| For first time parents choosing a swing set | | | | |
| or outdoor play equipment can be a daunting | | | | Pine- look for 100% chemical free lumber. |
| task. There are so many different materials | | | | Pine need to be treated annually to maintain |
| to choose from and prices can vary from | | | | its resistance to the elements. |
| around a hundred dollars up to a couple of | | | | |
| thousand for a larger solid timber unit. | | | | Metal- if you are going with a simple steel |
| Outdoor swing sets can be as simple as an | | | | swing set look for heavy duty galvanised |
| individual swing right up to a swing, slide, | | | | steel with a lifetime guarantee against rust. |
| ropes and bars along with sandpit, cubby or | | | | Metal swings are hard wearing but not as |
| fort.Before you make any firm decisions there | | | | visually appealing as their timber |
| are a couple of main considerations...1. | | | | counterparts.5. Hidden Extras- |
| Consult with your Kids- | | | | |
| | | | Delivery and Installation- check if the set |
| They will ultimately be using the equipment | | | | is delivered and installed by an installation |
| so it is important to purchase something that | | | | crew or left at your doorstep for you to set |
| suits their needs, now and in the future.2. | | | | up. |
| Your Yard- | | | | |
| | | | Warranty- does the company offer a lifetime |
| The size of your backyard may determine the | | | | warranty? Some outdoor sets (cedar and |
| type of playground equipment you choose. As | | | | redwood) are a once only purchase, whereas |
| well as the size of the unit itself, your | | | | others have a much shorter lifespan. If |
| play equipment needs safe a circulation area | | | | plastic units are left out in the elements |
| around it. For toddlers you may prefer a | | | | they will deteriorate much faster than if |
| smaller swing set that can moved between | | | | they can be stored out of the sun and rain |
| indoor and outdoors.3. Budget- | | | | when not in use. |
| | | | |
| Outdoor play equipment and swing sets are an | | | | Inspection- you can do plenty of browsing |
| investment in your kids, they will | | | | online but may prefer to inspect the set |
| potentially get many hours of enjoyment and | | | | first. By taking your kids to 'try before you |
| play. There is a vast difference in price and | | | | buy' you will feel much more comfortable with |
| durability for different materials, see below | | | | your purchase. For the complete version of |
| for pros and cons. Larger sets are generally | | | | this article go to Outdoor Play Equipment- |
| built to last and often require delivery and | | | | Making an Informed Choice |
| installation, so you may need to factor this | | | | |
| into your budget.4. Materials and Durability- | | | | Part II of our feature on swing sets and |
| | | | outdoor play equipment looks at playground |
| Plastic- These sets are generally only | | | | safety, a very important consideration for |
| suitable for toddlers, they are affordable | | | | parents. Playground accidents are one of the |
| and can often be swapped between indoors and | | | | leading causes for injury to children, so |
| outdoors. | | | | selecting the equipment that is age |
| | | | appropriate is all important. Read on...The |
| Cedar and Redwood- the preferred choice for | | | | place to go for all your games needs for 0-8 |
| long lasting playground equipment. These two | | | | year olds is Kids Fun and Games. Educational |
| woods are low-maintenance because they | | | | baby and toddler games, party games, crafts, |
| naturally resist rot and insects, and don't | | | | indoor and outdoor games, festivals and a new |
| require sealing. | | | | buyers guide for child toys and equipment. |