A playset can be a major purchase. Selecting the right one is like buying a new car. There are all kinds of gadgets and add ons some of which seem ridiculously expensive and others just plain useless.

The following is an objective "buyers guide" which will help you in selecting the swingset that best suits your childrens needs and your wallet. The information comes from our combined 30 years designing and retailing several brands of playsets from the absolute top of the line to the most basic do it yourself kits. Go to the park. Different children like different things. If you're not sure which components you're child or children enjoy the most take them to the park and simply observe.

Since some playset designs cater more towards climbing apparatus and others towards forts or swings it's a good idea to know what you're looking for before you begin to shop. This will save you both time and money.
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Choose the swingset placement

Playsets come in a variety of sizes. You may fall in love with a model that simply won't fit in your yard. "I've gotten to a customers house and had to turn around and go back to the shop because the customers area was way too small for the set they selected." says Tom Doherty, a playset installation specialist. "The customers will even get upset with us for not being able to install it." He adds. Take the time to review playset catalogs and brochures taking into consideration playset dimensions including "buffer zones".
Designs, Good & Bad.

Playset manufacturers typically follow industry guidelines in terms of safety when designing their sets. Although this is true for MOST it is not uncommon to see playsets with serious design flaws.The following is a list of reasons NOT to purchase a particular model:
Have openings less than 3 1/2" or greater than 9"

Openings that are between 3' 1/2" and 9" present a head entrapment hazard . Potential Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards - Open "S" hooks, especially on swings, and any protrusions or equipment component/hardware which may act as hooks or catch-points can entangle with children's clothing and cause strangulation incidents. Close "S" hooks as tightly as possible and eliminate protrusions or catch-points on playground equipment.
Pinch or Crush Points

There should be no exposed moving parts which may present a pinching or crushing hazard.

Although not as serious as the examples above there are other design quirks which are frowned upon but still regularly used by playset manufacturers.
Swings and Components Hanging from the Monkey Bars

This can cause entanglement when one child is crossing the monkey bars while another is swinging. The manufcturer may recommend that you remove the swings while a child is using the monkey bars however this greatly limits the number of children who can simultaneously enjoy the playset. Monkey bars leading no where. Children begin climbing across the monkey bars only to discover there is no entrance to the fort nor is there a ladder to climb down. This was very common a few years back however many manufcturers have re thought this obvious design flaw and made improvements.
Metal Sides

Again common a few years ago most manufacturers have switched to plastic slides with UV inhibitors. If you really love a set yet it is equipped with a metal slide purchase it without the slide and buy the slide seperately.
Which Wood is the Best?

There is a broad range of woods used in the construction of playsets. The following is a list of the most common starting with the best and ending with the least desirable.
Redwood

Redwood in our opinion is the best wood for use in playset construction. It is strong, naturally weathers well and resists rot. The only thing to watch out for are excessive knots. Some manufacturers will use a low end redwood to save money. Knots, depending on their location can weaken the wood.
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Nice ;)
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Not so nice :(

Red Cedar/Northern White Cedar/Yellow Cedar
Although it is naturally rot and insect resistant todays western red cedar is not as dense as Redwood. This may cause bolts and screws to need re tightening frequently. Yellow Cedar is strong however not as readily available. Northern White Cedar is also a good alternative providing it is of high grade.
Non CCA Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine

Although many playsets present in peoples yards are made using what is commonly referred to as "pressure treated lumber" the industry has voluntarily decided to move away from pressure treated woods using CCA (chromated copper arsenic). This decision was made even though there is no evidence that "pressure treated" wood presents any health risks. Quote from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): "Although the Agency has not concluded that there is unreasonable risk to the public from these products, we do believe that any reduction in exposure to arsenic is desirable." This change will take effect December 31, 2003.
Other Pressure Treated Woods

During the past year we have seen and worked with woods containing a variety of new pressure treatments. Some of these have been awful and others ok. The best that we have seen is a product called "Ultrawood". Another popular product is "ACQ". No matter which type of alternative pressure treated lumber you select we recommend it is kiln dried to prevent warping and extreme checking (cracking).
Vinyl Covered Wood

Ok this is technically not wood however it is an emerging alternative to pressure treated lumber as well as a low maintenance alternative to wood construction.

Having seen our fair share of vinyl clad playsets from a variety of small and mid size manufacturers we have found a handful of sets we feel are well made and cost effective. Unfortunately there are only a few manufcturers of vinyl playsets so finding one of good quality may be a tough proposition.
Pine or Painted Pine

Several companies are still using a variety of pines in their playset construction. most are painting the wood in order to prevent almost immediate rot or insect infestation. Regardless of how the wood is finished the fact remains that if any part of the wood becomes exposed it will deteriorate rapidly.

There are several other types of woods and wood alternatives used in the manufacturing of playground equipment however we have listed the most common. Some other materials are: Teak and Mahogany which are both strong and weather well. Trex, Fiberon and other so called "plastic woods". These products are not structurally stron however they are good for non structural parts like playset decking and handrails.

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Do your research online
Search online for playset dealers in your area. Your best bet is to use the yellow pages found at major search engines such as MSN.com and Lycos.com. presently the best search within the Yellow pages is for "playground equipment".You are able to select the state so the results are relatively targeted. If you don't get many results online refer to your local yellow pages directory. Of course the advent of the internet has made searching for virtually anything easier. Many of the Yellow Page listing will have websites so you may do your research from the comfort of your home without waiting for catalogs to come in the mail.In many cases the prices will not be listed on the retailers websites.Once you have done your preliminary research call the retailers who do not have prices listed. Be sure to have the model number and they should be able to quote you a price over the phone.
Watch out for the "add-on" game.

While seeking out prices be careful of what we like to refer to as the "add on game". Many retailers will advertise grandiose playsets at what seem to be incredibly low prices. Once you get into the store however you find that the accessories pictured in the ad are not included with the playset.The most common "trick" is to not include such basic items as the slide, tent top, swings or other components. Even more often these "options" are severely overpriced to make up for the low swingset price.You soon find that the swingset is twice what you thought it was going to be.One way to avoid this borderline scam is to seek out the fine print. Often times somewhere in the advertisement there will be a small blurb that states "shown with optional accessories". If you see this find a different retailer.
Ask about warranties.

Quality manufacturers offer some type of warranty or guarantee. Granted they will in most cases be limited in scope they should still protect you against faulty parts which you will notice almost immediately after installation.
Swings and Accessories.

The included swings should ideally have Plastisol coating on the chains. Plastisol holds up very well and eliminates "pinch points". Another option is "soft grip" which is a very thick covering which makes it easier for children to grip the chains. This product is good yet plastisol is still the better option.
Tents and Canopies

If you are searching for a playset with a playdeck or fort be sure it has a tent top, canopy or roof. The children will undoubtedly be spending a great deal of time there so protection from the suns rays is important.
Ladders and monkey bars.

Playset ladders and monkey bars should have powder coated or plastisol coated rungs as opposed to wooden rungs which will deteriorate over time. There are so many manufacturers of playground equiptment, playsets and swingsets today that is is hard to list every possible benefit and drawback. Simply use your best judgement and ask questions.

Good luck with your playset purchase and remember SAFETY FIRST!