Backyard Swing Sets & Playsets

2. Most of our backyard swing sets use powder-coated or vinyl-covered chains that won't tangle or pinch, along with wood that has been treated to be splinter-free. Safety chains apply to swing sets of all materials from wooden swing sets to metal swing sets.

3. Free-standing residential swing sets are sturdy and strong without being anchored to holes in the ground. Most of our wood swing sets fall into this category. It's nice to not have to worry about the extra effort it would take to dig holes and fill them with concrete. When assembling a wood swing set, or any swing set for that matter, just be sure to consider the amount of space required for the kids to be safe and fun. Ensure you set up the backyard swing set far enough away from fences, trees and other obstacles that kids won't hit them when they're on the swings or the clatter bridge.

4. Though residential swing sets look complicated to assemble, most of them can be put together in a single afternoon using common household tools. Our metal swing sets and plastic swing sets come with detailed instructions to make assembly as easy as it can be. Materials for wood swing sets are usually pre-cut, sanded and often pre-drilled so these sets are no harder to assemble than those of other materials.

5. The option that will require a bit of extra work is the swing set kit. These kits include the plans to build and some of the key components, but swing set kits generally do not include the lumber. But no worries - you'll have a materials list to take with you to the hardware store.

6. Made from a combination of solid wood, stainless steel hardware, and heavy-duty plastic, residential swing sets are designed to withstand years of energetic play and exposure to the elements. Your kids are out there to have fun, and you shouldn't have to worry about rickety pieces or rough edges. However, it doesn't hurt to periodically check your swing set for any loose joints and overall sturdiness.

7. When choosing a backyard swing set for your kids, there's a world of choices available when it comes to accessories. Swings are, of courses, standard on any swing set, and you can generally count on a slide or two. Other fun features to look for include climbing rock walls, climbing ropes, sandboxes and gliders. Some swing sets even feature picnic tables under a landing for a shady little retreat from all that activity.