101 Shopping Tips For Buying A Swing Set
By Kid's Creations Redwood Swing Set Manufacturer
Alright, you're looking for the perfect swing set. You've measured the backyard, cruised through a few websites to get a general idea of what you want.
Before you start requesting catalogs and asking for prices here's the big tip list to make sure you know what to look for, what questions to ask and how to chose what play set is right for your family!
1. Metal swing sets - They'll last the longest and are ideal for parks, school and churches. Though home owners do buy them there are some cons to the purchase. You can't add on to them like wood swing sets, they're cemented into a foundation for stability, not ideal for a temporary play set once the kids get older and don't use it anymore you're stuck with it.
2. Wooden swing sets - Great for backyards, but not all wood is created equal. Look at the warranty. Wood sets warranties range from 1 year to Lifetime. Never buy a pine or “white wood” set.
3. Plastic swing sets - These are very basic and will only last a few years at most. Though they can go outside they're mainly built for indoor use. Warranties are very limited.
4. Look for rounded edges on wood swing sets, you don't want hard flat edges that will scrape or splinter over time.
5. Recessed hardware is a must! Clothing that'll get snagged on bolts that stick out are a safety hazard. Over time bolts will corrode and you don't want your set to be a tetanus liability. Look for swing sets that recess their bolts into the lumber so snagging is a non issue.
6. Metal brackets and attachments. They look great and add strength and stability but, even with all that paint, over time they will corrode and bend. Some swing set manufacturers attach their decks, swing beams, swing beam A-frames into metal brackets solely. These can rust out and compromise the structure after a few years. Look for sturdy wood to wood attachments that won't rust.
7. Safety handles are a must, make sure ladders, rockwalls and any entrance to the swing set have them.
8. Stains and finishes - Almost all swing sets come with a stain
or finish. Call and ask the manufacturer if the set comes pre-stained.
Otherwise you are on the hook for doing it, and the last thing you
want to do is stain the set after you've already put it together.
9. Deck planking - 2" x 6" deck planking is a must, most box kits use 1" x 6" which can break over time as your kids grow. 2" x 6" will support adult weights and can handle the jumping and playing over time.
10. Plastic covered chains - Not all are the same though, make sure the links are coated so little fingers can't get in between and pinched. Thicker is stronger and will last longer.
11.Deck & Tower supports - Make sure that the 4" x 4" tower supports are really 4" x 4". We've seen
some 3½" passed off as 4" in stores so be wary when manufacturers have cut corners.
12. Swing beams should be a minimum of 4" x 6" most
manufacturers allow you to upgrade to an even thicker swing beam,
so don't hesitate to call and ask.
13. Railings should be 2" x 4" for strength, make sure they are spaced no more than 3" apart so little heads don't get stuck.
14. Ladders should be flat stepped and toddler friendly, make sure the gaps between steps are more than 10" inches apart to prevent entrapment hazards.
15. Slides should be strong, look for slides with extra support. Some manufacturers will run a beam of wood down the length of a slide or custom build their own more solid slides. Look out for all plastic slides that are hollowed and offer little support.
16. Roof and Vinyl Canopies - Make sure wood roofing is standard or optional with your swing set, these last longer and keep moisture off the decking. Vinyl should be 12oz and commercial grade.
17. Redwood is a very durable wood for making swing sets, with the added bonus of a stain finish your set will be protected from the elements and should last for years of fun.
18. Sapwood grades of lumber including Redwood, Cedar, Fir & Pine all need to be stained in order to handle bugs, rot & weather.
19. Imported (made in China) swing sets use Chinese Fir. These models are generally the Box Kits that are under $1000 found at your big box stores. China has literally destroyed the natural green buffer zones between their big cities and the deserts. Here is the some of the effects that deforestation in China has caused.
20. Support the U.S.A., buy swing sets manufactured in America!
21. Make sure your swing set manufacturer uses lumber harvested following "Sustainable Forestry" guidelines. This ensures that forests are replanted and are not over harvested.
22. Unless you are Bob Vila stay away from Do It Yourself / Build Your Own kits where you buy your own lumber.
"We purchased a 3-Ring Adventure Playset in 2005 for our new home in Clear Lake City, Texas. Just wanted to let you know that our playset survived hurricane Ike!...
What a great product -- one that we've been very pleased with... "
Thanks,
Brady |
23. Always ask for testimonials
24. If the manufacturer doesn't have testimonials on their website....run!
25. Most dealers or manufacturers keep a list of buyers that are willing to show off their sets to prospective buyers, take them up on the offer and get first hand testimony of the product.
