How to Shop for Outdoor Playground Equipment Smartly

Playing outdoor is not only fun for kids but it also promotes physical fitness. When kids play, they are learning movement control, which will develop their motor and balancing skills. Simultaneously, kids are building stronger muscles, improving their bone density and boosting heart and lung function.

With this, it is crucial that you take your kids to the playground. You can encourage outdoor play if you consider replicating outdoor playground equipment in your yard. If you decide to replicate the playground experience in your yard, it is important that you know how to choose the right one.

Here’s how to shop smartly:

Think about the future

There are many play sets available – some are cheap, some are expensive. When it comes to deciding, be sure to buy a play set that will suit your child’s needs in the future. This means you have to consider how he/she will grow and change over the next few years. Simply put, buy something that he/she will be able to use for a long time.

Conduct playground audit

Before you start looking for outdoor playground equipment for sale, it is imperative that you conduct playground audit. In the audit, you should look into the size of the play space, the number of children who will be using the playground, the ages of the children and if there are any special needs to be considered when selecting equipment.

Choose the classics

You should understand that children like traditional things. In fact, they will be happy with the classics like swings, gliders, and jumps. Instead of buying rock-climbing walls and other fads, it is better to stick to the basics or classics because they will be just as happy and entertained.

Set the budget

The equipment is only a part of your budget. When you set a budget, you should also consider the condition of your playground space not to mention professional installation and other associated costs. If budget is an issue, there is no reason to back out now. The prudent thing to do is to consider completing the project in phases.

Get a wood

When you set the budget, you should consider one factor – the material of the play set. Experts suggest that you get good wood. If you choose wood, you should invest in cedar or redwood instead of pine, fir or spruce. The good thing about cedar and redwood is they do not have chemicals added, which makes it safer for children. Cedar and redwood also resist rot or damage and hold up better over time. Cedar is more affordable compared to redwood though.

Know the numbers

You should also be aware of the numbers. If you choose wood, the average lifespan of a properly maintained play set is 7-10 years. You should also know the ground cover needed to protect your child in case of a fall, which is 6-12 inches of depth. Moreover, the ground coverage that it should extend beyond the edges of the equipment is 6 feet.

After installing, you should think about the safety and maintenance of the play set. The key here is to inspect the play set regularly.