| For first time parents choosing a swing set or | | | | sealing. |
| outdoor play equipment can be a daunting task. | | | | Pine- look for 100% chemical free lumber. Pine |
| There are so many different materials to choose | | | | need to be treated annually to maintain its |
| from and prices can vary from around a hundred | | | | resistance to the elements. |
| dollars up to a couple of thousand for a larger | | | | Metal- if you are going with a simple steel swing |
| solid timber unit. Outdoor swing sets can be as | | | | set look for heavy duty galvanised steel with a |
| simple as an individual swing right up to a swing, | | | | lifetime guarantee against rust. Metal swings are |
| slide, ropes and bars along with sandpit, cubby or | | | | hard wearing but not as visually appealing as their |
| fort.Before you make any firm decisions there | | | | timber counterparts.5. Hidden Extras- |
| are a couple of main considerations...1. Consult with | | | | Delivery and Installation- check if the set is |
| your Kids- | | | | delivered and installed by an installation crew or |
| They will ultimately be using the equipment so it | | | | left at your doorstep for you to set up. |
| is important to purchase something that suits their | | | | Warranty- does the company offer a lifetime |
| needs, now and in the future.2. Your Yard- | | | | warranty? Some outdoor sets (cedar and |
| The size of your backyard may determine the | | | | redwood) are a once only purchase, whereas |
| type of playground equipment you choose. As | | | | others have a much shorter lifespan. If plastic |
| well as the size of the unit itself, your play | | | | units are left out in the elements they will |
| equipment needs safe a circulation area around it. | | | | deteriorate much faster than if they can be |
| For toddlers you may prefer a smaller swing set | | | | stored out of the sun and rain when not in use. |
| that can moved between indoor and outdoors.3. | | | | Inspection- you can do plenty of browsing online |
| Budget- | | | | but may prefer to inspect the set first. By taking |
| Outdoor play equipment and swing sets are an | | | | your kids to 'try before you buy' you will feel |
| investment in your kids, they will potentially get | | | | much more comfortable with your purchase. For |
| many hours of enjoyment and play. There is a | | | | the complete version of this article go to Outdoor |
| vast difference in price and durability for different | | | | Play Equipment- Making an Informed Choice |
| materials, see below for pros and cons. Larger | | | | Part II of our feature on swing sets and outdoor |
| sets are generally built to last and often require | | | | play equipment looks at playground safety, a |
| delivery and installation, so you may need to | | | | very important consideration for parents. |
| factor this into your budget.4. Materials and | | | | Playground accidents are one of the leading |
| Durability- | | | | causes for injury to children, so selecting the |
| Plastic- These sets are generally only suitable for | | | | equipment that is age appropriate is all important. |
| toddlers, they are affordable and can often be | | | | Read on...The place to go for all your games |
| swapped between indoors and outdoors. | | | | needs for 0-8 year olds is Kids Fun and Games. |
| Cedar and Redwood- the preferred choice for | | | | Educational baby and toddler games, party games, |
| long lasting playground equipment. These two | | | | crafts, indoor and outdoor games, festivals and a |
| woods are low-maintenance because they | | | | new buyers guide for child toys and equipment. |
| naturally resist rot and insects, and don't require | | | | |