Can I put a slide off to the side?
The slide can be attached to any side of the fort, excluding any side where the swing beam is attached.
Do I need a level area?
Yes! We recommend a flat level area upon which the playset or swing set equipment will be positioned, in order to maintain maximum stability.
How does cedar weather and how long will it last?
Cedar is a wood with a well-deserved reputation for durability and natural rot resistance. It has been used for generations for roofing and shingles, fences, fence posts, planking for small boat hulls and, of course, for outdoor furniture. Department of Agriculture tells us that a cedar fence post will last up to 16 years in the ground. We have found that left out year round, untreated and uncovered, cedar will last a minimum of 8 to 10 years. Cedar that is brought inside or covered for the winter will last twice that long.
How far apart should the swings on my swing set be?
To prevent injuries from impact with moving swings, swings should not be too close together or too close to support structures. There should be no more than two swing seats suspended in the same section or bay of the support structure. The tire swing should be suspended in the same section or bay of the support structure.
How many years will my children play on the system?
Children's interests vary, but we have found with the larger sets with more options, your children will continue to grow into, not out of, your new set. In fact, many parents & grandparents have as much fun as the kids. Average starting age is 2.5years old and ending around 12-13 years of age.
How much can I save by building the swing set or playset myself?
Typically you can save between 50-70% by constructing the swing set or playset yourself.
I would like to put a swing set in the backyard for my children, what kind of surface should I put down on the ground?
Since almost 60 percent of all playground injuries are caused by falls to the ground, protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most critical safety factor on playgrounds. Asphalt and concrete do not have any shock absorbing properties. Similarly, grass and turf's ability to absorb a shock during a fall can be reduced considerably through wear and environmental conditions. Certain loose-fill surfacing materials such as double shredded bark mulch, wood chips, fine sand, and fine gravel are acceptable. Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces are acceptable, however obtain shock-absorbing performance data before using these surfaces.
Should I paint or seal the completed kit?
Painting is not recommended. An oil based wood stain and/or wood sealer will help protect and keep your kit looking new for many years.
What are some of the things I can do to make sure our swing set and play area are safe for my children and their friends?
Playgrounds should be inspected on a regular basis. Look for hazards, such as, hardware that is loose or worn, protrusions and projections, exposed equipment footings, splinters, large cracks, decayed wood components, damaged swing sets, handholds and guardrails, and deterioration and corrosion on structural components which connect to the ground.
What do the initials CCA and ACQ stand for?
CCA - Copper Chromium Arsenate (Chromium and Arsenic are dangerous chemicals). ACQ - Alkaline Copper Quaternary. Note: Both are chemicals used in the pressure-treating process of wood.
What do they mean by "Fall Zones" concerning swing sets?
A fall zone, covered with a protective surfacing material, is essential under and around equipment where a child might fall. This should be free of other equipment and obstacles onto which a child might fall. Stationary climbing equipment should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6 feet in all directions. Swings should have a fall zone that is two times the height of the pivot or swing hanger in front and in back of the swing seats.
What do they mean by Potential Entanglement Hazards?
Open "S" hooks, especially on swings, and any protrusions or equipment components/hardware, which may act as hooks or catch-points, can catch children's clothing and cause strangulation incidents. Close "S" hooks as tightly as possible and eliminate protrusions or catch-points on playground equipment.
What do they mean by Potential Head Entrapment Hazards?
Generally, openings that are between 3 ½ inches and 9 inches present a head entrapment hazard because they are large enough to permit a child's body to go through, but are too small to permit the head to go through. When children enter such openings, feet first, they may become entrapped by the head and strangle.
What is Checking?
All wood, used in outdoor projects, is subject to the natural process of "checking". As the wood ages, tension develops in the wood due to shrinkage and the wood splits to relieve tension. These splits or cracks are known as "checks". . The checks will not go deeper than the heart and consequently do not affect the structural performance or integrity of the wood. In fact, we believe these characteristics only add to the natural beauty of your wood project.
What is the color “Verde”?
“Verde” is a two tone color with black background and a green over coat. Verde is an extremely popular color for outdoor furniture and accessories.
What tools do I typically need?
Socket Set
Hammer
Drill
Circular saw
Hand Saw
Other tools such as a miter saw, drill press and 12" bar clamp are often quite helpful.
What type of wood should I use?
Any type which is recommended for outdoor projects such as decks, playground equipment or water front projects. Most common kinds include pressure treated pine, redwood and cedar. Pressure treated pine is the strongest of the three and most economical. Use of an oil based wood stain / sealant help protect and keep your kit looking new for many years.
Why are the bolts counter sunk?
One more safety issue. This prevents any bolts from being exposed to children.
Why do we coat the chain and what is the coating made of?
The chain is coated with a marine grade plastisol so it won't come off. The chain is heated at 300 degrees and double dipped in plastisol. The purpose for the coating is to keep little fingers from being pinched and hair from being caught. It also helps keep the chain from getting hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
Why do we use flat safety steps insted of round wood or metal rungs?
The flat safety steps were developed to accommodate younger children. When round rungs are used children often slip hurting themselves, so we developed a safer step to allow for better footing. We have found older children & adults prefer our flat safety steps as well.
Why do you use spring clips on the swing hangers?
Spring clips make it easier to change out accessories and to adjust the height of the accessories. It, also, provides an added safety feature not allowing swings to come off when swinging.
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