our sloped yard and are wondering if anyone had any experience doing this. Or do you have experience hiring someone you recommend to install and landscape?
     

    Thank you!

    We researched extensively to build a swing in our little sloped backyard. Most carpenters / builders were not willing to do a custom job. The kits you buy from Home Depot or others do not recommend building on a slope. We ended up leveling a part of our yard, put in sod, and then building a small frame which we are now using for 2 swings. We plan to use the frame for a bench swing when kids are older. For the other side of the yard near the retaining wall, we used the natural slope to install a slide. Due to budget and space issue, we were not able to put in a tree house, but I wish I could. We sacrificed some of the patio space where we could lounch for play space but we saved a little patio space for dining, and we are happy that kids can climb, swing and slide. There was no way our little backyard could accomodate any of the pre-fab kits. So, we broke each component down and used different corners of the yard for different parts. Many warned us that we were spending way too much money for just a few years of use as kids grow up fast. With the pandemic, we are very glad that we did this even if kids grow out all of this in a year or two.

    We just did one in our very sloped yard. Hugo Cano did it and it is terrific! I can pm you his contact and pictures of the yard

  • We have a modest backyard with very active little kids (preschool and kindergarten age). I could take them to the park but sometimes I just want to let them play in the backyard while I do laundry or dishes or enjoy a cup of coffee. Right now, they jupm on the bed, create obstable course with pillows and destroy the house every day! I would like to create an environment where they do that shenanigans in the backyard.

    We looked at the play sets at Home Depot, Costco, etc. These sets must be designed and marketed for people who have TX size backyards. Our yard is pretty decent size for this area but isn't big enough for any of the sets (even the ones that are marketed as "compact") that they sell at these outfits. The shape of the yard is such that I could chop up those sets in half and use just the play house / tree house / fort part on one end of the yard and build  2 posts for 1 swing on another part of the yard or install swings under the eaves.

    Basically, my kids are begging for some sort of climbing and swinging options in the yard. Our yard is too small for a trampoline. We could put a trampoline but won't be able to fit anything else and we do like to grill and eat outside. 

    Is this the kind of thing that I speak to a landscape designer about? Who do I talk to? Handyman? Carpenter? Is this the kind of thing that will cost several thousand dollars? 

    Maybe I'm dreaming the unattainable. We are not handy and have no idea how to even start researching options. 

    My dad built a compact play structure for my daughter (funnily enough, in a giant Texas backyard) for when she visits. He ordered a slide from amazon and bought and cut the wood to his own design spending less than $300 for everything. I just did a quick google and this is pretty much what he built her and it sits in a narrow space (the size of a driveway?) in our side yard. https://www.swingsetmall.com/discovery-fort-diy-kit/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-uzV…

    There would be room to add a swing to the side or a hammock underneath. He's planning on adding a climbing wall up the back side of it for her 3rd birthday.

    I think a handyman could build this pretty easily and there are plenty of DIY kits and instructions online. It should definitely cost you less than $600 even including labor.

    We went through this exact same struggle, as we have a small yard, that is deep, but very narrow. After dozens of hours of agonizing research and quotes, we discovered a few things.

    1. There are almost no options that are cheap, quality (will last, as well as are geared towards kids larger than 4 and wont immediately be outgrown), and compact. 

    2. You will either be spending $3k+ for a more compact or custom option, or doing a little customization to make it work yourself. I really loved the Jumbo and Jr from Terra Kids, but they run about $3-4k

    3. If you are willing to sacrifice swings, you can find a lot of much more compact options.

    4. The clearance guidelines they give (6' perimeter) are really pretty bonkers unless your kid is going to do parkour off the damn roof or something. We were able to cut that down to more like 3-4', and we tucked the brace of the swing nearly up against our side fence, as we didnt want anyone walking along that side anyway, and there is no fall potential. 

