The days of the old metal swing set that came complete with a couple of swings and a glider on the side is pretty much a thing of the past. Playsets today are more like complete playgrounds requiring a degree in engineering to put together. Parents who have survived a playset assembly have some tips for those new to the process.
The first thing you have to do is set realistic expectations. Assembling playsets that include slides, multiple swings, balancing beams, climbing ropes, and enclosed forts are not afternoon projects. Even though your kids will find it difficult to wait, you have to make them understand it could be weeks before the set is ready for a test run.
It will be less overwhelming if you set small, realistic goals for what you plan to accomplish each weekend. The progress being made and how the set will look when it's complete is easier to visualize this way. Enlisting the help of your kids, for safe, simple projects, is a good idea, if possible.
If you've got some adult friends who know their way around tools, or have put up one of these sets themselves, you should invite them over. You might be able to coerce them into a whole weekend of help if you promise them barbecue and beer as soon as the set's completed. If you don't have these kinds of friends, and you get stuck, calling in a professional to finish the project is a good option.
Select your location carefully, and level it before you start anything. In addition to keeping the dimensions of your actual set in mind, you also have to consider how far any swings will extend, both backward and forward. You can stake out your location on all four corners running string between them.
You may have to add or remove dirt to level the ground before adding sand or pea gravel to maximize safety. Factor in the amount of shade the playset will get each day. Metal parts can burn tiny hands and feet during the heat of the day.
Tell the delivery company where you want the cartons placed. If the drivers don't know where to take your delivery it might be sitting in the middle of the drive or by the street when you get home. It's a lot easier to have them unload in the backyard than hauling heavy lumber and parts on your own. You need to have tarps ready to cover the cartons until you need the parts in them. If you don't, rain might smear the identifying information, making assembly that much more difficult.
If the manufacturer hasn't already labeled the individual parts, you should do that yourself before starting. If you're in the construction business, you know about this part. All the pieces should be organized in the order you need them, including the lumber. This speeds up the process. It also helps to determine if there are parts missing. You also need make sure all the tools you'll need are handy before you get started.
The first thing you have to do is set realistic expectations. Assembling playsets that include slides, multiple swings, balancing beams, climbing ropes, and enclosed forts are not afternoon projects. Even though your kids will find it difficult to wait, you have to make them understand it could be weeks before the set is ready for a test run.
It will be less overwhelming if you set small, realistic goals for what you plan to accomplish each weekend. The progress being made and how the set will look when it's complete is easier to visualize this way. Enlisting the help of your kids, for safe, simple projects, is a good idea, if possible.
If you've got some adult friends who know their way around tools, or have put up one of these sets themselves, you should invite them over. You might be able to coerce them into a whole weekend of help if you promise them barbecue and beer as soon as the set's completed. If you don't have these kinds of friends, and you get stuck, calling in a professional to finish the project is a good option.
Select your location carefully, and level it before you start anything. In addition to keeping the dimensions of your actual set in mind, you also have to consider how far any swings will extend, both backward and forward. You can stake out your location on all four corners running string between them.
You may have to add or remove dirt to level the ground before adding sand or pea gravel to maximize safety. Factor in the amount of shade the playset will get each day. Metal parts can burn tiny hands and feet during the heat of the day.
Tell the delivery company where you want the cartons placed. If the drivers don't know where to take your delivery it might be sitting in the middle of the drive or by the street when you get home. It's a lot easier to have them unload in the backyard than hauling heavy lumber and parts on your own. You need to have tarps ready to cover the cartons until you need the parts in them. If you don't, rain might smear the identifying information, making assembly that much more difficult.
If the manufacturer hasn't already labeled the individual parts, you should do that yourself before starting. If you're in the construction business, you know about this part. All the pieces should be organized in the order you need them, including the lumber. This speeds up the process. It also helps to determine if there are parts missing. You also need make sure all the tools you'll need are handy before you get started.
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