For the Childers family, a new play area will be a nice addition to their spacious -- but bare -- back yard. Materials: Swingset kit, including hardware
Landscape timbers
Nails and hammer or nailgun
Drill
Rebar
Sledgehammer
Landscaping fabric
Sand
Pine bark
- The swingset kit in this example includes hardware, brackets, swings, rings, a climbing rope and slide. Begin by using landscape timbers to create a perimeter around the new play area. Stack the timbers three-high (figure A) all the way around -- except where the sandbox area is planned (the sandbox will be five timbers high).
- Stagger the timbers so that the joint of one layer doesn't match up with the joint of the preceeding layer (which will weaken the structure). Nail the three-high timbers together, then continue the layering process into the sandbox.
- When all the timbers are nailed together in place, drill holes for the rebar (figure B). Use a large sledgehammer to pound the rebar through the holes and into the ground (figure C) until flush with the tops of the timbers. The rebar should be installed every two feet to provide added stability to the structure.
- Staple landscaping fabric to the ground over the entire play area to prevent weed growth.
- Add sand to the box.
- Assemble the play set according to manufacturer's directions. In this example, the play set consists of three A-frames that support a 4 x 4 ridge beam. Brackets included in the kit are used to hold everything together.
- Drill holes through the ridge beam and run lag screws with hooks through the holes. Attach swings, ropes and rings to the hooks.
- Secure slide platform to the cross beams of the two A-frames. Attach 2 x 4s to A-frames to create steps.
- Secure slide to platform.
- Add a 9" deep base of pine bark to cushion the play area.
RESOURCES :
One-Stop Remodeling
One-Stop Remodeling
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: 912-925-7867
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