    I ended up purchasing The Gorilla Playsets Nantucket Model and cutting the swing arm down by about 28". As a result, it does not have the trapeze, but does still have two swing positions. I suppose you could also opt for one swing and the trapeze. Additionally, I had planned to have both the slide and ladder on the same side to further minimize the footprint, but ultimately decided against it once I had it in the space and realized I could sacrifice a bit more room. Overall I was very impressed by the quality of the wood and other materials. I assembled it pregnant, and nearly single handedly over the course of 2 days (there are a few pieces youll need help with due to size and weight) but I am very comfortable with power tools and following assembly diagrams. You will need a power drill, socket set, and hammer (no nails but helpful in driving the huge bolts through the larger lumber pieces) as well as a table or chop saw if you intend to cut down the swing arm (unless you are handy and patient with a hand saw) to assemble.

    This blogger used the same set as me, but with a different custom configuration. I originally planned to do the same, but discovered we only lost 8 additional inches by using my modification with the two swing positions, and she mentions that hers began to creak in a way they didnt like and they ultimately opted to brace it anyway.  

    I suggest that you look for play structures on Pinterest and then find someone to build something for you. I think you can buy a tiny trampoline that people use for exercise. Maybe they would like that. 

    We looked at this and talked to 2 contractors, since we are redoing our backyard anyways... They recommended against anything built in/ permanent, (which is the only thing we really had space for) since it wouldn't last for long in terms of the kids growing out of it, and would be bad for resale.

    Have you thought about using both the front yard and back yard? We have a couple neighbors that put trampolines, a swingset in the front yard...

    Also, there are many straight forward playthings easier put in a yard-- toddler basketball hoop or soccer net, plastic seesaw, a Bobo Clown punching bag. It encourages the kids to move and burn off energy in ways harder in the house, but is not permanent, expensive or as big. Maybe a kiddie pogo stick and hula hoop instead of a trampoline?

    Good luck!

    We have a pretty large backyard, but for obvious reasons, we wanted to limit the amount of space the structure would take up. We purchased a used structure from someone else that was made of redwood, and my husband (who is pretty handy and makes furniture) purchased extra redwood pieces to create a few extra support beams so that we could separate the swing area from the structure so now the swings are across from the slide/climbing area rather than being one long giant structure. I don't think you need a landscape designer. A handyman or carpenter should be able to separate a redwood structure for you (or you yourself, if you're handy enough). We also built our own area for the playground mulch, which is simple if you are using a square/rectangle shape.

    I would agree that you need to think about the future as well as today's needs. My kids are now 7 & 9; there was about a 5 year period when we were at the park and playground EVERY DAY and now honestly I have to drag them once a month - they just aren't interested in "baby stuff" and little play equipment anymore. We got a 10' trampoline 2 years ago (when they were 5 & 7) and, knock on wood, it's been great and nobody has been to the ER yet. I would recommend a trampoline (with netting, obviously) to anyone else with active kids, it is more than worthwhile and was about $300. There is a 200 pound weight limit so in essence, they will outgrow it (at least to play on together) in a few years. Even if it feels like you can't squeeze it in, think hard about how you will really use that yard space otherwise, and if the gain in time you get (by not having to schlep to a park) is worth it. Any other play structure type thing you install, they will outgrow in a year - emotionally if not physically, and then physically too.
     

  • Backyard Play Structure Installation

    Mar 13, 2017
    0 replies

    We are planning to buy a wooden play structure from Costco - they will deliver but not install. Any recommendations for someone who will come out and set it up (in Oakland)? It is all pre-cut and pre-sanded, but we are just not that handy. Ideally the installer could also put down mulch underneath - but we can find someone different for that if needed.

    No responses received.

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Questions


Build or buy tree house and play yard equipment?

June 2008

Any thoughts out there on whether it is more cost effective to build or buy a kids fort w/ attached play equip. i.e. tire swing, slide, or climbing structure? They have full service vendors, and then they have places you can order the equip, but hire your own carpenter or contractor. Has anyone done this recently. I'm not good at these decisions and have no idea of costs. I have a designated space in our yard, a visual idea of what we want for my 5 year old. She'd like to have something like a tree house or fort to make her own, w/ a tire swing and climbing rope. Can you also recommend a carpenter for me to talk to? Anxious to get started!


