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.
It will be less overwhelming if you set small, realistic goals for what you plan to accomplish each weekend. The progress being made and how the set will look when it's complete is easier to visualize this way. Enlisting the help of your kids, for safe, simple projects, is a good idea, if possible.
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.
The location you choose is important. It's also important to level the ground before assembling the set. When figuring the amount of space needed, be sure to include the breadth of the swing span, both ways, in your calculations. Staking the corners of the space and running string will help you determine if the ground is level.
To prepare the ground, you can add or remove any necessary dirt before laying down sand or pea gravel for maximum safety. You have to think about how much shade will be provided. Metal gets hot when it's exposed to hours of summer sun.
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.
It will be less overwhelming if you set small, realistic goals for what you plan to accomplish each weekend. The progress being made and how the set will look when it's complete is easier to visualize this way. Enlisting the help of your kids, for safe, simple projects, is a good idea, if possible.
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.
The location you choose is important. It's also important to level the ground before assembling the set. When figuring the amount of space needed, be sure to include the breadth of the swing span, both ways, in your calculations. Staking the corners of the space and running string will help you determine if the ground is level.
To prepare the ground, you can add or remove any necessary dirt before laying down sand or pea gravel for maximum safety. You have to think about how much shade will be provided. Metal gets hot when it's exposed to hours of summer sun.
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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