Please help with swingset advice

[Dr. J.]

Our rusty tetanus swingset needs a replacement. Our kids are 7 and 11, and we love the rainbow swingset line, we can't justify that kind of money. Does anyone have experience with play systems from Lowe's, BJs, Walmart or the home depot? TIA.

 

[zumbergc]

check craigslist for a gently used one.

My nighbors bought a more affordable one. I believe it was in the 500-800 range. I think they may have bought it when their girl was 2. Now she is 5, and well, they had to take most of it down. The only part that stayed was the fort section. The part that came out with the swings and monkey bars, was falling apart.
You need to see 4x4's as supports and not 2x4's. The one they bought had many 2x4's instead of 4x4's.

He build the new section to replace the old.
Also the swings in the kit they bought, had thin plastic tubing over the chains, instead of the chains that look like they are dippped in rubber/plastic material. Every time it rained, the ones with the tubes, would fill with water and promote rust. They poked holes in the bottom to help the water drain.

Just some things to look at when purchasing.

 

[Dr. J.]

Thanks. We have been checking craigslist, and the gently used ones are 2+ hours away and still over 3K. Thanks for the advice about the supports too!

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

We got one from Costco 3 years ago and aside from a little fading, it's still good as new.

 

[taylor3297]

We bought one of the wooden playsets from BJ's when my dd was 3 (she is now 7). We paid $900 for the whole set, then paid friends to put it together (DH and I are not handy in that department) After 2 years, even with good maintenence, the wood was rotting away, the plastic on the swing seats were cracking etc. So we put the set on craigslist for free. Of course had not trouble getting rid of it. We now have a great set from Creative Playthings (i think that is the name) We paid $2000 (included setup) and has a 15 year warranty. It still looks great.

 

[Ericandjenng]

We've got the one from Home Depot. It was the kit (now Disney themed) that you buy the 4x4's to go with it. I can't remember when we bought it. I know it was spring of 2008 or before. Other than needing to replace the tarp across the top of the fort, it's in great shape. Not only does our DS6 try and wear it out, alot of the neighborhood kids show up from time to time--of, course that's what helped the weather do in the tarp. We've discussed trying to add on to it just because it's been so great so far.

Would definitely BUY it AGAIN!!

Edited to add: Our Pest control guy helped out when we first bought it by spraying it really good to discourage wood eating pests from attacking it.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

My friend bought one with a 2x6 swing beam and 2x4 supports. The four year olds are getting the legs off the ground and the swing beam sways while they swing...

Look for 4x4 supports, a 4x6 swing beam (or two 2x6 beams screwed together), and a wood roof. I would also get a five foot deck height for older kids.

We have a Playstar system from Menards with the 5 foot deep scoop slide, plastic climbing wall, rock steps, vertical rock wall, telescope, steering wheel, three sets of commercial swing anchors that hold 700 pounds per pair (we can use any three of the following: three commercial swings (hold up to 350 pounds), a Little Tikes baby swing, or gym rings with trapeze bar). We modified the plan to substitute a deck with porch underneath instead of the included sandbox. Our slide and rock steps have been reinforced with bracing underneath to support more weight. We spent about $1,400 and it is a kit with directions where you buy treated lumber and cut it yourself. The directions were very easy to follow. We really like it and it should hold up really well. It is VERY sturdy and took us about two weekends to build it ourselves.

Beware that the twirly tube slides are designed so you can't see the bottom from the top, so you don't know if you are going to slide right into someone else. We didn't get one for that reason.

This year we added a two person glider made by Swing N Slide. That particular glider mounts above the swing beam (instead of below like the Playstar one), so it can share a space with the swing anchors so we can take down the glider and use a swing in that space instead depending upon what we want to use.

If you want pics, PM me your address and I can send them. It was cheaper than a Rainbow system and seems to be a great quality swingset that will last a lot of years and won't be easily outgrown since we went commercial grade on a lot of it (it added around $240 to get the commercial grade stuff instead of the standard things).

 

[labdogs42]

Ours is from BJ's and it is great. We have had it for three years now and it is stillin in great shape. We paid under $1000 for it, so it was a good price, IMO. I love the look of the Rainbows, too, but I just couldn't justify that price! Friends of mine have a cedar works set and they are really nice, too. But I think they might cost as much as a Rainbow.

 

[Dr. J.]

Thanks to all. MickeyMaker2003, i did pm my email and thanks. I am feverishly taking notes. Does anyone have experience with monkey or lifetime metal swingsets. I think I am going to roadtrip to a Costco or BJs and take a look at home depot too. It's nice to see things in person too.

 

[bonoriffic]

The 2010 Costco swingset is made by Rainbow and is $999. Online has other options. Menards has several build your own, pre-cut, or have them install options. They start at $299 for unstained options.

 

[mb_uh]

Gorilla makes good sets. We ordered one thru walmart for 1200 including shipping. DH and I put it together the wood is thick and has a good warrenty.

 

[Dr. J.]

Thanks!

 

[jjj444]

Toys r us has many to choose from. We have the Ridgeview I believe. $500 and is in good shape