Will I Need to Assemble My Swing Set?

 This Q&A is the latest in a blog series featuring questions submitted by some of the parents (and even grandparents) who reach out to us on a daily basis. We've started documenting our answers and the subsequent conversations for the sake of you and other parents out there who might be asking the same questions about choosing, buying, setting up, maintaining, and enjoying a wooden swing set for their family.

For today's Q&A Jo, from Greenville, SC is wondering if they will need to assemble the swing set themselves or if it comes partly pre-assembled.

Q: Can you tell me whether we’re going to need to assemble the swing set ourselves, or if you all come and install it? Do certain parts come already put together? Thanks!

                                                                                                                                   - Jo - Greenville, SC

A: All swing sets need to be put together in one way or another -- nothing comes 100% set up (that would be impossible to deliver!). When purchasing a swing set, you need to determine the degree to which you’ll need to assemble it. Some swing sets (not ours) come with hundreds of little pieces -- the boards, the beams, the bolts -- and you need to figure out what goes where and how. And some sets (like ours) come with a lot of this work done for you already. Keep reading for more on how this works….

Assembly-Ready

The smart thing to do is to buy an outdoor playset that’s ready to assemble with large, prefab pieces. Here are some helpful tips:

• Before you choose a swing set, determine the dimensions of the area where you want to put your set, and make sure that the land itself is sufficiently level. Building on a slant risks the integrity (and therefore safety) of the structure.
• Double-check that the instruction manual is in English with clear diagrams.
• It should go without saying, but note that the more complex the playset, the longer assembly will take, so plan your construction time accordingly.
• Choose a kit that comes with pre-drilled holes (that’s when the manufacturers cut the wood and drill the holes for the bolts before you ever even open the box). They make a huge difference and will ease your way tremendously. After all, you begin with a large advantage if you don’t need to drill hundreds of holes – accurately, and without damaging the wood! – before you even begin assembly. (Plus, by having pre-drilled holes, you reduce your chances of splitting the wood during the drilling process.)
• Be sure to check for rough surfaces and cover or remove any protrusions before you consider the swing set ready for use.
• Lastly, make sure that you have assembled it correctly (sturdily) before the children take over.

Taking all of the above into consideration, you are ready to embark on putting up your playset.

Whether you assemble your new swing set yourself, or leave that task to the professionals, become an expert about the safety of your new equipment. Read our blog about The Do's and Don'ts for Ultimate Playset Safety, and introduce your children to the swing set without worry.

Come visit our Factory Showroom in Atlanta, GA.

We're located at: