The following are the guidelines we recommend to our customers for our playsets. Although these guidelines should work for most wooden playsets it is possible that another manufacturers guidelines may vary from ours. Be sure to read your manufacturers instructions before using our playset guidelines.

Before you begin your playset assembly it is important that you have selected and prepared the site.

You should select an area that is relatively level (within 6-8" of grade) and is free from debris (leaves, burried stumps etc). It is also important that you select an area which can be seen from the house and more specifically the room(s) you would most commonly be in while the children are playing in the event you can't be outside.
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Next, using the instructions provided with your playset kit to determine the size, outline the area with some string.

If your instructions recommend a "buffer" zone follow the instructions. If the instructions simply show the dimensions of the playset it is a good idea to add 14' to both the width and length to provide adequate space should a child take a tumble while swinging.

Once you have mapped out the area you need to determine what type of ground cover you will use.

The following are our recomendations in order from best to least desirable.

* Shredded Rubber (AKA Rubber mulch) - Rubber mulch comes in a variety of "grades". The product used for play areas must be free from wire/steel which is common in rubber mulch used in landscaping.This option is by far the most expensive.
* Pea Stone - Many people balk at the idea of placing stones under a playset however pea stone is very forgiving due to it's round shape. It is also relatively inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors. Note: Be sure to use 3/8" stone or smaller. Do not use Pea Gravel which is more course and compacts quickly.
* Bark Mulch - Bark mulch can also be used however it deteriorates rapidly and does not rebound from compaction quickly enough. If you opt for bark mulch use Red Cedar mulch due to it's rot and insect resistent nature. Shredded or double shredded mulch works the best.
* Grass - If you don't like any of the preceding options then simply leave the grass (assunming there is grass).
* Play Sand - Sand is really not a good play area surface. It will find it's way into your childs clothes, hair, ears etc. and will stay wet up to several days after it rains. Oh yeah. Neighborhood cats love it.


So you've mapped out the area, selected the ground cover and are ready to get to work.

Grab a spade shovel and begin removing the grass and soil from the lowest area of the site. You want to dig down about 9 inches. 12 inches if you're going to be suing sand as the base. At this point you need to work your way around the peremiter. Once you reach the high spot of the site you will need to dig down deeper in order to create a level area.

Finish removing the grass until the area is clear.

We recommend that you erect the playset in the center of the cleared area. Leave off any ground support boards (those which stabilize the playset by running across the surface). If your playset has a slide it should also be left off for now.By erecting the playset before backfilling it will be more stable upon completion. Note: Some playsets should be installed after the area is backfilled. Read the manufacturers instructions before erecting.

Once the playset is installed backfill the area and install the ground supports that were previously left off. Next install the slide.

Check the playset to be sure that you tightened all bolts and components and adjust the swing heights appropriately.