Tips for Buying Children's Outdoor Playsets

Choosing children's outdoor playsets, as they are now called, for the back yard is big decision. You want something lasting, affordable, safe and fun that will grow with your kids. Here are some of the to consider when you're comparing outdoor playsets.

Materials
Wood, plastic and metal are the materials for outdoor playsets. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

• Wood is known as the sturdiest and longest-lasting material for kids' outdoor playsets. But all woods are not equal. Pine is the least expensive, but it is the softest wood and doesn't last as long. Pine tends to wear from the inside out, so you may not know when a piece is worn through until it collapses - not the safest bet. Waterproofed, pressure-treated lumber is the best choice for wood playsets, but be sure to find out what was used in the pressure treating process. Avoid arsenic and chromium pressure treating, as these can be hazardous to children's health. Wood playsets are the most expensive choice. You may also find that some wood playsets attract bees, who like to bore holes in the frame and build hives inside. Spraying at the start of the season may be necessary.
• Plastic is the least sturdy and least expensive material. Many plastic playsets are designed for younger children and may not hold the weight of larger children and teens. Plastic is lighter than wood or metal, making it more prone to cracking or tipping over. If you only plan to use the playset for a few years with younger children, and your budget is limited, plastic may be a good choice.
• Metal playsets were the standard in the 1970s and 1980s but are less common now. They are less sturdy and less expensive than wood. Metal chains, hooks and bolts should be encased in rubber to prevent pinching or cuts from sharp edges. After a few years, metal playsets may rust, but you can control this by keeping an eye out for worn or chipped paint and touching it up periodically.

Budget
If your budget is small, metal or plastic might be your best option. A cheap wood playset probably won't be made well. Save some of your budget for professional installation unless you're very handy around the home. An improperly installed playset can cause severe injuries, so this isn't the time to practice your carpentry skills.

The best and longest-lasting playsets are made from pressure-treated wood with attachments made from metal and highly durable plastic. These playsets are a good investment if you can afford them, and they could even add value to your home.

Space
The rule of thumb for safety is six feet of clear space on all sides of the playset. That means no trees, bushes, walls or other obstacles. The playset itself must be installed on a level patch of ground, and it's best for the ground to be level within the six-foot safety zone. Most playsets need to be anchored in the ground, and some require concrete anchors for each support. With a variety of styles to choose from, it's easy to find a playset that's the right size for most yards in the materials you prefer.

Safety and Maintenance
Use rubber tire mulch, sand or wood chips under the playset as a protective surface for the children. Be sure there are no exposed hooks, bolts, splinters, or hinges that could catch on hair and clothing or scratch skin.

Check the weight rating of playsets to make sure they're sturdy enough for your kids and the inevitable friends who'll be hanging around. Each month or so during the spring, summer and fall, check that the nuts and fastenings are tight and examine ropes for fraying. Look for signs of rot, rust and chipped or peeling paint as well. Slides should be checked for gaps between the platform and the slide itself. Make sure the rungs of all ladders are intact and give anything a child might hang from a solid tug to check for strength.

If possible, avoid ropes altogether. Rubber covered chains are much better than rope, and do not pose a choking hazard or rope burn hazard.