26. If a dealer doesn't have your particular model in stock to view, ask if they've sold one in the area and take a Sunday drive and go check it out.
27. If you are sold on a particular manufacturer, ask if you can see a model that is 3-4 years old so you can see first hand how it looks after a fair amount of play and weathering.
28. Look for any consumer reports about the product, brand and manufacturer.
29. Do a Google/Yahoo/MSN "Web" search for the company's name and look for consumer complaints or product defects.
30. Do a Google/Yahoo/MSN "News" search and look for government/manufacturer recalls for the manufacturer you are researching. If you find any mass recalls then you know corners are being cut and safety is compromised for profit. Most of the time it's inferior swing clips and hangers so be careful. Don't be the Parent or Grandparent that broke a child's back because you wanted to save a few hundred bucks on a swing set!
31. Search Youtube for keywords related to swing sets and you'll see how dangerous a cheap set can be if they fall down when being played on.
32. Ask if the swing sets can be expanded & upgraded over time. Example: You buy the minimal structure for the holidays, then add a rockwall or tire swing for a Birthday.
33. Average swing set decks are 5' or 7' off the ground. Knowing this will allow you to upgrade easier. If decks aren't at these heights, the builder usually is making it's own custom slide/tower components and you will not be able to upgrade your set easily.
34. Make sure you ask your kids for advise on what they'd want
in a swing set, they'll be on it more than you!
35. If you are on a tight budget and really want a custom swing set, start small then add components as the kids get older.
36. Give the show room model a good shake, it shouldn't give at all. If it does keep shopping, a well built swing set shouldn't wobble or shake.
37. Make sure you play on it with your kids, a well built set should allow for adult weights. If you can run and jump and not wobble it, you can be sure your kids will be safe.
38. Make sure you try the swings and tire swings, if you don't feel safe, keep shopping!
39. Can the set survive through hurricane strength winds? Never hurts to ask!
40. Go over the warranty very carefully. Make sure you have a lifetime warranty on all the lumber components.
41. Slides should have high sides, if they don't ask if you can upgrade them.
42. Try and deal with the manufacturer, you'll cut middleman costs.
43. Dealing with a manufacturer directly gives you better customization options.
44. Most big cities will have multiple dealers from the same manufacturer, visit them all, and ask about deals. Most retailers are individually owned like a car dealership and will offer incentives on their own that may be different than another dealer selling the same product.
45. Make sure you measure properly! You should have a 6' buffer zone around the swing set on all sides.
46. If you are going to use mulches (wood, rubber, pebbles, sand etc) as a base surface under the swing set, make sure you install the play set first then put the mulch down after.
47. If your backyard has an incline don't buy a box kit from a big box store. Most manufacturers will lengthen a-frame beams and adjust the set in order to fit your incline at no extra cost.
48. Make sure you know how to measure your backyard slope accurately.
49. Shop around for the best deal when looking for mulches, and check them for longevity and child safety
50. Check your home owner association guidelines to make sure installing a swing set is within the rules.
51. Make sure you trim trees back away from where you are installing and do this well ahead of installation day. If you have tall trees make sure you trim a few weeks in advanced of installation so sticky sap doesn't get all over your system.
52. Every manufacturer is different when it comes to delivery and installation but it is never “free” as advertised. When you buy a set from a dealer, Installation and delivery is hidden in the cost of the set.
53. If you plan on doing the installation yourself make sure you know what you are getting into. Are you getting a box of lumber and a good luck card….or are you getting a set that has been designed for everyday moms and dads to put together?
54. Wooden swing set kit's sold at a big box retailers can take upwards of 30 hours to put together! You basically get a box full of boards and screws. What you save in money you will lose heavily in time.
If you think spending over $2000 bucks on a really nice system is too much, use this calculator to figure out how much of your spare time will be wasted setting up the cheaper models.
A swing set from Kid's Creations will have pre-assembled components. All you do is bolt them together, which takes on average about 4-5 hours to install.... wink wink.
55. Manufacturers usually have installation plans handy, ask them to send you an installation manual before your set arrives so you can get your tools ready ahead of time if you are installing the set yourself
56. Make sure you check out all of your parts when you receive or pick-up your swing set.
57. Wear a hat and sunscreen!
58. Throw a Barbeque when you invite a neighbor, brother, father, friend to help you install your play set. The more the merrier, many hands make light work!
59. Crack open the Beers AFTER the installation not DURING!
60. Wireless drills are a must, cords will get tangled once you start installing components on the deck and other tight spaces.
