Wood Swingsets

[wahoogeek]

Hello all,

My family is in the market for a decent basic wood swingset (couple of swings, one of those forts with a slide). Anyone here purchase one recently with recommendations? Build-your-own kits vs. Creative Playthings/Backyard Adventures, etc.

TIA

[neilz]

The kits are very good, and are well thought out and easy to put together.

Just remember, you must apply to the HOA Modifications Subcommittee before you install.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[wahoogeek]

Thanks Neil. The search function here alerted me to the HOA situation.

The Lowe's kits did not have some of the features we wanted so still looking. Anyone else have opinions/recommendations to share?

[neilz]

Do a 'Google Search' :

http://www.backyardcity.com/Swing-Sets-Wooden-Kits.htm

http://www.playnation.com/Wooden-swingsets.html

http://www.cedarworks.com/


There are so many manufacturers, some with local dealers, some that are 'mail order' only. In either case, you'll get a better range of types and woods available than you'll find a Lowes or Home Depot. There is one dealer, I believe, on Route 7 next to the Meadow's Farms nursery heading toward Leesburg.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[afgm]

If anyone is building their own kid fort, I have a yellow plastic slide, about 7 feet, sits in my basement. Would love to see kids sliding on it again. Email if you're interested.

[Sunny]

Remember to check Craig's List for used sets. People are always posting them for great prices. www.craigslist.com

[wahoogeek]

Thanks for the input everyone, especially Sunny's craiglist suggestion and Neilz's cedarworks suggestion. Anyone here have a cedarworks set -- the chemical-free wood is a good selling point.

We would love to hear any and all personal experiences from those who've gone through this before (c'mon, I know you're out there).

again, thanks in advance.

[sharse]

Resurrecting this thread as we're now considering play equipment for our backyard. I'm particularly interested to hear which set ups work for you in these small Broadlands yards.

Thanks!

[jmr0023]

I purchased one from Gorilla playsets (http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/) this past fall. I had some trouble receiving it undamaged, but they were very good about sending replacements until I got one in good shape, although it took 3 shipments. It took a full day to put together with a couple of helpers, but the instructions are pretty detailed. It fits fine in our backyard. Let me know if you have any other questions on my experience.

[vacliff]

The build-it- yourself kits aren't too bad. Even I was able to build it, and I usually try to use the side of the hammer with the funny fork on it. Significant savings in price, too.

[sharse]

We're looking at Rainbow and Backyard Adventures. Any comments on either of those companies?

Thanks!

(With delivery and set up being around $300, DH thinks that is VERY worth the money, so we'll have them do it.)

[wahoogeek]

to update my original post...

we ended up with Cedar Works. The difference between the white northern cedar and the redwood/cedar sets is pretty amazing. The wood is soft to the touch with absolutely no chance for splinters. It was very easy to put up by myself. The other plus is the sets are very configurable -- we had an odd shape of land to fit it in and were able to build the set we wanted and made it fit too. On a cost standpoint, its not the cheapest but it was cheaper than Rainbow and Backyard adventures for comparable sets. Oh yeah, the thing is rock solid with mostly 4x4 construction. Go to their website and you can customize your set.

[sharse]

Thanks for the input. We've pretty much decided we're going with Backyard Adventures, just as an FYI for any future reader of this thread.

[typicalfamilyoffour]

I'd like to add my two cents and say that I am surprised by the quality of the SunRay equipment sold at Costco. We checked out the sets at three stores in Chantilly and the place on Rt 7 near Meadows Farms a month ago. I prefer redwood playground equipment but hated the idea of paying so much. I heard comments at one of the places we visited about "cheap Costco junk". We stopped by Costco to check out the set and were surprised. It really is a great play ground.

We hired someone to install the equipment and they put it together in less than 3 hours with no problems. We're happy we took the time to check out Costco's equipment.

[sharse]

I believe SunRay is actually made by Rainbow. I saw somewhere that it was marketed at their less expensive, less scalable line. But if its made by Rainbow I'm sure its great stuff. And I have sure seen plenty of them around here in Broadlands' back yards.

[eam]

a few years back costco sold a different line of swingsets which were a much lower quality, and for about the same price. (not that i'm bitter! ha ha)