Planning for a Backyard Playset

Playsets have provided countless hours of fun for children and families for many years. It is an investment that families can make to enhance a backyard and provides memories for the whole family. It is something that many families think about, but is it a simple process to go through?

At Patiova, we provide the high-quality playsets that your children will love. But there can be many steps in this process. Budgeting, playset features, and backyard preparation are just a few of the factors to consider when planning for a backyard playset. These planning recommendations will help to ensure this planning will be as smooth as possible.

Preparation and Budgeting

How long will it take for your playset to arrive at your home and be ready for play? At Patiova, we like to say the whole process is entirely up to you. We have pre-made playsets available for same-day purchase and design-your-own playsets that take longer. The sales process of designing your playset could take 1-2 months, while preparation, building, shipping, and installing could take another 1-2 months. While this may seem like a long time, it ensures that your custom-built playset fits your needs.

While budgeting for your playset, this is dependent on the style of playset that you prefer. At Patiova, we offer several different base model styles of wooden and vinyl playsets. Our wooden playsets are the cheaper option, with the average sales range between $4,000 and $5,000. Vinyl is more expensive, with the average sales ranging between $6,500 and $7,500. Model style and add on features such as swings and canopies will affect playset pricing. Check out some of our favorite accessories to complete your backyard playset.

What model is the right one for your children? While planning for the future is important when choosing a backyard playset, we take age range into consideration when recommending models. Most playset models can fit into the child age range of 3-6 years old for simple models, 5-11 years old that offer more features, and 5-14 years old that offer higher towers.

Our playsets have an exceptional lifespan, as well as warranty. Below is a quick glance comparing the lifespan and warranties of our wood and vinyl playsets.

Wood

• Playset lifespan – 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance and upkeep.
• Warranty – 5 years.

Vinyl

• Playset lifespan – Components of vinyl playsets can last 10-15 years, but the main structure can last up to 30 years.
• Warranty – 10 years.

Which style of playset is right for you? Check out a comparison of our wood and vinyl playsets for more information.

Finding the Right Location

Where in your yard should the playset be placed? There is no exact science to this question, but there are factors to consider.

The playset needs to sit on a flat location in your yard. Patiova can install the playset right on the grass if your yard is flat. If your yard sits on a hill or a slight slope, proper lawn preparation needs to be done before the installation of the playset. Patiova does not assist with ground leveling.

The area around the playset needs enough room to accommodate play and safety. The recommended playground area surrounding the playset is six feet around the outside. This recommendation provides enough space for full motion of swings and proper safety.

Patiova requires a minimum of six feet at the gate opening. For more information on finding the right location, you can see more factors to consider here.

Grass, Wood Mulch, or Rubber Mulch?

While most people choose to install a playset right on the grass, there are some benefits to choosing to place the playset on traditional wood mulch or rubber mulch. See our article in Porch with additional details on wood and rubber mulch.

Wood mulch, and especially rubber mulch, provides more cushion and safety if a child were to fall. With regular maintenance and upkeep, wood mulch can last in the area for 2 years, while rubber mulch does not need to be replaced. The color of rubber mulch, which is dyed and available in five colors, can last up to 12 years. This rubber coloring is also non-toxic.

If you choose to use wood mulch or rubber mulch under the playset, Patiova recommends placing weed fabric down before installing the playset. This placement can eliminate tricky weed whacking or mowing around the playset structure and eliminate water pooling under swings or slides. Helpful Hint: Always use two layers of weed fabric. The first layer should be placed horizontally (the opposite way the swings will swing). Place the second layer in the SAME direction the swings will swing. The two-layer method ensures that little feet won’t catch and tear the fabric.

Need More Information?

Our team at Patiova is ready to answer any questions you might have about installing a playset in your backyard. Contact us today to get started.