Here are 4 things to consider when looking for a swing set for your family that will prove to be a great investment for years to come!

How Long Should Your Swing Set Last? 

With such a wide range of swing-sets to choose from, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. You can buy outdoor playsets from mass merchants from $600 to $1500 or from specialty retailers from $2,300 and up. While the mass merchants’ swing-sets offer many play features, they are designed to only last a couple of seasons.  

If you are looking for a playset to last for several years to over a decade, then you will want to choose a premium manufacturers’ residential playset. They use better quality wood, thicker dimensional lumbar, better bolt construction, and stronger accessories i.e. slides, belt swings. Galaxy offers Woodplay, which is the largest premium manufacturer of residential playsets that will last a lifetime. 

How Old Are Your Kids?

Premium residential playsets come in different heights. The most common heights are 5 ft, 6 ft, and 7 ft. deck heights. Taller deck heights will have a taller swing-beam. As a result, the slides will be longer and faster, the swings will be stronger, and the climber features will be more adventurous. The most popular deck height is 5ft. It’s a good size for kids who are younger (1 to 2 years old) because they will be able to grow into that deck height and as they get older. However, if you have school-aged children or know that you will want to use the same swing-set as the kids get older (8 years or more), the 6 ft or 7 ft deck height will provide them with years of fun and adventure.

Are Your Kids Imaginative or Adventurous? 

Most swing-sets come in 2 designs – square base and triangular base. Square base sets feature a picnic bench or sandbox. Triangular base sets offer a tire-swing. Children seeking imaginative play usually like square base sets, and children liking physical activity usually prefer triangular swing-sets. Triangular swing-sets offer more play features upfront including rope ladder, dedicate accessory arm with trapeze, tire swing, several way to climb up to the deck and larger deck area. Square sets are more compact in terms of size, and can have more customizable add-on options.

There are many add-on options you can choose from when you buy. The most popular accessories are baby bucket swings, glider swings and wood roofs. These accessories are usually added at the time of purchase. Other add-on options include monkey bars, lofts and spiral slides. 

With the right playset in your own backyard, you can keep the kids busy without leaving the house! With these useful tips in mind, we can help you find a swing-set match made in backyard heaven.