+- MacResource (https://forums.macresource.com)
+-- Forum: My Category (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Tips and Deals (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Thread: Anyone build a wooden play structure? (/showthread.php?tid=54632)
Pages:
1
2
Anyone build a wooden play structure? - spacescape - 05-10-2008
I'm on a mission to try and budget a small outdoor jungle gym for my 3 year old and 5 month old (not that he can use it yet). Went looking at a couple of USED structures tonight and they are pretty old and beat up and just not worth the effort to move. Still plan on looking but also looking at just building one from scratch and looking for advice. In all honesty, I don't have tons of room and probably will only be able to build a two tier structure w/ a canopy (with the sandbox underneath if we choose). We'd probably want a slide and a climbing wall (rock wall). Home Depot had some kits that you "JUST ADD WOOD" which we all know is the expensive part.
http://www.swing-n-slide.com/timberbilt/
Anyone know where I could buy plans or a simple kit for just making the two tier structure tower? Anyone have any advice? My dad says "don't do it" but we would like something for the boys to do when we are busy getting dinner ready and can't take them to the park.
This is really what we want w/o the sing or the spiral slide... Almost seems as if I could build this from scratch.
http://www.swing-n-slide.com/timberbilt/playsets_crestwoodII.htm
Thanks.
Bill
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - lafinfil - 05-10-2008
I've built a couple of them but it's been a few years
They are not hard to build if you have very basic skills -
- can measure and cut wood
- can use a framing square
- can use a level
- can drive a nail, drill a hole, use a wrench to tighten a bolt
I don't know that you really need "plans" per say - just need a plan
Look at the one you like and get rough measurements and from there you can figure out a materials list.
Use galvanized or stainless steel fasteners and treated lumber
Use a belt sander to knock off the sharp edges that will be splinters if you don't
Start small - tower / slide / sandbox base. You can always add the swing set arm later.
The "just add lumber" kits might be a deal if you need all the related stuff (swings , slide, etc ...)
Price it out separate to be sure you aren't buying stuff you will not use.
Treated wood looks pretty good if you stain it the second year
The one's that we built lasted 15+ years with a little maintenance every few years.
added -
> I don't have tons of room
If you have swings you will need some "runway" area
The tire swing is a good option (don't use real tire) because it is not a "jump from" swing
* Full disclosure - I started Mr Big Stuff on his road to ruin giving him a basic materials list
and pointed to basic plans for his shed. We haven't heard from him in awhile !
: -)
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - cbelt3 - 05-10-2008
As above. The big box store models are all some odd Chinese quasi-cedar. Not as strong as good old USA Pine.
Just please be careful if you design your own to avoid building in trap/choke points. Check the safety web pages for information about that.
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - M>B> - 05-10-2008
I would be very cautious in using pressure treated wood in a child's play area...
See the warning here...
http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/reregistration/cca/
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - Rain - 05-10-2008
yea, lowes had it- built ours 2 years ago.
still standing..HAHAH
If the box says 2 adults can build it in 8 hours.. DOUBLE THAT!
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - spacescape - 05-10-2008
Thanks for the info to the three of you. lafinfil, thanks for all the detail. Might head over to Lowe's or Costco today or tomorrow just to see if there is anything that might suit what I need. If I build the structure I will be using all store bought tire swings, slides or rock climbing walls and copying their design so there shouldn't be any chocking hazards. But, I will take that in consideration.
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - spacescape - 05-10-2008
This is pretty much what I want w/ a plastic slide and a climbing wall.
http://www.u-bild.com/projects-childrens/839.htm
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - OWC Jamie - 05-10-2008
I've made my own and put together (and helped put together) some purchased sets.
The purchased sets often have some well hought out construction detals - little things like round head bolt facing out rather than in, etc.
metal slides get hot.
cats consider sand boxes litter boxes. If you make a cover make sure a two year old can't get trapped or hurt by themselves. (sliding off rather than hinging up is a design change I made after a booboo finger) (no damage, not heavy, just tears)
I don't think you're gonna find CCA treated wood anywhere any more (new).
But some of those old used heavy ones you looked at may have been CCA.
swing sets get boring fairly quick, so a club-house of some sort can be a good idea.
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - ajakeski - 05-10-2008
I built my own out of cedar. I'm leary of having kids spend that much time in contact with treated wood. Plus cedar looks better and is a better quality wood than what used for treated lumber.
Old method:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news03/wood.html
New method:
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/how-to/articles/new-pressure-treated-wood-decks.aspx
Re: Anyone build a wooden play structure? - lafinfil - 05-10-2008
Those warnings are for the old CCA treated lumber which I haven't seen for years
All the current stuff I have seen is AC2 which is copper treated and contains no arsenic (or old lace)
Also the sets we built were stained with reapplication every couple of years
Another note re round headed bolts (aka carriage bolts)
On our sets we drilled out the back side where the nut went with a 3/4" spade bit and set the
nut down inside the pockets - below the surface.
Some kits just give you a plastic cover for a too long bolt - bad design