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.
In the meantime you can set realistic goals for what you're going to try and accomplish each weekend. That way everyone can see that progress is being made. There may be simple things the kids can help with to make them feel like part of the team.
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.
The location you choose is important. It's also important to level the ground before assembling the set. When figuring the amount of space needed, be sure to include the breadth of the swing span, both ways, in your calculations. Staking the corners of the space and running string will help you determine if the ground is level.
Add or take away dirt, raking it level, and adding pea gravel or sand for maximum safety. Be sure to consider how much shade the set will get. Metal parts can burn hands and legs with exposure to the hot summer sun.
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.
In the meantime you can set realistic goals for what you're going to try and accomplish each weekend. That way everyone can see that progress is being made. There may be simple things the kids can help with to make them feel like part of the team.
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.
The location you choose is important. It's also important to level the ground before assembling the set. When figuring the amount of space needed, be sure to include the breadth of the swing span, both ways, in your calculations. Staking the corners of the space and running string will help you determine if the ground is level.
Add or take away dirt, raking it level, and adding pea gravel or sand for maximum safety. Be sure to consider how much shade the set will get. Metal parts can burn hands and legs with exposure to the hot summer sun.
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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