Swing sets are amazing fun for kids of all ages. Many parents like to install one in their yard. This is an excellent idea as it means you’ve always got outdoor play equipment on hand without having to travel to your local public recreational area.
The downside to purchasing a swing set for your home is that they typically arrive unassembled. It’s up to the customer to follow the instructions and put it together. Some small sets can be straightforward to assemble, but more complex swing sets can present a challenge. Can it be done without hiring a professional? Let’s take a closer look.
Check and Prepare the Available Space
Ensure you have adequate space for your swing set. Check this before you purchase the swing set to avoid the common mistake of choosing something too big. Make sure you have a flat, sturdy surface, such as a lawn. This will ensure that your swing set will be stable when installed. Also, ensure there is nothing under the surface, such as gas pipes, which could be damaged during installation.
Next, you need to prepare the area:
- Clear overhead obstructions such as tree branches and laundry lines.
- If the swing set structure is metal, plan to install it out of direct sunlight. Exposed metal can get extremely hot.
- Map out the base of your swing set by placing wooden stakes in the ground. Tie string between each stake to determine how level the ground is. If the string slopes, you will need to level off the surface.
- Decide what kind of protective surface you want on the ground and ensure you’ve purchased this in advance.
Give Yourself Time
Larger swing sets can take up to a couple of days to install. Therefore, be sure to pick a date and time that accommodates this and block off enough time. You may need to ensure family is out of the way – or is ready to help – so that you don’t get distracted.
Before installation day, we recommend that you spend some time looking through the instructions. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect. It will also help you gather the necessary tools and any other equipment you may require
Don’t Start Until You Have Everything Ready
There’s no point in beginning the construction if you’re missing a vital tool or if the ground has not been leveled. Even if it means delaying the installation, don’t start it until you have everything you need. When you have everything and are ready to start, lay all the components out on the ground so you can see and easily find all the pieces you have.
Build Everything on the Ground First
Swing sets typically have brackets that the poles or lumber slide into. It’s much easier to assemble and construct these on the ground. Then you can lift them into the proper place at a later time.
Work Slowly and Methodically
Follow the instructions, step by step. Take your time. Don’t be tempted to miss out steps or cut corners. There is typically a reason for every instruction. Deviating from the instructions can result in something unsafe and may require more time to put right.
It’s always wise to double-check each step to ensure the right piece of the swing set is in the right place. Don’t move on to the next step until the current step is successfully completed.
Wear Safety Gear
Always start your swing set project wearing the right protective gear. Safety goggles, steel toecap shoes, and gloves can keep you safe from wayward splinters or protect you from dropped objects.
Swing sets – especially wooden ones – can be heavy. Therefore, it’s vital not to attempt to lift anything too heavy alone. Enlist a friend or two to assist you with the grunt work. It’ll go much more smoothly and safely if you do.
Anchor the Swing Set to the Ground
The final step is securely anchoring the swing set to the ground. The set may provide brackets for this. Otherwise, you could buy some at your local hardware store. When securely anchored, you know you’ll be able to let your kids loose on the swing set without a worry.
Finally, pat yourself on the back! You just installed a swing set. The bottom line is that it’s doable as long as you prepare properly. While it’s tougher than your average flat-pack to install, anyone can install a swing set successfully with a little patience and perseverance.
If you’re looking to buy a swing set in the near future, don’t forget to check out these great deals on swing sets. You’ll save yourself some dollars in the process.
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