You may be shocked at what custum labor costs but, you are going to live with this right? So, if her nature is that she wants someplace to bang around and you think you will be getting rid of it soon anyway, go to Toys-R-Us and have her pick a plastic thing that you can pass on later. But if she is aesthetic, a dreamer, and you want something great like a ''folly'' in your garden? Hire someone to build it.


Big Backyard Play Structure?

Nov 2007

Has anyone bought one of the big backyard play structures - the really big ones, that have a couple of swings, a big slide, a raised fort, monkey bars, etc.? Where did you get yours? How did you choose? My mom wants to get one for her house for the kids to play on when they're there, and we're debating between a plastic one (e.g., from Little Tikes or Step 2) and a wooden one. What were they like in terms of assembly, upkeep and sturdiness? Thanks - Lisa


Yes I have! I got mine online at Costco (free delivery!) I bought it during a major backyard renovation and had a contractor install it, because it was VERY complicated. I just got it this past summer, though, so I can't tell you about long term wear and tear, but my kids love it! Jill


hello, we have the playstructure from costco and our kids, as do others love it. it is reasonable and durable and has what any kid would need to have fun. just beware, you or someone handy must be able to build it for you or your mother. our kids love it.


We have the costco play structure, and we've had it for 2 years now, and it has been great. I will say that one of the seats started to crack last year, and we called up the mfr, who replaced it (though they were a little slow). You should be aware of the area you need around the play structure to fit in the swings and climbing, and it is expensive to put the thing together, even if you do it yourself. My husband is very handy, and takes pride in doing these things, but it was challenging for him. A couple of the instructions were wrong, and you need to dig out around the structure and fill it w/ something like wood chips or 6'' of fill and grass to make it safe,and it should be level: a really good example of how NOT to do it is at the Hiller HIghlands country club, where the structure is not level, and the kids sail down the slide to land in a 4x4 foot box, which is not big enough (would be safer to have them just land in the grass). But it's a good structure, and has kept kids in our backyard entertained from about 2 yrs (it's a little big for them but they can still use it) up to about 8-9 yrs old. It did cost a bit to build the whole thing, and it's pretty much semi-permanent, so something to keep in mind. I can't remember exactly, but it seems to me he spent at least another $1000 to build it properly. And if you pay somebody else to do it for you, make sure you hire somebody to do it right. I've seen several of these things with shortcuts, and they don't look all that safe to me. Janet


Should I buy a play structure for our rental house?

May 2006

Hi, I was thinking of buying one of those large wooden play structures for my children to play on. However, we will be living in a rental for another year before buying a home. My question is how difficult would it be to assemble and then disassemble and move one of these structures? Is it worth it to go ahead and get one (which I really want to do) or better to wait until it has a permanent space? Thanks Lisa


Don't do it. My husband spent about 6 months putting one of those wooden structures into our backyard. It's a lot of work, and not inexpensive-you need gravel, concrete, wood chips or other shock-absorbing surfacing, wood to contain the surfacing, etc. You have to dig down about 6-12 inches, in a wide enough area to contain all the shock absorption. Also, the owner of the house might not appreciate or allow it. If, after being really clear about what it involves, you still want to do it, you need to speak to your landlord first. I can also assure you that you won't want to move the thing. You'll want to put a new structure in at your new house, and you'll want to leave this one behind. For now, spend the time that you'd spend on the structure by going to a playground. Save the money too. The expense of BUYING the structure was almost minimal compared to installing it properly. And unless you and your husband are really handy,you won't enjoy the process (or you'll need to hire help). my extremely handy husband discovered a number of errors in the instructions--which included a DVD with about 100 differnt parts.
janet


Where to get a wooden play structure?

