"We couldn't be more pleased with our decision to purchase a Play Mor product. The crew that set up the swing set was professional, polite, and efficient. We would recommend this product to anyone looking to purchase a quality outdoor playset."
—Richard & Cynthia Harvey, Fort Wayne, IN
10 Tips for Choosing a Backyard Play Set
Have you ever tried to research outdoor swingsets, comparing all the prices, designs, and options on the market? A single search in Google reveals dozens of different brands, styles, and types of outdoor swing sets. If you search long enough, you might think there’s no end to the huge variety of playsets you could choose from.
With all these choices, it can be quite overwhelming to decide which playset is right for you.
At Play Mor Swing Sets, we have been building children’s outdoor playsets for 15 years, so we have a pretty good idea of what’s good and what isn’t so good. Here are 10 foundational points that can help you “swing out” and purchase that outdoor play equipment for your children.
Structural Strength
It’s important that your playset will hang together under the daily rigor of energetic kids. Both the type of material used and the actual design in the structure of the set is important to ensure that it will stand the test of time. Southern Yellow Pine, for example, has superior structural strength and a lasting exterior surface, which makes it an excellent choice for a sturdy, durable play set.
Value for Money
Really, who wants to pay extra for nothing? Do your homework and make sure you compare apples to apples. At some places, you can get a bigger playset with more options for the same money. Compare the major name brands and give extra attention to the options and the size of the playset you’re quoting.
A Scalable Design
Today there are more options available for outdoor playsets than ever before. Consider the ages and number of your children for starters. If you want more space later, pick a modular, option-friendly design, which lets you add more attachments and options as your family grows.
Attention to the Details
Little details, such as rounded corners and smooth surfaces, all contribute to a higher value. Your children’s little hands and arms are tender and can easily get slivers or skinned up playing around sharp corners and rough surfaces. Try to find a playset built out of lumber that has been milled to a smooth surface free of sharp corners.
Unique Design
With so many styles and options available, you no longer have to go with the flow and buy a cookie cutter outdoor playset. Step out and try something unique.
Delivery and Easy Installation
If you choose to purchase a wooden swing set kit and assemble it yourself, you might want to get a price for having it delivered to your yard rather than hauling it home yourself. Ask about the difficulty level of assembling your set and make sure there are clear plans included. If you don’t want to set it up yourself, you can choose a company with trained installers who can deliver your backyard playset and install it professionally. Professional installers can often get your set up in a hurry, and you will have peace of mind knowing that it was set up right and you won’t need to work it into your own schedule.
Ready Changeability
Do you want a playset that can change colors? It’s easy to freshen up and change the color of a wooden swingset by giving it a fresh coat of paint or stain.
Renewable Resource
Think about the resources your outdoor playset will use? Are these materials renewable? Consider Southern Yellow Pine, which has a harvest cycle of only 25–40 years. Harvesters ensure future resources by planting thousands of acres each year as they harvest. This would be a good choice for a wooden swingset.
Guarantee
Choose a swingset brand that offers a warranty against defects and also rotting or fungal decay if you go with a wood swingset.
Lasting Memories
Memories made with your children are priceless. Interacting with your children on an outdoor playset in the backyard is bound to create precious, fun-filled memories. Now is the time to seize those short-lived opportunities with your children. Soon it will be too late.