Home
>
Parenting
>
Swing Sets and Outdoor Play Equipment- 5 Essential Tips Before You Buy

Swing Sets and Outdoor Play Equipment- 5 Essential Tips Before You Buy

For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor play equipment can be a daunting task. There are so many different materials to choose from and prices can vary from around a hundred dollars up to a couple of thousand for a larger solid timber unit. Outdoor swing sets can be as simple as an individual swing right up to a swing, slide, ropes and bars along with sandpit, cubby or fort.

Before you make any firm decisions there are a couple of main considerations...

1. Consult with your Kids- They will ultimately be using the equipment so it is important to purchase something that suits their needs, now and in the future.

2. Your Yard- The size of your backyard may determine the type of playground equipment you choose. As well as the size of the unit itself, your play equipment needs safe a circulation area around it. For toddlers you may prefer a smaller swing set that can moved between indoor and outdoors.

3. Budget- Outdoor play equipment and swing sets are an investment in your kids, they will potentially get many hours of enjoyment and play. There is a vast difference in price and durability for different materials, see below for pros and cons. Larger sets are generally built to last and often require delivery and installation, so you may need to factor this into your budget.

4. Materials and Durability-
Plastic- These sets are generally only suitable for toddlers, they are affordable and can often be swapped between indoors and outdoors.
Cedar and Redwood- the preferred choice for long lasting playground equipment. These two woods are low-maintenance because they naturally resist rot and insects, and don't require sealing.
Pine- look for 100% chemical free lumber. Pine need to be treated annually to maintain its resistance to the elements.
Metal- if you are going with a simple steel swing set look for heavy duty galvanised steel with a lifetime guarantee against rust. Metal swings are hard wearing but not as visually appealing as their timber counterparts.

5. Hidden Extras-
Delivery and Installation- check if the set is delivered and installed by an installation crew or left at your doorstep for you to set up.
Warranty- does the company offer a lifetime warranty? Some outdoor sets (cedar and redwood) are a once only purchase, whereas others have a much shorter lifespan. If plastic units are left out in the elements they will deteriorate much faster than if they can be stored out of the sun and rain when not in use.
Inspection- you can do plenty of browsing online but may prefer to inspect the set first. By taking your kids to 'try before you buy' you will feel much more comfortable with your purchase.

For the complete version of this article go to outdoor play equipment- making an informed choice

Part II of our feature on swing sets and outdoor play equipment looks at playground safety, a very important consideration for parents. Playground accidents are one of the leading causes for injury to children, so selecting the equipment that is age appropriate is all important. outdoor play equipment- making an informed choice

The place to go for all your games needs for 0-8 year olds is outdoor play equipment- making an informed choice. Educational baby and toddler games, party games, crafts, indoor and outdoor games, festivals and a new buyers guide for child toys and equipment.

executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport car

In The News:

Getting virus alerts on your iPhone? Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to handle fake scam alerts and boost security.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says opening emails is safe, but risks arise from interacting with links, attachments or HTML content.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals four signs of compromised Social Security numbers and offers five steps to protect yourself.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how MAB Robotics' Honey Badger 4.0, a versatile robot, now walks underwater with amphibious skills.

An updated Android trojan called FakeCall hijacks bank calls. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Android phone manufacturers and Google need to step up their game on security.

The Massimo Modular E9 is a sleek, smart and comfy tiny home in 409 square feet. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson takes a closer look at what the future of housing might look like.

Every stock trader should consider a virtual private network to safeguard their trading, according to tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson.

Apple recently announced its new lineup of Macs and rolled out Apple Intelligence, its latest artificial intelligence-powered feature for its products.

A Swiss-engineered robot can climb ladders, showing why it's at the cutting edge of autonomous robotic solutions for harsh industrial settings.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson presents the cities targeted most by robocalls, why this is happening and what you can do about it to protect your privacy.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares tips and suggestions for how to get the best use out of the updated Calendar app available with the latest iOS update.

Your Social Security number, your unique identifier used for many purposes, has likely been leaked on the Dark Web; here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

Researchers have developed a new technology that creates strong, sticky fibers capable of lifting objects and capturing things from a distance.

Smart rings track the same things that smartwatches do, including steps, sleep and a general overview of your overall health, and they tend have more battery life than smartwatches.

Researchers have developed a robotic finger that can perform routine medical exams like those conducted by doctors, helping to address the growing shortage of trained professionals.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Insurance administrative services company Landmark Admin reported that a data breach from a May cyberattack affected over 800,000 people.

Sotheby's will auction the first artwork created by Ai-Da, the world's first robot artist created in 2019 by British gallerist Aidan Meller.

More than 250 million users of the Verizon Messages app will have to switch to another app. Verizon is shutting down Messages in the next month.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides a list of 10 celebrities who are the most targeted by deepfake scams, including Tom Hanks.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Vast's Haven-1, launching in 2025, transforms space living with human-centric design.

UnitedHealth confirms over 100 million Change Healthcare users had their data stolen. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals what happened and what caused the breach.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how iOS 18 brings new text formatting and animated effects to the Messages app.

Whether you're a social media veteran or novice, Facebook friend request scams are common. Kurt the CyberGuy provides tips to keep your account safe.

Swing Sets and Outdoor Play Equipment- 5 Essential Tips Before You Buy

Parenting