The days of the old metal swing set that came complete with a couple of swings and a glider on the side is pretty much a thing of the past. Playsets today are more like complete playgrounds requiring a degree in engineering to put together. Parents who have survived a playset assembly have some tips for those new to the process.
The first thing you have to do is set realistic expectations. Assembling playsets that include slides, multiple swings, balancing beams, climbing ropes, and enclosed forts are not afternoon projects. Even though your kids will find it difficult to wait, you have to make them understand it could be weeks before the set is ready for a test run.
In addition, it helps the whole family to set weekly goals for what you intend to accomplish. It's easier for everybody to check the progress being made that way. Involve your kids if at all possible. Giving them simple, and safe, tasks will make them feel part of the team.
If you know some adults who are handy with tools, or have past experience erecting playsets, this is a great time to invite them over. If you can enlist them to work Saturday and Sunday with the promise of barbecue and beer when the project is done, it will be worth whatever it costs. When this solution is out of the question, you might go as far as you can with the project and hire a professional to come in and finish it up.
Spend some time selecting your location. Don't start until the ground is completely level. Don't forget to keep in mind how far the seats will swing out, back and forth, when you're determining the space requirements. A good plan is to put stakes at the four corners and run string between them. The string should be completely level when you finish.
You may have to add or remove dirt to level the ground before adding sand or pea gravel to maximize safety. Factor in the amount of shade the playset will get each day. Metal parts can burn tiny hands and feet during the heat of the day.
Tell the delivery company where you want the cartons placed. If the drivers don't know where to take your delivery it might be sitting in the middle of the drive or by the street when you get home. It's a lot easier to have them unload in the backyard than hauling heavy lumber and parts on your own. You need to have tarps ready to cover the cartons until you need the parts in them. If you don't, rain might smear the identifying information, making assembly that much more difficult.
If the manufacturer hasn't already labeled the individual parts, you should do that yourself before starting. If you're in the construction business, you know about this part. All the pieces should be organized in the order you need them, including the lumber. This speeds up the process. It also helps to determine if there are parts missing. You also need make sure all the tools you'll need are handy before you get started.
The first thing you have to do is set realistic expectations. Assembling playsets that include slides, multiple swings, balancing beams, climbing ropes, and enclosed forts are not afternoon projects. Even though your kids will find it difficult to wait, you have to make them understand it could be weeks before the set is ready for a test run.
In addition, it helps the whole family to set weekly goals for what you intend to accomplish. It's easier for everybody to check the progress being made that way. Involve your kids if at all possible. Giving them simple, and safe, tasks will make them feel part of the team.
If you know some adults who are handy with tools, or have past experience erecting playsets, this is a great time to invite them over. If you can enlist them to work Saturday and Sunday with the promise of barbecue and beer when the project is done, it will be worth whatever it costs. When this solution is out of the question, you might go as far as you can with the project and hire a professional to come in and finish it up.
Spend some time selecting your location. Don't start until the ground is completely level. Don't forget to keep in mind how far the seats will swing out, back and forth, when you're determining the space requirements. A good plan is to put stakes at the four corners and run string between them. The string should be completely level when you finish.
You may have to add or remove dirt to level the ground before adding sand or pea gravel to maximize safety. Factor in the amount of shade the playset will get each day. Metal parts can burn tiny hands and feet during the heat of the day.
Tell the delivery company where you want the cartons placed. If the drivers don't know where to take your delivery it might be sitting in the middle of the drive or by the street when you get home. It's a lot easier to have them unload in the backyard than hauling heavy lumber and parts on your own. You need to have tarps ready to cover the cartons until you need the parts in them. If you don't, rain might smear the identifying information, making assembly that much more difficult.
If the manufacturer hasn't already labeled the individual parts, you should do that yourself before starting. If you're in the construction business, you know about this part. All the pieces should be organized in the order you need them, including the lumber. This speeds up the process. It also helps to determine if there are parts missing. You also need make sure all the tools you'll need are handy before you get started.
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