Play Set FAQ

Here at Heartland, we get a lot of questions here regarding play sets, such as “What should we put under our child’s play set?” or “How much space should I leave around the set?” to name a few.  So let’s address some of these, especially those concerning safety, as nothing is more important for your child.

How much space do I need?

• Ideally, you’d like at least 6 feet of safety area around the entire swing set.  So find a nice flat area within your yard that is about 6 feet from fences and other items.  

What should we put under our child’s play set?

• Rubber padding or rubber mulch works well, but if you are in an extremely hot climate like Arizona, this can cause it to stick to the kid’s shoes and smell well, like burning rubber.  Bark mulch can work well too.  Sand attracts neighborhood cats, so take care with that.  And good old fashioned grass can work, but keep in mind this will become worn away over time, leaving a hard dirt spot.

Do play sets have to have certain safety standards?

• They do, however, you should purchase a set from a company that VOLUNTARILY meets additional safety standards, such as ASTM.  Sets that meet ASTM standards ( such as Heartland play sets) have no overlapping play zones, no head or finger entrapments, and recessed hardware.  Definitely buy a set from a manufacturer that goes the extra mile for your child’s safety.

We know children can get exercise through playing on play sets, but what other benefits are there, really?

• Play sets DO improve health and fitness, that is for sure.  But in addition to building physical skills, children develop social skills such as decision making and resolving differences.  Furthermore, children learn to use their imagination.  Deck areas become pirate ships or special forts.

Is there a material that is best for play sets?

• Metal can rust and get very hot in the sun.  Wood is your best choice.  Heartland uses premium Southern Yellow Pine wood, which is 2x stronger than cedar. You also want to look at the thickness of the wood, with the thicker, the better.  Make sure you compare this on play sets you are considering, especially looking at the deck areas where a lot of jumping and running happens.

Can play sets be moved?

• Depending on who your manufacturer is, usually yes.  Heartland play sets can be disassembled and easily moved.  However, please keep in mind that this could void your warranty.

Creating Great Childhood Memories

 

Play Set Poll

 

Play Sets: Looking Beyond the Price

Everyone remembers the fun, carefree days spent playing at a playground or on a friend’s play set as a child. The countless hours spent swinging, climbing, and sliding were the source of many previous childhood memories, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many parents want to provide their own children with a top-quality source of backyard entertainment. Even in a world ruled by technology and video games, there is still something magical about playing outside.

In the eyes of a child, a play set can be everything from a spaceship to a pirate ship. Today’s manufacturers offer more options than ever before when it comes to backyard entertainment. Wood, plastic, and metal sets are all widely available. Wood play sets tend to be a little pricier, but they are often the best choice. By looking beyond the price tag, you can get your son or daughter a set that will be enjoyed for years to come.The price of play sets can vary greatly based upon a number of factors. Though many people are struggling with budgets, this is not a situation where cheaper is better. Lower priced sets are usually made with lower quality materials that will start to deteriorate after just a season or two. Metal sets are typically coated in cheap paint that starts to peel quickly and allows the set to rust. Plastic sets can also start to break down quickly when exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Not only do rusted or cracked play sets look unattractive, they also cause numerous safety risks.Many people give little consideration to wood play sets simply because of their price. It is important to note, however, that they are available at prices that will fit into nearly any budget. Unlike cheap plastic and metal sets that are usually only sold as pre-configured units at a specified price, wooden sets are customizable. That means that you can buy a small set that fits your budget now and add on to it later with ease. Doing so can save you money now, and it will also allow you to design a set that is safe for your child now and will grow with him or her later on. By looking at additional factors than just the price of play sets, you will also see a number of other benefits that are present in wood play sets.

Play set safety should always be a top concern for any parent. With regular maintenance, play sets made from wood are some of the safest available. Because they are made from treated lumber, they are able to withstand the elements without the need for paint that can peel and become a health hazard if ingested by small children. Wood play sets are durable in any climate, and they won’t cause the burns that many children have experienced as a result of playing on metal or plastic sets on sunny summer days. Many manufacturers of wooden play sets voluntarily comply with ASTM play set safety standards. To be sure that you are purchasing the safest possible equipment for your child, look for the ASTM seal. Doing so will ensure that the set you purchase is made from top quality materials and that it has been carefully designed with the safety of kids in mind.

Another important factor to keep in mind when shopping is longevity. Most people purchase play sets for small children in hopes that it will last until adolescence. Due to poor construction, many lower end sets made entirely from wood or plastic will break down long before then. If the physical structure does withstand several years of use and exposure to the elements, it is unlikely that the set will remain suitable as the children ages. Cheap sets designed for young children cannot handle the weight of older children, and they can pose serious safety issues if the set tips over or a part of it breaks. Since these sets usually cannot be upgraded, kids will also outgrow their activities. Wood play sets, on the other hand, can withstand the test of time, and they can be added on to or upgraded to include activities that are appropriate for children of all ages. In this way, these play sets are actually more cost efficient because there will never be a need to replace the entire set.

When shopping for a play set, be sure to take all the factors into consideration. If you can look beyond the initial price of play sets and choose a wooden set, your purchase is very likely to pay off in the long run. Not only is wood play set safety some of the best in the industry, these products offer the greatest longevity and are sure to provide your child with countless hours of outdoor fun and entertainment.

 

Kids Wood Play Sets-What You REALLY Need To Know!

Where’s The Beef?

A lot of us can still remember this famous line from a successful fast food ad campaign. It asked a very fundamental “burger” question… Are you getting what you paid for?

The question is just as valid if you are shopping for a Wood Play Set.  Today, many companies are chasing lower retail price points and it’s a very good time to ask “Where’s the Beef”.
What are you really getting for your hard earned dollar???

Here is a short list to help you ask the “right” questions when shopping for a quality play set for your child or grandchild.

1)      Is it safe?
Does the play set meet all ASTM safety standards? This requirement is currently voluntary for residential play sets but… would you buy a residential swing set that didn’t meet a government safety requirement for commercial swing set and might contain a trap or hazard for your child? Or purchase from a company who put’s your child’s safety first?

2)      Will it last?
Is the set constructed out of premium wood? Is it “beefy”?  More wood and weight make for a stronger, more stable set. Today, many play companies are using a much thinner and lighter wood product from China. Some of the structural pieces are even laminated!

These may look pretty and they certainly are a lower cost material but… will they hold up? A good “shake” test will tell you a lot about the construction and materials of each set.

3)      Is the hardware heavy duty?
Swing hangers, ropes, pinch free chains, belt swings, slides etc. should all stand up to rigorous play. While it may be tough to detect or “see” the difference of quality components on various play sets, look closely when shopping and “feel” the difference. Your kids will appreciate it with hours of safe, comfortable fun.

4)      How will it look in my yard after a year?
Is the play set you are considering hand-stained with an appearance stain? Will it need to be re-stained year after year to keep looking good or, is it stained with a pressure process that penetrates the wood to the core (much preferred!) and looks better year after year? Some of the best play sets on the market are now treated with a MicroShades staining process that guarantees fade resistance. Make sure the play set you purchase has this, the newer appearance will help you get some of your money back if you chose to re-sell the play set to a neighbor when your kids or grandkids are done with it!

5)      Is it warranted and guaranteed?
Does the company selling the set have a strong safety record and a proven customer service record?  Why would you deal with anyone else??

That’s my list. I hope it helps you make an informed decision.

Remember, a quality play set will last years with proper care and provide a helping hand with your young ones. Improved physical and social skills, better long term health, fitness and creativity are just a few of the benefits of backyard play.

Don’t forget to ask the question before you buy… “Where’s the Beef”?