April 2006

Can anyone suggest a good place to get a wooden backyard playstructure for kids? There seem to be a lot of options and I'm a little overwhelmed. Also, anyone have a good person to install and build the box that it will go in? Thanks so much! heidi


We got our play structure from Benches, Etc in Marin off the 101. They were very helpful and have a crew to assemble it for you. They may build a box for you as well but we just put ours on the grass. They are also opening a new store in Walnut Creek next month. swing set fan


Try Costco. Good luck


Backyard play structures -- worth it?

April 2004

my daughter is 6 years old and we finally have a backyard to fit a play structure. I was wondering though, how old do kids usually play on them until (tire swing, monkey bar, rings, play house on top of structure, climbing wall etc) it's so expensive and i'd hate to spend all that money for a year or 2. thanks. bb


My children used our backyard play structure (playhouse,sandbox, slide, swings, rope, trapeze) through about age 11. It was like adding an extra room to the house. With more than one child, it made it much easier to organize outdoor play and playmate visits, and keep track of kids of different ages. It was well worth the approximately $2000 investment. I have 2 boys and a girl, and I decided to get the play structure because my daughter (at about 4, the middle child) was constantly climbing on everything in the house and swinging from the bunk bed like it was a trapeze. Love those swings


One thing to consider is whether your kids would use the backyard very often. We had a nice backyard in our old house but my kids preferred going to a playground or playing in the front yard. They are very social -- they wanted to be around other people, neighbors, the neighbors' dogs, the mail carrier, the ice cream truck, etc. I loved the privacy of our back yard, but my kids couldn't care less about privacy, they wanted to be where there was more action. It really depends on the kids' personalities. Melinda


We paid big money 4 years ago for a structure that doesn't get used that much. My 10 year old has now outgrown it and my 5 year old plays on it only when friends come over. I would recommend getting a big trampoline instead! They're safer these days with netting and padding and from what I've heard and seen - kids love them and play on them through their teens. It's great exercise too! - Lisa


I had one as a kid-and I think it was definitly worth it for my parents. I had a older sister, and we played on it from about the time I was two and she was five till I was nine, but she stopped when she was ten or eleven. It created wonderful memories and fun. Laury


I would not spring for a backyard play structure unless you live in a neighborhood with no easily accessible, safe playground. We met many of our current friends through informal playground encounters in which we would end up talking to and ultimately befriending people with interests similar to ours and kids in the same age range. If we had put up a structure in our backyard we would not only have spent a lot of money that could have gone to other important entertainment/educational venues (science museum and zoo memberships, the occasional kid concert or play, sports or arts camps, etc.) -- we would have fewer friends! Of course, our son is an only child, so he also needed to get out to meet other kids, but even with more than one child, I think that our local playgrounds are invaluable. tight-wad mom


Play Structures

Jan 2002

I'm looking for a two swings and a slide play structure. I've seen similar in many Berkeley back yards, but don't know where to get one. The archives mention one place in Martinez, one place in San Mateo and one catalog. Is there any place local? Has anyone bought one lately? (Some of the recommendation are from 1996.) Karen


Toys R Us has a large selection of metal and wooden swing sets and will deliver and assemble for an extra charge. We went to a few of the play structure stores that sell just wooden sets and found that they were incredibly expensive and took weeks and weeks to order and deliver. We got a wooden set with swings and two slides at Toys R Us that our kids love. I think that Toys R Us doesn't sell the set year round; you might have to wait until the Spring. In case you haven't discovered this already, the store in Pinole is a much better shopping experience than the Emeryville store. Theresa


I did a lot of research on backyard playstructures last spring. I needed something wooden and compact to fit the backyard, with swings, slide, sand box, rock -climbing wall, etc. I visited Swings-n-Things in Danville, Rainbow systems in Martinez, ToysRUs (Concord store has a lot more stuctures than Emeryville) and finally liked best The Backyard Factory in Danville. They have an indoor showroom with all of the stuctures built and ready to try (bring the kids!) They will adjust a playset to meet your needs. Ron came out to see our backyard to make sure the playstructure would fit. They delivered and set ours up (extra charge of course). Very nice and professional. All the staff have young kids which was nice. They are not the cheapest (that would be Toys R Us) but not the most expensive either.

