Backyard Swingsets

[WetBehindTheEars]

I am considering a swingset. My how things have changed...and prices.

Rainbow and Cederworks are the two brands that have been recommended.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these brands?

Also, my kids consist of two older boys aged 6 and 4 and then two newborn boy/girl twins. The sets that will appeal to my oldest will probably be too big for several years for the youngest. Have any of you addressed this already?

We are trying to make staying at home appealing for the older kids. The pool is only an option when they have an adult that can give them undivided attention.

Thanks.

 

[zea3]

If you look at those companies online, they have pieces that are suitable for toddlers that you could add on, since they likely won't be using the equipment until next summer. You can use heavy duty carbinor hooks and swap out a big swing for a toddler swing as needed. A covered sandbox is always a big hit.

 

[dmanb2b]

I have a rainbow system...4 yrs old a coat of stain and will likely go another 5+ years, our kids love it. Kids are now 9 yr old twins, 6yr old and 3 yr old...I'll snap a pic of ours if I can...expensive, yes...sturdy, you bet .

 

[dmanb2b]

here ya go...forgot to mention also...I would not hesitate scouring craigslist or e-bay for a used Rainbow....a little elbow grease and they keep looking pretty new. Please do excuse mine as the pics were taken today and you are seeing the effect of 4 upstate NY winters on it

 

[WetBehindTheEars]

Thanks for the pics and the info. Did you get to choose type of wood?

 

[dmanb2b]

Nope...the A frame and 4x6 crossbeam are redwood, the rest is a mix of cedar and redwood.

 

[mart242]

Not sure about the US but Costco in Canada sells a cheaper version of the Rainbow (sunray I think?), made by the same company but for the DIY type of people. Not as sturdy as the rainbow one but cheaper..

 

[mamasproject]

Just my opinion...Rainbow is worth every penny! We bought ours in 1999 and is still in good shape. My advice is go bigger...kids grow and so do their friends! Our set has had many hours of outdoor enjoyment! You will have to stain it every 3 years or so...no big deal!

 

[Big L]

I bought the Skyfort from Sams and couldnt be happier.Did a lot of review reading and this one stood out

 

[zea3]

As far as the kids outgrowing it...my 6ft tall 17 yr old still loves to swing on his aunt's swingset when we go visit. As the boys get older they will tend to hold daredevil competitions to impress each other with how stupidly they can injure themselves.

 

[Nightmare]

We have a Gorilla Playset (http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/)

I tried to oder it from Wal*, but they claim it was damged in transit. The replacement was also "damaged in transit". I think they were just confused by the packaging (they use broken or left over boards to protect the boxes). I think Wal* thought the external boards were part of the kit. Anyway... After a month of that I said screw Wal* and I ordered direct from Gorilla.

My playset has been setup for about 18-20 months. It still looks pretty good. One thing I like about this set is the main posts are wrapped in plastic. I saw a set somewhere (Lowes, HD or Costco) that had just about every piece of wood wrapped in plastic. I don't know what that will mean long term, but I assume it will last longer.

Think about a Sail Shade too. I got this one from these guys (http://www.catalogclearance.com/product ... sails.html). Check out the Bargain Basement, they sell returns for $30 off and one of my "returns" was unopened (the other one was just like new).

The Castle in the Background is from these guys (http://www.lilliputplayhomes.com/). But they are $$$$$$$$$$$$$. I found mine on Craigslist for $800. It needed to be completely sanded and painted. I still need to finish the doors and trim.

 

[carlscan26]

I'm in the same hunt right now.

Check out these guys: http://www.kidscreations.com/ and also these guys: http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/

My reqs after researching this are: cedar or redwood, 5 foot deck height (some are lower), wooden roof (nothing wrong with the sail roofs just a preference), freestanding - i.e. no stakes needed.

I'm trolling craig's list but may pull the trigger on a new one too

 

[Nightmare]

One other quick item. My swingset was "Free Standing", but after I added the sail shade I decided to anchor the legs of the swing set A-Frame. It is WAY more stable with the swing set legs strapped to an 18"x18"x18" block of concrete.