How Not to Install a Playset

Act One: Scene One: Cutters Of Grass

This is what the family was left with after their landscaper installed their playset. These "Cutters of Grass" called that pile of boards next to the fort, "extra pieces". There were "extra pieces" because they mounted the deck supports on the outside of the corner post (should be inside) and then had to use the longer boards meant for the roof to make the decks. That ultimately led to a shortage of boards meant for the roof.

They mounted the a-frame assembly upside down and when things didn't line up right, they buried (hid) the other end 8" in the ground and still didn't get the swing positioned correctly. The a-frame end should be 1-2" higher than the fort to allow for settling.

Playsets are inherently dangerous, but they're designed to be as safe as possible given their nature. Besides the damage done to the wood from all those bolts and screws being in the wrong place, mistakes like this just can't be tolerated

A very sad Costco Sunray playset installation

Scene Two

With the deck supports in the wrong place, the addition of the ladder and rock climbing wall created entrapments areas at the top of each. The rock wall support boards were installed on the flat side instead of on edge significantly reducing the usable weight limit and they were forced to use the wrong fasteners to complete the assembly. Screws were poking out everywhere.

Protruding bolts should be the first clue something is wrong.

Scene Three

Bolts extending beyond the surface of the wood is usually bad mojo for playset manufacturers. This creates a hanging hazard. It would very easy for a child to get their hoodie stuck on this and be trapped hanging from the fort. These playsets are designed so that the proper bolt will not extend more 3/8" from any counterbore. Your first clue that You're doing it Wrong!

Costco Sunray Swingset properly installed.

Finale

The "Cutters of Grass" took 3 long days and charged $300 for this mess. This is the happy Dad after our playset installation/ repair. We let him help to keep our fee down. We don't usually do that, but this family was already out $300. We could have built this from the ground up in 4-5 hours for $425. It took 6 hours to take apart and rebuild it correctly for our normal rate.

Act Two: Clueless

There should always be flat washer, lock washer and nut for proper installation.

Scene One

Rainbow Playsystems Sunshine Castle moved by amateurs. There's a 1/2" lock washer and a nut missing. This secures the top joist to the structure which supports the swing beam. The swings could easily separate from the fort.

Knowledge of proper bolt and washer sizes is helpful.

Scene Two

3/8" lag bolt missing and you can see the 1/2" washer under the bolt (centerscreen) is too small. It's supposed to be 3/4" like the one to the right. You can even see a depression in the wood where the old 3/4" washer was.

Finale

Here it is again. 1/2" washer under the bolt head even though there is a defined imprint where the 3/4" washer was before they took it apart. This made the structure weak and prone to damage. When will it end?

Things to think about before your hire a playset installation company

Do they have a website? In the 21st century, what real business doesn't?
Beware of swingset installers who don't list a phone number or an e-mail address. Where will they be next month or next year?
Is that guy you hired to build your family swingset a criminal?
Finding the cheapest deal isn't always the best thing. Beware of installers who don't charge enough. They could be hard up for cash and don't care what happens after they're paid. Playset installation is always a mental challenge and hard work. A true professional will know their value.