We got our playstucture last May and the kids (age 4 and 2) played on it everyday!! Even now they like to play on it while bundled up in coats!! Yes, it's expensive, but if you move, the playsture can move with you. After seeing ours, a girlfriend went and ordered one too. Any questions, e-mail or call me. Kathleen


Costco has a really nice one with a long slide and even a built-in picnic table under one side. I believe it's about $600, mostly wood with some plastic. Jennie


Can anyone recommend a play system/structure and phone number? I am interested in a ChildLife structure but cannot locate phone number. (I tried the ''800'' directory) Any other excellent company complete with phone number would do as well. Thank you.


Note from Myriam: Childlife's website is here: http://www.childlife.com/index.html Their phone number is:800/467-9464


I'm not sure if you're looking for those nice wooden ones, but we got ours (metal) at Sears at Hilltop Mall a few years ago. They have a variety (maybe even wooden ones too). The price was reasonable and my kids love it. June


To the folks asking about play structures (and anyone else looking for an alternative to Toys-R-Us), I'd like to recommend that you check out Talbot's Toyland. They are in San Mateo, but well worth the drive! They have the most amazing selection of play structures and toys for all ages -- I spent hours there, on my first trip, just taking it all in! And, for those of you who have kids into trains, they have an entire room devoted to trains. But, for me, the best part was the friendly, helpful, patient, and well-informed staff -- a true blessing, and NOT something that you'll get at TRU. Their number is (650)342-0126. Enjoy!

Leslie (July 1999)


As a reply to the parents interested in building a wooden play structure for their two year old, let me suggest going to the Rainbow Systems Play Structure showroom in Martinez. We actually bought one of their systems 5 years ago when our son was 2, and it is still in use by him and our 4 year old daughter and their friends. It has 2 swings, a slide, a tire swing, monkey bars, a rope ladder, a hanging bar, and a roofed platform that acts as a secret clubhouse all in a compact space. While the cost may be too high (and is was expensive even 5 years ago), you could get some good ideas just looking. (1996)


Play Structure Ground Cover


Nov 2005

Can anyone tell me the name of that cushy rubbery ground cover you see on newer playgounds to soften falls? Does anyone know where it's available? If it turns out to be too expensive, can anyone recommend a good alternative for covering dirt in a backyard (20 ft. x 20 ft. space) with a safe material that's safe for kids to play on? Thanks a bunch! Mom looking for playstructure ground cover


The rubber stuff is either pour rubber and it is very expensive. We have rubber bark. It is recycled rubber tires and comes in many colors. It does NOT get hot in the summer and it is soft to the barefoot. You can get more information about it and you can also purchase it at: Rainbow of The Bay Area - East and North Bay 280 Arthur Rd. Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 228-6015 rcmjrogers [at] comcast.net ask for Christina or Ron. They put in our playstructure and our ground cover. We get rave reviews from the kids and from parents too. Adina


March 2004

We could use recommendations on what to use to fill in a play area for our toddlers outdoor play structure. We need to add a cushioning material under the play structure and its slide. We cannot use sand because of the number of wild cats in our area (they would use a sand box as a litter box!). We will likely keep this play area a number of years and replace the toddler structure with larger play gear for older kids as ours grow up. Bark does not appeal to us either because it isn't very soft. Any ideas? Anon Mom with twins


This helpful web page from the ChildLife (play structure manufacturer) website tells all about the various materials you can use to cushion under your play structure: http://www.childlife.com/faq/surfacing.html. The page is basically copied from ''Playground Surfacing Materials'' Consumer Information pdf from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, which you can download. - Stacy


April 2003

Anyone have experience with various materials used to cover the ground around a swingset or fort? If you used woodchips, what kind did you use? Did you have a problem with bits of it sticking to kids clothes? thanks in advance for your recommendations, karlyn


