The Ultimate Buyer's Guide For A Playset

This is the ultimate buyer's guide for a playset, designed to guide you through:

Key Features To Consider When Buying A Playset
Comparing Materials: Which Is Best For Your Playset?
Safety Standards And Certifications For Playsets
Tips For Choosing The Right Playset For Your Space And Budget

Key Features To Consider When Buying A Playset

We started with the question, "How do you choose?" and to answer that, we first need to know what the key features are to consider when buying a playset.

User Capacity: Take into account the number of children who will be using your playset simultaneously.
Age Appropriateness : Knowing the age range of the children who usually play on your playground will help you decide what type of playset to buy.
Preschoolers (2–5 years old) : Playsets that encourage this age group's imagination are important, so thematic playsets are appropriate for these children.
School-Aged Children (5–12 years old) : Play systems that incorporate physically challenging play are more appealing to children in this age group.
Durability and Material Quality: Durability involves the material quality of which the equipment is made. Modern playground equipment is usually made up of wood, metal, and/or plastic. Any of these durable materials used in making playground equipment can guarantee you long-lasting playground equipment, provided they’re made with competence.
Available Space and Budget: The availability of space and budget have a significant impact on the design of the playset. The playset you prefer may be larger to accommodate more children and offer a variety of activities, but it would require more space and cost more.
Design and Layout: Playsets come in all shapes and sizes. You can customize your design based on the activities you want your children to be able to engage in.
Handicap-accessible : Consider adding handicap-accessible features like ground-level components and ramps. Making your playground compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act means everybody gets to play. This promotes a positive environment and teaches children how to interact and socialize with people with disabilities.
Safety Standards and Certifications: Everyone's number one priority is safety. Fortunately, in modern times, it is easier to determine whether a playset is safe; just ensure that the manufacturer adheres to the safety standards and certifications required for safe play. More information on this can be found further down in the article.

Warranty: A product warranty is an accurate indicator of the manufacturer's confidence in the product's performance and durability. Make sure to contact the manufacturer for more information.

Comparing Materials: Which Is Best For Your Playset?

Found the features best suited for your playground? Let’s compare the materials commonly used in outdoor playsets.

Wood: Cheaper and sturdy, but requires frequent maintenance. Typically made of cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine, they are resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation.

Metal: The most durable material used in playsets; metal amenities cost more than wood but require less maintenance. Galvanized metal and stainless steel are highly resistant to corrosion, especially when powder-coated.

Plastic: Some playsets are made of plastic, but to meet safety and quality standards, they must be high-quality plastic, such as HDPE, Polyethylene, or Polypropylene. These materials are resistant to corrosion, cracking, splintering, and deformation.

Nowadays, many playsets use a variety of materials, which are typically mixed together to improve the product's durability and functionality. To ease your mind, check to see if the manufacturer adhered to industry standards. More information on industry standards is available further down in the article.

Tips For Choosing The Right Playset For Your Space And Budget

Now that we've compared the materials, we need to consider your space and budget. We don't want anything too big or too expensive for your space.

Space: Here are tips for choosing your space and preparing it.

Measure the size of your play area. Having a measurement of your area will help you in choosing which commercial playsets will fit, as dimensions of use zones are usually indicated when picking them out in catalogs.
Ensure that your space is free of tripping hazards, overhead power lines, and branches. Other hazards include retention ponds and busy roads.
Consider the presence of soil, drainage, and underground utilities as you build on top of them, which may cause problems in the future.
If possible, place your playset near amenities such as public restrooms.

Budget: Be aware that when buying a playset, there are other factors to consider:

Playground Playset: This includes the size of the playset and all of its add-ons.
Surfacing: The CPSC has mandated that safety surfacing be included to protect children from falls and other playground-related injuries.
Installation costs may be reduced if you have experienced volunteers, but for safety and peace of mind, you may choose full installation by veteran playground installers or have your volunteers guided and coordinated by an installation supervisor who can ensure that your playsets follow proper installation procedures.
Landscaping: This includes the landscaping required to level the play area, check underground utilities, remove any potential tripping hazards, and install playground borders to keep your playground surfacing in place. Furthermore, it improves the playground's appearance!
Delivery: The cost of your new equipment does not include shipping. However, employees are well-versed in locating the most cost-effective freight and delivery options. Services for unloading equipment are available at an additional cost.

The budget may be one of the most limiting factors in reaching your dream play set, but don't worry, we've got you covered there as well. Here are our guides:

And for more resources, check out our Playground Project Calculators to help you calculate your budget.

I didn’t leave you hanging there, didn’t I? Now onto the next section!

Safety Standards And Certifications For Playsets

Outdoor playgrounds are not always fun and games. Every year, more than 200,000 children visit the emergency room due to playground-related injuries. So to give you peace of mind and your children the utmost guarantee of safety, always check if the manufacturer of your playset is certified by:

The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA)
Provides a product certification program that validates a participant's product(s) in accordance with specific ASTM standards.
American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM International)
Established in 1898, it is a global leader in developing standards that improve safety, quality, and performance in a variety of industries. ASTM standards ensure that playground equipment meets stringent safety and durability criteria, protecting children while also providing parents and guardians with peace of mind.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
A federal agency dedicated to protecting the public from the risks of injury and death associated with the use of consumer products. The CPSC is tasked with establishing playground guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of our children while they play on the playground.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You're now equipped with all the knowledge you need to choose the perfect playset for your children. By understanding the key features, comparing materials, considering your space and budget, and prioritizing safety standards, you're well-prepared to make an informed decision. A well-chosen playset can transform your backyard into a haven of fun and development for your children, encouraging them to stay active, engage in imaginative play, and develop crucial physical and social skills.

If you’re ready to bring this vision to life, don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated and knowledgeable team. We're here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that your playset meets all your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Take a look at our success stories to see how we've helped other communities create the perfect outdoor playground. Call us today and let’s make your dream playset a reality!