Swing Set questions

We are getting ready to move into a new house with a bigger yard. We are thinking about putting a swing set in the yard and wanted to see if we could get some feedback of what people's experiences with different brands have been. We would like something decent and sturdy but also preferrably not take up the entire yard. We have looked at Rainbow Systems and Creative Playthings/ABC Direct and found some we liked, and cost not withstanding, we are concerned about the size. Any experiences that anyone has had and can share, whether with one of these "bigger" names or a Toys R Us/WalMart brand, would be greatly appreciated!

 

We bought from Backyard Adventures. We thought their construction and quality was better than average, and they had a particular playset that had swings on either side of the playhouse that didn't require a swing beam to take up a major amount of real estate. They are definitely not the cheapest out there, but I'd recommend you at least consider them. Especially if you're concerned about a small 'foot print' like we were in our small back yard.

 

Please remember to submit an application to the Modifications Sub-Committee.

Bob T. - Mod. Comm. member

 

I've never been involved in the set-up - but everyone I know who's bought one of these says the $$$ to install/setup is well worth it and the ones that did it themselves have wished they had

 

Rainbow Play Systems all the way! The green awning is preferred to not take away from the nature aspect of a back yard.

 

Our playset is from Performance Playgrounds, the VA dealer for Backyard Adventures but we aren't the original owners. We moved it from a previous house because it was almost new. I've had to work with the dealer in Chantilly a number of times and I have to say it's been the ABSOLUTE worst experience I've had with any retailer. They were happy to sell a $4000 system but getting them to provide customer service later was impossible. THey wouldn't honor the warranty which I understand but even with me offering to pay and practically begging them to come out to make repairs, I couldn't get any help. I finally called the headquarters in TX and was told they'd received lots of complaints about the VA dealer but couldn't do anything about it because it's an individual owner. I'd cut down the logs myself before I bought a playset from that company.

 

Interesting that you say that about BA. We are having an issue right now about a potential warranty issue. My husband is a bulldog though, and he's getting some response from them. If, however, they stonewall us we'll call the folks in Austin. Good advice. But we have been very happy with the playset in general and do find the quality such as the thickness of the wood, the finishing, etc., to be above average. Too bad the Chantilly dealer -- whom I think has moved to Burke or Springfield -- stinks.)

 

If you are up for putting it together, check out cedar works (cedarworks.com). You can custom design a smaller set. They use northern white cedar that is soft to the touch, almost impossible to get splinters. Really is nice quality, the smaller sets do not scrimp on wood size, type, etc. I recall the price is slightly better than the local guys if you include their installation.

 

We purchased a set from Creative Playthings. We love the set, HOWEVER- we paid about $1000 more than the one from Costco. Our neighbor bought the one from Costco and paid someone to put it together and still spent less. Guess which one my kids play on? Yup, the neighbors. It is more fun for the kids (more toys) and looks to be constucted as well. Any warranty we have is not worth the extra money! 1k will get you tickets for a week at Disney- far more entertainment than a swing set!