Selecting the Right Wooden Swing Set Kit for Your Family

There has been a recent surge in the popularity of wooden play sets and forts and it is easy to see the attraction for parents and children alike. These backyard structures enable children to play in the safety of their own backyard while at the same time exercising and developing social skills. In addition, play sets are now safer that they ever have been with plastic coated swing chains that won’t pinch little fingers, plastic slides that won’t burn, and sliver-free options available.

With so many options in wooden swing sets available through the internet today, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the choices. We have broken down the options into three categories to make your selection easier: Do-it-yourself, Wood Included and Plastic Composite. (The latter is definitely not wood, but we will touch on this later.) In addition, we have included a break-down of the things to keep in mind when selecting a play set: money, assembly time, maintenance and expertise.

The first, and most affordable option, is the do-it-yourself swing set kit. These kits are for the skilled do-it-yourselfers and include everything you will need to build your own play set. Most kits include step-by-step instructions, a list of treated wood you will need to purchase from your local hardware store, a list of tools you will need for assembly and a set of swings.
Money: $
Time: If you happen to be capable carpenter and select a do-it-yourself kit, keep in mind that these kits tend to take longer to assemble since you will need to transport, sand and stain the wood yourself. Maintenance: Low – depending on how much is done on the front end, may need to be lightly sanded and/or re-stained between seasons
Expertise: Mid – High level


The second type of swing set kit comes with the wood included. Priced in the mid-range, these kits are geared toward the moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer. The kits ship directly to your home with all of the hardware and lumber pre-drilled, sanded, stained and ready to assemble. These kits typically include step-by-step instructions, hardware, lumber, a list of tools you will need and a set of swings.
Money: $$
Time: Kits that include wood will take considerably less time to assemble than the do-it-yourself kits. Most of these can easily be assembled in just one weekend.
Maintenance: Low - may need to be lightly sanded and/or re-stained between seasons
Expertise: Mid-level


The third option is the plastic composite swing set kit. These kits are generally more expensive, but will last a lifetime. Plastic composite looks like wood, but is cool to the touch, doesn’t splinter and requires little or no maintenance. Many plastic composite kits carry warranties for 25 years or more. Like kits that include wood, these are for the moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer and include the pre-drilled lumber, hardware and tool list.
Money: $$$
Time: Can usually be assembled in a weekend
Maintenance: Little or none
Expertise: Mid-level


When making your final selection, be aware of swing and accessory options as well as safety concerns.