Swing set buying guide

Guide written by:

Pauline, Self-taught handyman, Leeds

54 guides

It's no secret that kids love swing sets. And who can blame them? There's nothing quite like the freedom of pushing off into the sky! From ropes to rings or even double swings, your frame can incorporate a range of accessories. Follow our guide to find the perfect swing set for your garden.

Important features

Material
Recommended ages
Accessories

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Choosing a material for your swing set

Swing sets are generally made of either metal or wood. Swing sets with metal frames are generally more affordable and often come in a range of bright colours. They also require little maintenance. However, it is common for rust to develop over time and this can eventually lead to structural damage.

Wooden swing sets offer a touch of traditional charm. When it comes to style, it's easy to match this material to any other items you may have in your garden. However, it is worth considering that wood requires yearly maintenance. These steps involve:

Prepping the wood by sanding;
Using a wood treatment to protect against mould and insects;
Varnishing, painting or staining (depending on wood species).

It's also advisable to check the strength of the different parts of your swing set and to give the screws a quick once over with a screwdriver on a yearly basis to ensure that the structure is secure as wood will warp over time.

Plastic is generally the material of choice for the seat if you want to avoid the risk of splinters! Easy to maintain, it requires little care beyond the occasional sponge down. After it rains, all you need to do is wipe the surface and your swing set is ready for use again.

Minimum age ranges

Recommended minimum age

In order to use a swing set, children must be able to hold the chains or rope themselves. For those under 3 years old, it's best to use a toddler seat with a harness. The minimum recommended age should be specified on the instructions but remember that adult supervision is highly recommended for any young child!

Additional safety tips for installing your swing

All swings must be fimly secured to the ground to limit the risk of frame tipping over. If the frame is not properly secure, one or more feet can lift off the ground when swinging at high speeds. To make sure this doesn't happen, you will need to lay a concrete base and fix the feet to it using brackets, bolts or fixing plugs.

It's also important to remember that the area surrounding the swing set must be kept clear to avoid any collisions during playtime. We recommend a clearance space of at least two metres. If you want to avoid injuries, installing your swing on a lawn is the best way to dampen falls! If this isn't possible, bark chippings wll also work.

Swing sets vs. playsets

Of course, your choice isn't limited to a conventional swing set. Some models offer a variety of different activities for more games and challenges. You can choose from features such as see-saw swings, climbing frames or trapeze bars. The more space you have, the more options are available to you from larger swing sets to models featuring rings or even slides.

One important factor to consider is the number of children who will want to have a go on the swing at any given time! It's also important to keep in mind how easy the swing parts will be to replace, as well as how easy they are to install. Happy swinging!

More information

For more tips on choosing and maintaining your outdoor equipment, follow the links below:

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Guide written by:

Pauline, Self-taught handyman, Leeds 54 guides écrits

With a handyman-father, I grew up with the soft sound of the sander and hammer on weekends.

I am both manual and cerebral (yes, it is possible.), I learned the basics of DIY and the customization of furniture because I was passionate. The salvage mentality is a true way of life that allowed me to know how to use all the tools and products needed to give something a second life, from sander to varnish.

I have two favorite activities: the transformation of old furniture and decoration tips. I am always ready to lend a helping hand to revamp a table or to restore a mirror that was intended for the trash that will become a friend’s centerpiece.

I’m convinced that it’s possible to reinvent an interior by small, regular modifications, I constantly research low-cost, test ideas.