A spacious backyard is one of the best things to look for if you are currently house-hunting.
With a large backyard, you can have a fun and comfortable outdoor space which you can use for various purposes: as an al fresco dining area, an additional entertainment or leisure space, open-air kitchen, etc. If you plan your backyard design properly, you can even set up a private play area for your kids.
By having one of the best backyard playsets right in your property, you will enable your children to get the exercise they need every day. You will easily encourage them to go out and play – an activity that will have positive effects on their physical and mental health and development.
Investing in the Right Play Equipment for Your Backyard
Since backyard playsets come in different types, designs, and sizes, you may encounter some difficulties choosing the right one to install in your property. To be sure you will buy the best one for your backyard and for your children’s use, here are some tips to follow as you go shopping for your new play equipment:
1. Find the perfect spot for the playset first
Before you start shopping online or visiting different toy stores, inspect your backyard and choose the ideal area to set up the play equipment.
The area for the playset should not only be spacious enough to accommodate the equipment but also the children while they play. In addition, consider the following:
- The area should be away from windows and low overhead obstructions such as tree branches or electrical wires.
- Make sure the area you choose for the playset has a flat surface.
- You should have an unobstructed view of the play area from a window in your home so you can oversee the kids playing.
2. Consider the climate in your area
Playsets are usually made with metal, PVC, wood or a combination of two or three of these materials. When choosing which type of material is best, consider the climate and the usual types of weather that will affect the play equipment.
For instance, if you live in an area that frequently experiences wet and cold climates, it is best to get a metal playset since the rain and moisture will have negative effects on wood.
Most metal playsets are also treated with a powder-coated finish to prevent rusting and heat retention. Because of this, the equipment will pose fewer hazards to your kids and the finish will help preserve the good quality of the playset for many years.
However, if you live near the beach or ocean, it would be best to buy a wooden playset. This is because the parts of a metal playset are more prone to rusting when it is frequently exposed to salt water or salty air.
3. Choose a classic design
Although a lot of modern outdoor play equipment look more fun since they have additional features such as rock-climbing walls or obstacle courses, it is best to stick to the classics. This means getting a playset that has slides, swings, monkey bars, a rope ladder, and the other usual attachments or features.
By doing so, you will save money since bigger and complex modern playsets are more expensive. In addition, your kids will have fun even with a traditional playset; they will love spending hours on this equipment even if it only has the basic features.
4. Consider your kids’ ages and requests
When buying a playset, make sure you factor in your children’s ages. If your kids are still toddlers or below five years old, you will need to buy a playset or accessories that are lower than five feet in height.
In addition, it is best to talk to your kids before you purchase the play equipment. You will be buying this for them so take the time to find out what they want from this backyard feature.
Ask them if they want the playset to have some additional features or accessories such as a net swing, rotating seesaw, periscope, pirate steering wheel, etc. These accessories will go a long way in keeping your kids entertained for hours.
5. Think about your play area flooring
Lastly, your choice of ground covering will help keep your child safe and free from injuries whenever they are out on the playset.
Sand and rubber pavers are the most popular playset surfaces. They are excellent shock-absorbers, soft, easy to maintain, and affordable.
These two options work well with most types of outdoor space designs so you can choose the best one that will complement your backyard.
Lastly, before purchasing the play equipment, read about some product reviews online. Make sure you choose a brand that has good quality playsets, offers excellent customer service, and ease of returns or obtaining replacement parts. By doing so, you will be certain that you will have a playset that is easy to install, maintain, and will give your kids years of healthy and safe fun.
AUTHOR BIO
Michael Davies is the Senior Account Manager at Sandleford, a trusted supplier of letterboxes and home security products and solutions in Australia. The company’s Swing Slide Climb range has grown and grown over the past 4 years, and together with Bunnings Australia, it has become one of the most exciting and innovative suppliers and developers of children’s play equipment in the Australian market.