Outdoor Play Equipment

Children's Outdoor Play Equipment

Buyers Guide- Make an Informed Choice

Choosing children's outdoor play equipment can be a daunting task for parents. There are many different materials to choose from and prices vary all the way from a couple of hundred dollars up to a couple of thousand for a decent sized solid timber unit.

Children's outdoor play equipment comes in a wide variety of shapes, materials and sizes.

Outdoor playsets can include anything from a swing, slide, ropes and bars right up to those that include their own sandpit, cubby or fort. Depending on the age of your child you may go for a ready to assemble plastic set or opt for a larger timber unit which will grow as your kids do.

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

Are you in the market for Toddler Outdoor Play Equipment?

Consult with your Children
They will be using the equipment so it is important to purchase something that suits their needs, now and in the future. You can browse online or visit retail premises where your kids can decide which features are the most important to them. Many outdoor sets can be customised and added to as your children grow up. Ideally you want to select equipment that can accommodate them as they progress from toddlers right through to teenagers.

Size and Slope of your Yard
The size and slope of your backyard may influence the type of playground equipment you choose. As well as a circulation area around your play equipment, it needs to be adequately drained, and have a safe cushioning material for any falls. Before purchasing, mark out the area that your play equipment will take up in your backyard to help determine whether it is the 'right fit' for the size of your yard.

Budget
All of the wishes of your kids may come back to the depth of your wallet. Outdoor play equipment is built to last and requires delivery and installation. It is an investment in your kids, obviously they will get countless hours of imaginative play and play equipment is always a bonus for families purchasing your property in the future. When working out your budget you will need to consider the following...
Materials- metal, plastic or timber (see below)
Delivery and installation- to keep costs down you may want to purchase a ready to assemble kit which will require some degree of basic wood working skill on your part
Safety- different play sets will have different safety features
Features- are you covering the basic features that your kids are looking for. If not, can the set be added to at a later stage?

Materials and Durability
Obviously there is a vast difference in price and durability for different materials. Use our checklist to better inform yourself of the pros and cons of the materials you might be considering.

Plastic- there are many toddler outdoor play sets available in sturdy plastic finishes. They need to be assembled at home and can come with swing, slide, and various features that will entertain toddlers. They can be bought in bright colours or finishes that appears like woodgrain. These sets are generally only suitable for toddlers and will be outgrown by the time your child is 4-5 years old.

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. They are more expensive but will add value to your home because of their durability.

Pine- look for 100% chemical free lumber.The chemicals used in pressure treated pine can be dangerous to your children's health. Pressure-treated sets, in pine, fir, or spruce, are significantly less expensive than cedar and redwood but must be treated annually to maintain their resistance to the elements.

Hardware- in timber play equipment look for nuts and bolts that are secured flush with the wood, nuts and bolts that protrude can be hazardous for children.

Metal- if you are going with a simple steel swing set look for heavy duty galvanised steel with a lifetime guarantee against rust. Any metal that starts to rust will be more likely to fail.

Features and Related Safety Issues
When selecting outdoor play equipment you may want to include every feature available but unfortunately we do not all have the budget for this. Keep in mind the age of your children and that their safety should be uppermost in your selection. Some features; forts and climbing ropes, are better suited to older kids and can be added in years to come.

See Playground Safety for more handy tips.

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 deal with.

Warranty- does the company offer a lifetime warranty? Some outdoor play sets (cedar and redwood) are a once only purchase, whereas others have a much shorter lifespan.

Inspection- you can do plenty of browsing online but may prefer to inspect the set first. It is often hard to judge the size and stability of a toy store unit by looking at a photograph from a catalogue. By taking your kids to 'try before you buy' you will feel much more comfortable with your purchase. Larger timber sets can be several thousand dollars so you want to be absolutely happy with your decision.

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Toddler Play Equipment . Swing Sets . Trampolines . Sandboxes