There is a great material I've used professionally as a landscape architect called fibar. You can get information at www.fibar.com. It is a nice surface, similar to woodchips but sturdier and I don't believe splinters as much. I have no idea where you could get it around here but I bet if you called them they could tell you. Otherwise use wood chips or sand. People also sell cut up rubber tires -- but I've heard this can be a chocking hazard. I would make sure whatever you use that you get a good pile of it and maintain it regularly. I imagine you would want at least 4-6 inches of material. Personally, I would do a test fall, I'd rather be the one hurt than my child. anon


April 1999

Wanting to buy some backyard slides and stuff like that, I've been looking for ground covering materials that might make a backyard slide safer. I didn't find anything until we bought a very small slide that just so happened to contain much of the needed information. The information with the slide came from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and you can find out more about Playground Surfacing Materials at: The CPSC is at: http://www.cpsc.gov.

Possibly more relevant are their safety publications at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/pub_idx.html

The Playground Surfacing Materials brochure is good reading: they discuss rubber mats, sand, wood mulch, wood chips, bark chips. My take is that double shredded bark mulch is a good choice: relatively inexpensive at Home Depot (I priced something like that (but was it double shredded?) at $2.99 for 2 cubic feet), relatively attractive to look at, relative unattractive for cats and dogs. 9 inches of uncompressed bark protects for a fall up to 10 feet. 9 inches of compressed bark protects for a fall up to 7 feet. Now all that said, my particular problem is still present: I have a concrete backyard, and the CPSC says that this mulch should not be applied over existing hard surfaces (so maybe I'll just add more...?)


From: Wendy (12/98)

To the person wanting to make concrete safe: My son is allegic to dust mites, so we had to get rid of all our rugs. We put down a rug made from rubber 1-ft-by-1-ft squares -- the alphabet squares that you often see in catalogs and kids stores. You might want to check if they are sturdy enough for outdoor use.


Can Old Play Structure Be Saved?

March 2002

The house we moved into a year ago has an old homemade play structure that's in pretty bad shape. The main problem is that the wood is very weathered, split & cracked; the neighbor kids informed us when we moved in that it was all splintery and not good to play on. I don't know what kind of wood it is--certainly not redwood, probably whatever was cheapest 10-15 (20?) years ago. It looks like the whole thing could use a good sanding, which would be a big job. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of thing, or know someone who might be able to either refurbish it for us or look at it and tell us if it's worth trying to save? Our son wants to be climbing it, and I'd like to figure out soon whether to tear it down or try to fix it up. Any suggestions for people or approaches would be great. Thanks.


Saved? Depends.

''There is nothing in medicine more expensive or more futile than attempting to keep a corpse from stinking'' Some Greek dude, long dead himself.

The question reminds me of various techniques used for the temporary resuscitation of dead wooden rowboats. Yes, you can patch it up so it doesn't leak, much, but it's still a dead boat.

The tools are similar, and are commonly found in the Roofing section of Home Depot.

First, is the play structure sound enough to bother with. You, the adult, should stomp, swing, attack it with a pocket knife and otherwise give it a right good rogering to determine if it will collapse under similar ministrations by Junior. This is called Proof Testing, and is common in engineering practice. Rot is your enemy - checking, twisting, and splintering can be ignored for the time being.

If it survives the Parent Proof Test, and you do too, then it's time to preserve what you've got left. Hit the whole structure with some sort of primer - I like Firzite, you're looking for a thin, runny sort of stuff WITHOUT silicone in it. Next, give the whole thing 2 coats of aluminized roof paint. This will seal out the water and rot spores, and smooth out the rough bits.

Advanced repairs may involve wood butchery to replace rotted sections with new, and using roofing tar, roofing nails and flashing to seal any gaps, cracks, and plywood end grain that are notorious rot pockets. You, the Carpenter in Charge, need to constantly evaluate whether this structure is worthy of your attentions, given your wallet, the remaining years your kids will use the structure, your time, your level of risk tolerance, etc.

You could always cart the whole thing down to Adventure Playground....

''Been There, Done That, Still Standing''