| You and your family have made the decision that it is | | | | not be part of the purchase price so you will need to |
| the right time to purchase a swing set. The time for | | | | find out. If you choose to install the swing set |
| research should begin and it can become an | | | | yourself the cost is your time and a long weekend. |
| overwhelming task. First, you need to research the | | | | Having an adult helper to assist with the assembly is |
| manufacturers that are producing these playsets. You | | | | a must and you will need common house hold tools. |
| should do a Yahoo or a Google search and you will | | | | If you do not want to build it yourself, research the |
| be amazed at what your search turns up! Not only | | | | price of hiring a contractor or playground installer. Ask |
| will you find a list of the brands available on the | | | | family and friends for a referral, check your yellow |
| market today you will also be able to visually see the | | | | page listings, or research handy man services in your |
| different models and sizes because they all show | | | | area. When hiring a contractor references are a must |
| photos. From lumber to metal, from small to large the | | | | so do your homework. |
| selection is vast on the internet. With all these | | | | Delivery Methods |
| choices how do you make a decision on which one is | | | | If you purchase from a local dealer you will need to |
| right for your children. This article will help you focus | | | | ask the question, "How much do you charge for |
| on some of the important points to take into | | | | delivery"? Do not assume that the price quoted in |
| consideration. | | | | the store includes delivery. Often, the charge is free |
| Structural Strength | | | | if you are within a 50 mile radius of the store (check |
| It's important that your swing set is built with quality | | | | store policies) or the fee is calculated per mile. |
| lumber or steel so you will need to decide on the | | | | Another option is to pick up the unit yourself, just |
| type of material you want to build with. For example, | | | | make sure you have someone to help you load the |
| many will tell you that southern yellow pine is one of | | | | cartons as they weight hundreds of pounds. Make |
| the strongest and I believe it is, but others will tell | | | | sure you have a large truck that can handle the |
| you that cedar or redwood is the best. Southern | | | | weight and length of the cartons as most swing sets |
| yellow pine is preserved with a non toxic chemical | | | | are palatalized and shrink wrapped for delivery. |
| called ACQ and usually goes through an eight step | | | | Delivery by a freight company is the most common |
| process before it's ready to use. Which ever board | | | | method of transporting a playset. It will arrive via a |
| you choose it is equally important to look at the | | | | semi truck often referred to as an LTL carrier. This is |
| integrity of each set. Many feel the metal playsets | | | | one of the economical ways and deserves |
| are the strongest. If you select steel look for the | | | | consideration. This method is considered a residential |
| highest quality heavy gauge steel you can find and | | | | delivery to the curbside and not into the backyard. |
| super 40 steel is great. Which ever way you go, | | | | Being prepared will make it easier and you will need |
| make sure the swing set components and | | | | an adult helper to assist in unloading at the end of |
| accessories are made and manufactured to meet or | | | | truck. Someone must be present for inspection of |
| exceed current ASTM safety guidelines for swing | | | | the cartons and to sign for delivery. The freight |
| sets and residential usage. | | | | company will not move the playset from the curb to |
| Installation - What will it cost? | | | | the assembly destination (backyard) so having a flat |
| When purchasing from a local store installation may | | | | bed dolly would be a good idea. |