If you want your family to enjoy a swing set for years to come, you need to start planning now.
Playgrounds designed for toddlers will generally have a shorter swing set deck height, lower weight limits and a smaller foot print.
And these features are great…for toddlers. But they won’t be a challenge – and thus won’t be any fun – as your kids get older.
That’s why it’s important to choose a swing set that can grow with your family.
The right weight limit
Choosing the right weight limit for a swing set means determining two things: who’s going to be using this playset – young kids, older kids, adults -- and how long they’ll be using it.
Swing sets made from plastic and inexpensive wood will typically have a weight limit as low as 50 to 80 pounds, which makes them off limits to all but the youngest, smallest kids.
A swing set with a weight limit of 120 pounds – a common number for mid-range playsets – will be adequate for kids up to ages 10-12, but off limits for teens and larger kids.
But higher end backyard playsets made from redwood and cedar are often designed to be enjoyed by kids and adults.
The deck height
The term “deck height” refers to the distance from the ground to the base of a swing set’s deck. Most swing set deck heights are between four and six feet, although some high-end playsets will have two decks: one that’s five feet off the ground and another seven feet, or six feet and eight feet.
Swing set deck height is important because it determines the size of the deck, the arc of the swing and the cost of your play set. The higher the deck height, the larger the set, the more material you need.
Here’s a brief guide for determine the swing set deck height you need:
- A play set that has a deck height of at least five feet will allow your kids to get a few years of play out of it.
- If you want a larger, more expansive swing set, choose a deck height of six feet.
- A four-foot swing set deck height is only recommended for people looking to conserve space, or if you won’t need to accommodate kids past age 8.
The foot print
Bigger isn’t always better, especially if you want to install a swing set in a smaller backyard. If you don’t have a lot of room to work with, think about choosing a playset that is built tall, rather than wide.
And remember that you can always start small and add accessories to a swing set that won’t take up a lot of space: rock walls, telescopes, megaphones and more.
If you’re ready to upgrade your backyard playset, Swingset & Toy Warehouse can help. Our catalogue includes redwood, cedar and vinyl playgrounds, as well as multiple different playground accessories.
From there, our experts can help you choose the appropriate swing set size for your family and your backyard. No matter how old your kids are or how much space you have, we’re sure we have something that’s right for you.
