Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 29, 2000 04:39am | #1

   *
   Kent, there's a company up in Maine (I think?) that makes very nice sets out of northern white cedar. Non-splinter wood. Very nice quality, nice options, nice product.

   I'm guessing "CedarWorks"? May be one word or two, it's been 5 or 6 years since I got one of their catalogues.

   Have you run searches for plans yet? If you do, or if you go the DIY route, pay special attention to the design. Headroom, openings between bars, railings, and ladder rungs. And recess all bolt heads and nuts. Don't forget a soft landing underfoot (and underhead for those inevitable falls). Don't foget sinking your main posts deep enough into the ground.

   There's got to be loads of info out there. I have seen Rainbow's products. If I were to buy I would have gone with CedarWorks. Instead, I built one myself, using a CedarWorks catalogue and observing my kids on playground equipment for design inspiration.

   Good luck, and have fun.

   Okay, after posting I tried and found it...CedarWorks. I quickly toured the site and found it somewhat lacking...definitely order the catalogue, they'll send a video as well. I do think thay are worth looking into whether you buy or build. Hope this helps.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 29, 2000 05:14am | #2

   *KentMongo gives good advice. . . don't cheap out and use pressure treated. . .they're your kids, don't risk poisoning them. . . I also designed and built my own, just bought various components like the slide, cargo net and rope ladder. . . made it like a castle tower, with multiple levevls, crenelated top, arch windows etc-pm

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 03:00am | #4

   *Kent,In response to your numbered questions:1. NO. (Cut the price in half and I still think they are pricey) 2. No.3. Yes. Use premium lumber. Clear or close to it. I like routing all edges with a round-over bit. As mentioned, recess the hardware if possible. Plan out connections so that the bolts don't protrude from the nuts. Use galvanized fasteners. Design it to shed water (like a good deck) to eliminate rot. Plans can be found at some building centers who sell hardware kits with plans. Modify the plans as you need. Scope out Rainbow, etc to pick up ideas.I'll reiterate the warning on the base. It is best to use something that doesn't compact over the years. I have a source for ground up tire bits that works well but is $$$. I seem to recall that there is also shredded bark made for this purpose. It actually has a shape that provides for compression.Do it with the kids. Even if all they do move your tools around. It'll mean more. To both of you.

2. 
   KentC | Apr 30, 2000 03:00am | #3

   *
   We're looking into buying one of those large, redwood swingset/playhouse/jungle gym combinations. Two manufacturers products we have been able to actually look at and let our kids play on are Rainbow Playsystems, based in South Dakota, and Backyard Adventures, based in Amarillo, TX.

   I know they aren't homes but they are large, expensive structures made of wood, so I was wondering:

   1. Are any of you familiar with these things? In your opinion are the materials, the design and the construction worth the premium price?

   2. Do you know of any alternative manufacturers or systems comparable to the big redwood ones?

   3. Have you ever built one of these things? Would it be hard for a reasonably handy amateur to do? Are you aware of any source for plans?

   Thanks for any opinions or advice. I've been lurking in the background for many months and have got to say that I've learned a lot from Breaktime and have been entertained as well.