Your choice, your budget, your space - home playground options are endless.

Parents and children alike recognize the value of play. Parents want their children to have a safe and secure play environment. Children just want to have fun. What better place to do both than in your own backyard? Installing play equipment at home is much simpler than you may think.

Playground Kits

You can have a playground comparable to any city park. Using a project kit takes all of the guesswork out of the job. Home playground project kits allow you to:

• Tailor your playground equipment to your available space, your personal budget and your children's favorite activities and interests.

• Change or add accessories as toddlers become adolescents. Swings, rings, slides, towers, climbing walls, sandboxes, ladders and more are available depending on the project kit's specifications.

• Remove all guesswork as far as parts and instructions. The necessary kit components such as brackets and bolts are included with the kit. You provide lumber and fasteners (nails and screws) as directed.

• Do the construction yourself. Standard tools are all you need. A circular saw, drill/driver, tape measure, combination square, hammer, pliers and screwdriver should be sufficient. You will also of course need the proper suggested safety equipment such as safety glasses. Depending on the size of the project, construction could take 10-16 hours.

• Relax when you're finished. All of Lowe's kits follow the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Follow the assembly instructions carefully and always keep an eye on children at play.

Home Playground Pointers

• Determine the number of play activities desired. Project kits offer many variations on the play theme. The traditional swings and slides are favorites, but don't forget to look at components like climbing walls and towers.

• Measure the space you have available for a play set. You need a 6'-8' space around the play set as a play zone.

• Since of course all play should be supervised, the location you choose needs to be a spot you can keep an eye on. Find an area that provides some shade if possible, to protect children from direct sunshine.

Playground Kit Selection

Once you have in mind the type of play equipment you want and have measured the play area, visit your local. Depending on the store's layout, you will find the play set kits at one of several possible locations - outdoors in the garden center or indoors in the lumber and building materials section. Whichever area you find the display, the process is simple.

1. Choose the project you like best. Each project has a number assigned to it.




2. Give the project number to the sales associate indoors at the Project Desk.




3. The sales associate will provide a printout that becomes your shopping list for lumber and additional fasteners such as nails and screws. The rest of the kit components and hardware (brackets, bolts, etc.) are included with the project.

Playground Safety

• Before assembling the play set, remove rocks and other debris (as well as any additional obstructions) and level the area.

• The ground underneath and around the play set need to be able to cushion the occasional fall.

• Do not use paved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt as a surface or subsurface. Over time, even turfgrass can become worn and the soil compacted in play areas.

• Mulch is an excellent cushioning substance. Use a loose material like shredded bark or rubber mulch. Apply it underneath and around the play set. The proper depth depends on the height of the equipment and the type of mulch you use. Plan on 9"-12" of bark. Rubber mulch only needs to be applied to a depth of 6" to provide the necessary cushioning approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Check the instructions for specifics.

• Play sand is an option to mulch, the deeper the better. Make sure you use play sand, which is most likely washed river sand. Builder's sand is not as smooth or clean and should not be used in play areas. If you use sand, rake the area occasionally to "fluff" it up and prevent it from compacting.

• Keep an eye on the equipment regularly to make sure it remains safe - tighten loose bolts, replace any parts that may have rusted or become worn, make sure the 'S' hooks are closed (if applicable). Anchor the set as directed in the instructions.

• If transporting and installing the set yourself is not something you are able to do, ask about Lowe's delivery or installation.

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.