When it comes to backyard playgrounds, there are a lot of pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. On the one hand, having a playground in your backyard can provide hours of entertainment for your children – on the other hand, they can be pretty expensive and time-consuming to maintain. In this article, we will take a look at some of the key pros and cons of backyard playgrounds so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not purchasing one is suitable for your family.
What Are Backyard Playgrounds, and What Are the Benefits of Having Them
Growing up, it was always really cool when a friend had a backyard playground at their house. So let’s talk about backyard playgrounds and what they are. Backyard playgrounds are essentially giant jungle gyms installed at home in your backyard.
They are usually made of metal and plastic but can also be made from wood. Some are very small, just one slide and a few ladders or monkey bars, while others are massive with many different play areas. Some even include bridges and towers.
The Benefits of Having a Backyard Playground are:
- Entertainment for Children: The number one benefit of having a backyard playground is entertaining your children for hours on end. With a playground in your backyard, they will have a place to play without having to leave home and go to a park. Having it in your backyard is great if you are too busy to drive your kids around town all the time.
- It can be a place for parents to relax while home: Let’s face it, when our kids are playing in the backyard, sometimes we can get a little bit of peace. It’s a good place for them to burn off some energy, and it’s also a safe space for you to relax.
- In my experience, another benefit of backyard playgrounds is that the children are more apt to want to go outside and play. And, as we all know, playing in the fresh air is great for getting their hearts pumping and their brains engaged.
To summarize, the pros of having a backyard playground are:
- Entertainment for children
- Parents can relax while home
- Children are more likely to want to go outside and play.
Having a playground in your backyard does have lots of unique benefits.
Is a Backyard Playset a Good Investment?
When spending hundreds or potentially thousands of dollars on a backyard playground, you may want to consider how good of an investment it will be. There are a few things to think about when deciding if purchasing a backyard playground is the right decision for you and your family.
First, you’ll want to consider how much use the playground set will get. If you are someone who spends a lot of time outside, or if your yard is big enough for multiple children to play at once, then a backyard playground is likely a good investment. On the other hand, if you are not outdoors often or your yard is tiny, a backyard playground may not get as much use and be less worth the investment.
Second, you’ll want to think about how often you need to maintain the playground. For example, wooden sets must be stained and sealed every few years, whereas metal or plastic sets may only require a quick hose down a few times each year. Consider how often you are willing to put in the time and energy to maintain your playground set and think about buying one.
Finally, are you willing to deal with injuries? Having a backyard playground set can mean more accidents and cuts than playing on the floor of your living room. Although children getting injured on playgrounds is a less spoken-about issue, kids do hurt themselves on playgrounds, even if they are safe. However, if you are willing to clean up more scrapes and deal with a few more crying kids than usual (although hopefully not!), then a backyard playground set might be suitable for you.
All in all, are backyard playground sets worth it? It depends on your family and your needs. If you are willing to put in a little bit of work to maintain the set, have enough space for it, and are prepared for a few more injuries, then a backyard playground is likely a good investment for your family.
How Long Do Outdoor Playgrounds Last?
With modern technology like synthetic materials and composite plastics, playgrounds are built to last for many years. The lifespan of modern playgrounds is around 15-20 years, with some lasting even longer than 20 years.
You can still find more traditional materials, though wood and steel are still used but are not as common. These materials are much cheaper to make but are less durable and more prone to rot and rust. These materials are usually used over composite plastic or synthetic material because they are more affordable.
You may have seen backyard playgrounds that are over 30 years old in your neighborhood and are still being used. These are usually made of metal or wood and are older models built to last a long time. Unfortunately, these models will require more maintenance like staining or painting to prevent rot and rust.
The Different Types of Backyard Playground Sets Available
There are a few different types available on the market when it comes to backyard playground sets. However, the most common are metal swing sets, wooden swing sets, and plastic swing sets.
Metal swing sets are sturdy, durable, and made from galvanized steel with a powder coat finish to protect them from the elements. They are built to last for years and are backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame. Metal swing sets are available in several different styles with many options, such as other types of swings, slides, and accessories to choose from.
Wooden swing sets are also durable are made from quality materials using pressure-treated lumber. A lifetime warranty on the frame also backs them. Wooden swing sets are available in many different styles but do not have as many options as metal swing sets.
Plastic swing sets are made to last for years and are available in a few different styles but are not nearly as durable and are not backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame. Plastic sets also tend to not last as long because of the sun’s UV rays that can cause the plastic to break down over time.
When it comes to backyard playground sets, there are three main types available: metal, wooden, and plastic. Metal swing sets are the most durable and are backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame. Wooden swing sets are also stable and are made from pressure-treated lumber. Plastic swing sets are not as durable as the other two types, but they are available in various styles. However, plastic sets do not have a lifetime warranty like metal, and wooden sets do.
How to Maintain a Backyard Playground Set
Regular maintenance is critical if you’re looking to protect your investment and ensure your children have somewhere safe to play. Here are some tips for how to properly maintain your backyard playground set:
- Inspect the equipment regularly for wear and tear, and make sure to repair it right away.
- Check the equipment for any visible wear or damage, including rust spots, missing screws or bolts, and tears in the fabric.
- Please make sure all hardware is tight, so there’s no chance of anything coming loose and injuring a child while they’re playing on top of it.
- Use a mild soap and water solution to clean off any dirt or grime accumulated overtime on the plastic parts of your equipment.
- Dry the equipment off entirely after cleaning to prevent any mold or mildew from growing.
- Lastly, ensure all moving parts are adequately lubricated with a silicone spray.
If you consider purchasing a backyard playground, you’ll want to make sure that it is worth the investment. Use these tips to help keep your children safe and happy in their own backyard.
If you are unsure if a backyard playground is worth the investment, talk it over with your kids and your partner. It can be a lot of work to maintain.
Conclusion
When it comes to backyard playground sets, there are three main types available: metal, wooden, and plastic. Metal swing sets are the most durable and are backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame. Wooden swing sets are also stable and are made from pressure-treated lumber. Plastic swing sets are not as durable as the other two types, but they are available in various styles. However, plastic sets do not have a lifetime warranty like metal, and wooden sets do.
Regular maintenance is vital if you’re looking to protect your investment and ensure your children have somewhere safe to play.