Outdoors playsets provide children of all ages with valuable physical, cognitive and social development. Selecting suitable playground equipment and conducting regular safety checks will ensure your backyard adventures last a lifetime!
Natural, chemical-free Pacific Cedar offers superior resistance against fungus, pests, splinters and warping than metal and plastic materials - and its beauty can even be revived with re-staining!
Safety First
Safety should always come first when building wooden outdoors playsets at home, such as making sure there is ample room in your yard and grounding it correctly. Furthermore, it's wise to check with local homeowners' associations or city ordinances in case there are restrictions regarding size or location of backyard playgrounds.
Weight limits for structures are another essential safety consideration. Wood may be sturdy, but even quality structures have their limits when it comes to supporting weight. A structure designed for less children than intended or overloading its components could deteriorate faster than necessary - be sure that all involved parties understand these restrictions so as to keep everyone safe!
The next step in safety involves sanding down or covering hardware and wooden beams to eliminate splinters that could injure small children. Common sources are exposed screws or nails - use a nail gun with closed-ended nails and cover any exposed screw heads with covers; seal wooden playsets with waterproof sealants to help reduce moisture and prevent mold.
Make sure to regularly inspect the structure for signs of damage or wear. While natural wood blemishes do not pose any security threats, any cracking, warping, bending, or twisting should be addressed immediately so as to preserve structural integrity and ensure its preservation.
Wooden outdoor playsets can be an ideal way to get children off of screens and enjoying fresh air instead. When properly maintained and inspected, these playsets can last for years - providing your family with great memories for years to come!
Materials
Playsets can be an expensive investment, and it is essential that they last. The materials your set is constructed with will have a dramatic impact on its durability; therefore, choosing wisely is of utmost importance. Wood, vinyl, metal and plastic are commonly used for playset construction - each has their own set of benefits and drawbacks; wood remains superior among them all.
Wood playsets tend to fare much better in weather conditions than their metal counterparts. Cedar is an especially good choice, as its natural resistance against rot, insects, and decay makes it extremely strong and durable in harsh environments such as Phoenix summer heatwaves.
When purchasing a wooden playset, make sure the manufacturer uses American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certified hardware to ensure pieces stay securely attached during playtime. Furthermore, opt for sets with recessed rather than exposed hardware as this poses less of a choking hazard for children.
Parents should choose durable materials and design features that suit their kids' abilities and interests. Visit public playgrounds to observe children at play; this will give parents an idea of which features are most popular with them and help create an outdoor play structure that will provide years of outdoor fun for all age groups.
Metal playsets are popular because they provide more options at a more reasonable cost point than wooden sets. While durable, they're susceptible to rusting and corrosion which poses potential safety hazards for children. Furthermore, metal sets aren't as sturdy so if opting for one be sure to reinforce each post and use concrete anchors on every one.
Consideration should also be given when purchasing a metal playset as it can become extremely hot in direct sunlight, which should prevent overheating and ensure children play safely while keeping themselves safe while playing on it. A shaded spot would be the best spot.
Design
Wooden playsets can be tailored to suit the unique requirements of any backyard space. Cedar is especially flexible and can be stained to match the overall feel of the backyard, plus being more environmentally-friendly than synthetic materials as it biodegrades much faster. When selecting or creating custom structures for children's enjoyment and safety, keep their needs top of mind - this will help ensure an enjoyable yet safe play experience!
If you're planning on creating your own outdoor playground, why not involve your kids in its design and construction? They could select accessories they find appealing or help with tasks such as driving lag bolts, hanging signs or painting? Doing this will give them pride of ownership of the finished product while offering them valuable learning experiences about tools, safety measures and how things operate.
Wooden outdoor playsets are also an excellent choice, as they're more resilient against the elements than metal sets. Rain, snow, and sun can cause metal sets to warp or rust over time while wood remains cool to touch while not warping or rusting easily.
As part of selecting features for an outdoor playground, it can also be helpful to visit some public playgrounds to observe what kind of attractions children like best. This will enable parents to make more informed decisions regarding which equipment should be included in their own backyards and upgradeable playsets that can grow with children over time.
Once a wood playset is in place and anchored securely to the ground, it's essential to add a protective surface material around it. Rubber mulch provides shock absorption and cushioning during falls; other options could be engineered wood fiber, rubber tiles or poured rubber tiles, grass, or artificial turf - please avoid using sand or gravel as these can present potential choking hazards and make cleanup much more challenging!
Installation
A backyard playset can be an excellent way to encourage children to get outside and away from screens, giving them fresh air while having some fun - which in turn makes them happier and healthier! Before purchasing one however, several key considerations must be addressed such as material type, color preferences, maintenance options and installation issues.
Wooden outdoor playsets come in various forms and materials ranging from cedar to pine. Though not as visually attractive as plastic sets, wooden outdoors playsets tend to be more eco-friendly while remaining sturdy enough for kids of various ages and can even be personalized through additional attachments and accessories for an enhanced playing experience.
Wooden playsets also make it easier to detect potential hazards like splinters before children use it, an important consideration given that these injuries can be painful and life-threatening if fallen from heights. Most modern wooden playsets feature cedar wood construction which reduces splinter risk for greater safety of young users.
Before installing a playset, it's essential that the appropriate location be selected. Make sure it's at least six feet from buildings, fences and obstacles, not under powerlines or near overhanging branches or trees, with direct line of sight from your house so adults can observe children while they play.
No matter which playset you select, it is crucial that it is securely fastened to the ground. This ensures it won't be moved by strong winds and helps prevent injuries if hit by cars. Once your playset is securely in place, cover it with shock-absorbing mulch or wood chips to provide added safety against children falling from heights.