If you live in a home with a backyard and have children, purchasing your own playground equipment is a great way to keep them entertained. When you have a nice playground in your backyard, the kids have a way to get out of the house and use up some of their energy while you get things done. If you’ve never shopped for playground equipment before, it can be quite an overwhelming experience. There are so many different options, and prices vary greatly. How do you know which set to buy?
Here are a few tips to help you choose playground equipment for your backyard.
1. Buy the Right Size
If your backyard is spacious, you can purchase just about any playground equipment you’d like. However, smaller backyards require a playground that will fit in limited space. It might be a good idea to measure the area you plan to devote to playground equipment so that you have an idea of what size you are looking for. This will really help you narrow down your options on shopping day.
2. Decide on a Budget
When it comes to playground equipment, you can spend a little or a lot. Decide on a budget before you go shopping and stick to it. It’s easy to get distracted by big, fancy playgrounds that have all the bells and whistles, but if you can’t afford them, don’t even look. Let the sales associate know what your budget is so he can show you exactly which models fit within your price range.
3. Choose Your Material
The material you choose will depend, in part, on the size of your budget. Metal and wood playgrounds are much more affordable than plastic or vinyl ones, but they aren’t quite as nice. If you go with metal, keep in mind that it gets very hot in the sun. You may want to build a shade over the play equipment or place it in the shade of a tree. Wood can look very nice but also requires some maintenance. It will need to be sanded and stained regularly to keep splinters away. Plastic and vinyl are virtually maintenance-free and can withstand any weather, although plastic may fade over time with a lot of direct sunlight. Be prepared to pay extra for these materials.
4. Pick Your Features
You have a lot of options when it comes to playground features. Today’s playgrounds are equipped with slides, swings, gliders, monkey bars, climbing walls, picnic tables, forts, poles, sandboxes, and more. You need to decide which features you would like in your playground set before you shop so you don’t end up buying more or less than you need. Find out which activities your children prefer to play on when they are at the playground and include those in your set. Then, make a list of the features you’d like to have if budget permits. If you have additional budget leftover, pull from that list to create a dream backyard playground for your kids.
5. Consider Installation Options
Once you’ve purchased your playground, you still need to have it installed in your backyard. This will require quite a bit of work and a few basic tools. Hardware is usually included. Find out of your store does free installation with playground purchase. If they don’t, decide whether you have the time and ability to do it yourself. If not, you can usually pay the store to install it or find a handy neighbor to help you out.
Choosing playground equipment for your backyard doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you measure the play area, decide on a budget, choose your material and features, and plan for installation before you shop, you’ll have a much easier time picking out your equipment. Your kids will be enjoying their backyard playground in no time.
