Swing Sets Buying Guide

Picture the laughter of children as they swing into the sky, the thrill of climbing to new heights, and the joy of hours spent in imaginative adventures, all in the safety of your own backyard. A wooden swing set from Superior Play Systems is more than just a structure, it’s a lifelong investment in joy, health, and precious family memories. This buying guide will help you explore key features, noteworthy considerations, and the unique benefits of choosing a Superior Play Systems swing set.

Important Factors in Buying a Wooden Swing Set

1. Safety

Choose a swing set that meets industry safety standards and has safety features like smooth edges, sturdy support beams made of 100% cedar wood, and reinforced joints. Our playsets not only keep your kids safer but last longer and require less time-consuming maintenance. At Superior Play Systems, safety is built into every element of our swing sets. Our playsets are crafted to ensure safe and enjoyable play for children of all ages.

• Pinch-Free Swings: Our swings are equipped with self-locking industrial connectors to prevent pinching or snagging.
• Comfort Grip Chains: Rubber-dipped swing chains offer a comfortable and secure grip, protecting little hands.
• Recessed Hardware: All nuts and bolts are recessed and designed to be snag-free, minimizing the risk of injury and ensuring smooth, safe play.

2. Age and Growth

It’s important to choose a playset that suits your child’s current age and has the flexibility to grow with them. Our playsets offer modular options that can adapt as your child’s interests develop, from toddler swings to adventurous climbing walls and slides. We offer a variety of swing options, including Belt Swings for all ages, Toddler Full Bucket Swings for young children, and Daydreamer Swings for relaxed play. Specialty swings like Pirate Boat Swings and Tire Swings create unique, fun experiences that cater to imaginative play.

3. Upgradability

Superior Play Systems offers modular designs that let you expand your set as your child’s needs change. Add slides, climbing walls, or new swings to keep the playset fresh and exciting year after year. Our modular add-ons make it easy to create a backyard space that’s just right for your children’s interests.

Slide Choices for Every Adventure

Slides add an extra layer of excitement to any swing set. Wave slides provide a fun ride with their wavy surface, while spiral slides add a thrilling twist to the descent. Tube slides create an enclosed, tunnel-like experience for added fun, and straight slides offer a classic, smooth, and direct ride to the ground.

Creative Accessories & Add-Ons

Accessories like the Telescope, Ship’s Wheel, Megaphone, and Spotlight foster imaginative adventures and interactive play. Add Cafe Tables for picnics, Sky Lofts for elevated views, or Monkey Bars or Ninja Training Kit for extra challenges.

4. Space and Backyard Layout

Our customizable playsets can fit various backyard sizes and layouts. Whether you have a small or large backyard, our solutions are designed to maximize your available space. From space-saving sets for compact yards to mega sets featuring expansive configurations for larger areas, we can tailor the perfect setup for your family.

Select vs. Premier Series

The Premier Series offers larger playsets with thicker beams, a longer swing beam, greater headroom (even parents can join their children at the top!), larger play deck sizes, and longer slides, making it more spacious with added features. The Select Series are more compact playsets, with compact swing beams and deck heights, ideal for saving space.

5. Budget

For budgeting, consider not only the initial cost but also long-term maintenance expenses​. While lower-end playsets that don’t use 100% cedar wood may seem appealing to budget-friendliness, they often are made of composite wood glued together that may not be as durable or safe. We use 100% solid pacific cedar wood.

Uncompromising Craftsmanship

At Superior Play Systems, we believe in uncompromised craftsmanship. That’s why we craft every playset with massive, solid 100% cedar beams, never engineered wood, composite wood, or layered wood. While some manufacturers may combine multiple wood layers to form beams or layer in composite wood, our 100% utilization of cedar wood construction ensures superior strength and longevity. This commitment to quality results in beams that resist warping, cracking, pest infestations, fungi, and decay far better to provide unmatched durability and safety for years to come.

Playcenter vs. Fort Designs

Playcenters features a wide-angled design, making them have more headroom and perfect for visibility. Playcenters often include more swings, a ladder, a slide, and wider climbing walls in addition to rope climbing ladders perfect for more activities. Fort designs are a traditional square-based design with features like lookout towers. They often include a slide, a ladder, a climbing wall, and swings. Forts create a sense of adventure and exploration.

Multi-Beam Joint Construction

Our interlocking multi-beam joint construction reduces any dangerous sway and strategically positions bolts for maximum stability, reducing stress on the hardware. This construction ensures a safer play experience and minimizes maintenance needs.

Innovative Engineering

Our triple protection hardware process for Superior Play Systems’ swing set hardware includes: 1) an initial oxidation layer for enhanced adhesion and base protection, 2) hot-dipped galvanization for superior rust and corrosion resistance, and 3) a “self-repairing” zinc coating that prevents flaking and naturally seals any scratches. If the surface layer is scratched, the zinc can react to form a protective oxide layer over the exposed area, minimizing corrosion and damage.

Service Considerations

Personalized Design Consultation

We provide free, no-obligation consultations to help you design the perfect play area for your backyard. Our design experts will work with you to create a customized playset that meets your family’s specific needs and preferences.

Professional Installation

Our certified installers bring your vision to life. Superior Play Systems offers expert installation within 60 miles of our stores, and our certified partners are also available nationwide, ensuring that every playset is built safely and securely.

Ongoing Support and Service

We are committed to helping you long after the delivery. If you need advice, have questions about maintenance, or want to upgrade your swing set, our knowledgeable team is just a phone call or email away, ready to help you make the most out of your play system.

Sustainability

Selecting swing sets using 100% natural wood is the most sustainable choice for swing sets due to its renewability, lower carbon footprint, and minimal need for chemical treatments. Metal, plastic, or wood swing sets with engineered composite wood involve energy-intensive production processes and often use formaldehyde in chemical treatment. Superior Play Systems uses 100% pacific solid cedar wood which contributes to overall less waste and pollution.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Create a backyard full of laughter, adventure, and memories. Contact Superior Play Systems today for a free consultation and bring the joy of play into your backyard. Let us help you design the best wooden playset for your outdoor space that your family will love for years to come.