Designing a Swing Set

Many children enjoy going to the park, sliding down the slide, swinging on the swings, and playing in the sandbox. However, the park can often be far away from your house or may be too busy with other people for your family to enjoy it. Instead, bring the park to your own backyard by building a customized swing set! Your child will adore their parent’s new handyman skills, and building a swing set can be a positive experience for both you and your child.

The size and shape of your swing set can range from a simple swing and slide to a complicated structure reminiscent of the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse at Disneyland. Your swing set should fit you and your family’s wants and needs, and before you begin designing your dream swing set, there are a few tips and precautions to consider.

Plan your swing set.

Planning is vital in building a swing set. Like any do-it-yourself project, building a swing set requires tough decisions and commitment. Design a swing set that your child will use, and also consider how many children will be using it at a time to determine the size. Think of the age range of who will be using the swing set, but remember that children grow and that swing sets last for years. If your child is only a toddler now, perhaps it would be better to build them at swing set that they’ll enjoy more as they get older rather than one tailored to a toddler’s size (which they’ll tire of fairly quickly).

When determining the design of your swing set, consider the personality of the child. They may be more physical and high-energy, or they could be more imaginative and creative. Swing sets can be customized with multiple add-ons, including slides, monkey bars, tunnel slides, tree houses, rock walls, rope ladders, and many other accessories. Choose the design that will best fit your child’s personality.

Research what fits.

Research is also important before building your dream swing set. Check with your local municipalities and local government authorities to verify if you need a building permit for your swing set. These requirements may change depending on the size and type of your project. Permits may cost money, so be sure to include those fees in your project budget.

A well-planned budget is necessary while building a swing set. Depending on how many add-ons you include in the structure, the cost of your swing set can vary greatly. Be sure to know your financial limits and to plan ahead to reduce unwanted costs.

It is also important to know your own abilities and those of your helpers when it comes to constructing a swing set. Ask a neighbor, friend, or expert to assist you, as some tasks can be difficult or may require an extra set of hands. Inquire after opinions and for constructive criticism from friends to help improve the design of your swing set by getting another’s perspective.

Be flexible.

As you design your swing set, there will be multiple options available. While it is important to know your goals, remember to keep your options open for change. Consider all benefits and downfalls to each addition or type of accessory, and never be afraid to change your plan if the need or desire arises.

Remember, this swing set is intended to bring joy to your family for years to come, so you want to build it to the best of your ability. If that means changing the fire pole to a slide halfway through the project, then so be it- whatever changes takes for you to build the best swing set possible for your family.

Find the best lumber.

Building a swing set can be a rewarding and exciting experience for you and your family. In order to build your dream swing set, it is important for you to have the best tools and materials available. J.Gibson McIlvain Company, one of the nation’s oldest and most reputable lumber dealers, is a valuable resource for all your lumber needs, whether you’re building a swing set or a new home. For more information on all that McIlvain Company has to offer, visit them online today.