There are many reasons to develop an outdoor play area for your kids. A well-designed space will encourage kids to play outside with other children, and this will help them grow healthy. The impact of playing outdoors will be both on the mental and physical health of the children. As children play, they improve their motor skills and will learn how to fall and get up quickly. You may be surprised to learn how simple it is to construct an outdoor playground. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about outdoor play area equipment and construction.
Some Factors to Consider When Selecting Playground Equipment
Before you buy these items, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you have to determine how much space you have for the play area. Some items will not be suitable for smaller spaces and can even mess up the allure of the design. You should also consider the age of your kids. Normally, these play spaces are developed for children between 3 years and 10 years old. Check the exact age of the kids to determine the safest and most interesting items you can add to the play area. The items you select should be challenging to your kids but should not be impossible to work with.
In addition, you will have to choose between a creative and a sporty play area. A creative play area will typically include items like bouncy castles and sandpits. These are generally games that will keep your kids occupied for lengthy periods and will help them exercise their creative spirit. Sporty play areas are meant to burn kids’ energy and make them have the most fun. These spaces usually include items like trampolines, climbing frames, and slides.
Most people prefer setting up play areas that encourage a wide range of motions. Some of these items can be permanent, while others can be moveable. Others may be permanent but with parts that can be moved. More versatile items can be repurposed now and then.
Trampoline
Trampolines are featured in almost all play areas, so you should consider purchasing them for your playground. When choosing a trampoline, you should consider the quality of the jump, the ease of assembly, the safety rating, and the longevity of the item. Trampolines should be installed in grassy areas so that your child gets a softer fall if he is thrown out.
These products come in different shapes, but round shape is the most common. Oval ones can be ideal for narrower spaces, and rectangular ones can be used in larger spaces.
You will also need to purchase accessories for your trampoline, in addition to some spare parts. Some of these accessories include protective nets, waterproof plastic covers, protective spring cover safety pads, replacement cushions, ladders, and fastening kits. The accessories you buy will depend on your personal needs and the conditions in your environment.
Swing Set
Swing sets are also very common in play areas. These products usually have age and weight limits. You also need to check the sizes of the swing sets since some may be too large for your space. Another key factor to consider is how even the ground is. The design of the product will vary based on how even the play area is.
No one likes to waste money on poor-quality products. For this reason, you should go for a product that is developed to withstand the outdoor elements in your environment. If you live in a sunny place, you should make sure you go for a product that is UV-resistant.
Swing sets are made of different materials, including pine, cedar, and redwood. Redwood is quite expensive, but it does not naturally resist the elements. You will need to apply a coating to make it last for long. Pine and cedar are the best for swing sets. If your child is very young, a plastic swing set may be suitable for them.
Decking for the Play Area
This is another important factor you have to consider when constructing your play area. There are many options for decking, but the best one is composite decking boards. This is because it maintains its good look, even without the use of chemicals. Hardwood decking will require regular treatment with these chemicals. This means they are not very safe for kids.
Another option people usually go for is solid wood decking, and this one also comes with many disadvantages. The main problem with solid wood decking is that it has to be spaced out so as to give room for expansion. It is worth mentioning that almost all types of decking boards will still need some space for expansion, but this space is extremely small.
When you buy decking boards for your play area, make sure you get one which is slip-resistant. This will reduce the risk of injury in the playground, and as a parent, it will allow you to enjoy some peace of mind. Most suppliers sell non-slip composite decking boards that have high degree of slip resistance.
Conclusion
If you have a child, it is essential to construct an outdoor play area. Every parent will need to get a design that specifically suits their kids and space. Make sure you consider the tips listed in this article. Note that there are many other items you should include in your play area, and it is almost impossible to exhaust them in this short guide. You can contact us for more details on these items. We are specialists in composite decking boards, so be sure to consult us for your decking needs.
