Wooden Playset

Have you checked Costco? We bought our swingset and playhut (with wooden roof) there a few years back and the kids love it. It is very sturdy and not an eyesore! Somewhere around 1000, when the Rainbow ones are near 3000! We bought the higher level membership at Costco that year since we also bought a table and chairs for our deck and then got the cash back at the end of the year. Not a bad deal at all. Not sure what everyone means about toxic playsets? But I love this one.

Great Question, I am in the exact same situation, waited for the house, kids are the same age (one boy one girl), want something sturdy, but not horribly expensive. I haven't researched at all though, hubby has thoughts of building one himself (yikes)
I'll be interested to see what advice you get, I usualy don't mind used, but i can't believe i would find a used swingset that would be safe, so i'm not sure about that one.
I would imagine that the best time to buy one new would be july, i doubt you could find one now, but like i said i haven't checked.
Would lowes or some other big box store have nice ones? what about hiring a contractor? hmmmm maybe i'll do some research.

When we bought our home, before kids, there already was a jungle gym here, but no swing set. We have lived in our home for almost 15 years, and the set was around for a number of years before that. We strip and refinish it every time we strip and refinish our deck, and that has helped keep the set in good condition.

We also bought a swing set, about 11 years ago. It is just swings, since we had the separate jungle gym. We also strip and refinish every 2 years or so, when we do the deck and jungle gym, to keep it in good condition. It has 4 swing "bays" on it.

We looked at a lot of different sets at the time. Our neighbors had bought from a place in Quakertown, which is not near us, but we went out there one day and bought from there as well. (I don't remember the name of the place.) The prices were better than from a lot of other places., and they delivered promptly. When we have had to replace swings over the years, and when we have wanted to add things to the jungle gym (steering wheel, telescope, etc.), we've gone to Creative Playthings for those accessories.

We also bought a huge plastic playset, Little Tykes, used, and my youngest in particular got a lot of use out of it. A few years ago we sold it, but we still have the wooden playsets, which still get used from time to time by our 10 year old and his friends.

Have fun!

Good luck!

Rene,

We got ours from Costco as well! Our 6 year old and 2 2 year olds love it! I believe it has everything you're looking for - toned down colors (yellow and green), a wood roof, sturdy construction. As for it being non-toxic - the wood is treated, but as long as our guys don't chew on it, I think they're ok :) Write back if you have more questions about it, ok?

Good luck!
A.

If you are buying a wooden swing set plus, remember that the better ones come in units -- you can buy part, then buy more. If you live in the North East, I am thinking, "snow", and that the swingset won't get much use in the winter. On the other hand, you might be able to buy something on sale this fall -- but you might also want to see the lay of your land in the spring when the snow melts and were the puddles and wet spots are before you select the spot for your wood -- all wood rots over time, but if it's in a drier spot most of the year, it will rot more slowly. :-) We looked when our girls were little and settled for something more affordable than fancy -- the wood wasn't quite so wide as the wood on the ones I really liked, etc., but in retrospect, I'm glad we bought what we bought . . the girls are now 16 and 14 and it doesn't get used unless they want to sit outside somewhere. . . We also have a blue canvas-type cover over the top of the slide. It has been out in the yard for 11 years+, and it remains a bright blue. If it did fade, you'd never know it. I had planned to bring the cover in during the winters, but we forgot the first winter, and it's sat out there ever since. No problems.

I mostly recommend that you find what you like, and buy it in sections. Don't go whole hog because if you buy the core unit one year, then add to it the next, it will be more exicitng to the kids than if you buy it all at once. It will also save you money, because you will be able to save for each piece instead of putting part of it on credit.

Remember that no matter how nice the house is, when you move it, Murphy's Law takes over and something will break and cost you money. Houses need constant maintenance. So plan to have a reserve in the bank so you can handle those "inconveniences" without undue stress. :-)

Congrats on your house !! This is really exciting !!!

Hi Rene', This is the wrong time of year to be looking for swing-sets which may be why you are having such a hard time finding what you are looking for. Many home improvement stores carry wooden sets that you can pick the options you want and create a set that meets your needs and desires. Look at Lowes and Home Depot in early spring or even right after Christmas. Best wishes.

We're looking into KidsCreations.com ourselves. Reasons we're considering them...They have a reputation for being easy to put together. / Hard wood, doesn't need stained. / Holds adult weight. / Will help with uneven areas (like longer supports on one side). / Able to customize. / You can also get a wood roof.

Hi, Rene!
We were looking at CedarWorks quite a bit for playsets. They are probably some of (if not THE) best-built playsets around. They're made in Maine using Northern White Cedar, which is left totally unfinished, so you NEVER have to stain it, it rarely splinters and it is 100% toxin-free!!!!!!

Their playsets are usually very, very pricey, but they now have a new line that's much more economical! The link to those is: http://www.cedarworks.com/swingsets/playaround
They're even having a 10% off sale right now.

I talked to some one named Carina there & she was amazingly helpful! Very informative & creative and quick to respond to emails!!! Loved her!

I think that you can also get them through Sams Club.com (the CedarWorks Play-A-Rounds)

Good luck!
A. Patterson

I also searched and searched for a wooden swing set for my 3 girls. I wound up buying one from BJ's. It was a model that was 2 years old so it on sale. It was about $700. My girls love it. I have been super pleased with it. Have had it for almost 2 years and have not had a single problem with it. Good luck finding one.

Hi Rene. Not sure where you are located, but Ricks Sheds in Aston is a popular place to get swing sets (around here at least). http://www.rickssheds.com/philadelphia-gazebos-sheds-furn...

Best of luck! I'm actually on a hunt myself as we are moving in Feb and I'd like something this summer for my daughter (she'll be 1 in Feb).

I would wait till the spring and then buy one. See how and where you want to put it at your new house.
good luck T.

Dear Rene' -

We got our wooden playset from Sam's Club. It is really nice - and it is very sturdy. The roof is I think a thick plastic. We are very happy with - worth every cent! You can go on samsclub.com to check them out I think. They usually have them set up in the stores too. Good luck! I'm sure whatever you get your girls will LOVE it! Oh and the only color on it is the roof and slide are green - the rest is wood.

L.

We have a rainbow that we bought off of e-bay locally for $300. Shop used!