61. If you are not skilled with the tools, budget for a handy man in town.
62. Handymen are a dime a dozen, however there are many in every big city that specialize in swing sets and other outdoor structures. Shop around for the best deal. Depending on your play systems size they'll finish it in one day with plenty of time for play. (Our list)
63. If you plan on using a handyman most will allow you to ship the swing set to their place of business and then they'll bring it to your house when it's time to install.
64. Make sure you understand the shipping policy of your manufacturer, read them carefully
65. If you've ordered a large set, make sure you have plenty of room for the delivery palettes when it arrives.
66. Plan on being home the day of delivery, check and make sure everything is offloaded and checked before the delivery truck drives off.
67. Beware of Free shipping from online only stores, that usually means your set is made in China or other inferior wood and components.
68. Unless you're going to rent a U-haul be prepared for a shipping cost with any U.S. manufacturer in town.
69. Spring time is the busy season, if the set isn't in stock, it'll take about 4-6 weeks before you swing set is shipped.
70. March, April & May are the biggest months of the year for swing set sales. You should find the best deals.
71. October, November & December are the slowest months, retailers will try and move inventory during these months. Look for deals during these months like half down in the winter and the balance in the spring when the swing set is shipped.
72. Use Google Trends to find peak seasons when shopping online. If something is seasonal like swing sets, you can usually find the best deals right before those seasons start and right after they end.
73. Ask about free upgrades during peak months, you'll be glad you did!
74. Ask about financing options.
75. Ask for which set is the most popular one sold.
76. If you are looking for prices... well most manufacturers don't post prices on their sites if they have a retailer network. They let the individual retailers set their own prices which are usually given to them. If this is the case, go straight to any "find a local store" button and start contacting directly.
77. Have a notepad handy so you can write your questions down while browsing a manufacturers website.
78. If the site has a survey, fill it out! This not only helps you, but any future buyer. Surveys are a lifeline from the manufacturer to the buyers brain. Manufacturers want to know what you are thinking and looking for so they can provide it. Take the time and give honest feed back.
79. Some of the best images you'll find are on their websites. Make sure you expand and find the biggest images you can find on their product pages..
80. Order their Catalog. Most manufacturers will follow up with a phone call to make sure you got the catalog. You'll also get deals, and price lists this way without having to call a sales person.
81. Most buyers shopping online take about 3-4 weeks to research before they buy. Do your homework and don't let a pushy salesman talk you out of researching the competition!
82. If the site has an FAQ section, take the time to go through it.
83. Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Flash and Shockwave. The best manufacturers have custom builders that use these programs so you can design your own set.
84. If you are stuck and can't find something on their website use Google site search to help you find it. The format is like this site:www.thewebsite.com <keyword goes here>. This should help you find pages you are looking for on the manufacturers site.
85. Some site will have downloadable specs, warranties, instructions etc. Download a few and get a feel for what is involved in setting up a swing set and maintaining it.
86. Look for a video section of the website. Most swing sets are Photoshop'ed onto a nicer background and enhanced to bring out colors. A video will show you a better example of what the set looks like in real life.
87. Check their Better Business Bureau listing.
88. Look for contests and enter!
89. Check for corrosion on metal parts every 6 months. Make sure you take full advantage of the warranty if you start to see rust.
90. If you didn't put a mulch down under the swing set, and your swing set has a stain or finish be extra careful. Weedwackers will strip the finish of the swing set base and with that protective coating gone the wood can rot out faster.
91. If you set has been stained, make sure you restain it every 3 years.
92. All wood turns silver/gray tone as it ages in the sun, this doesn't mean they're rotting.
93. Use a pressure spray nozzle when taking old stains off your set. You can rent professional grade sprayers from your hardware store. Once the old stain is off, you can restain your set easily for extra protection against the elements.
94. To restore a swing set that has been stained, pressure wash off the old finish, let it dry then restain it.
95. Most swing set handymen that put swing sets together, actually restore swing sets as well. Keep your installers card or phone number for future reference.
96. Directory of Swing Set Manufacturers
97. Use Google/Yahoo/MSN Live Image searches for brand name swing sets to see customer photos on blogs etc.
98. Request a sign or banner you can hang on your fence after you install your swing set. You'll be amazed at how many people ask where you got it. If you have a sign/banner up you can avoid unwanted knocks at the door.
99. Canopies are the first things to wear out, order an extra one with your swing set.
100. If you order a baby swing, order a normal swing as well. This way you can replace it when your toddler gets older. You'll also have a matching swing if your dealer switches swing wholesalers.
101. After long vacations or holidays away from home, remember to check for wasp nests under the deck and roofing before the kids get on!
Well we hope that we've given you all some good tips on what to look for when buying a swing set. Feel free to browse our selection of swing sets before you leave!
Good luck!
The Kid's Creations Team |
