Reader Project: DIY Custom Playset
Updated: Feb. 25, 2022
The Family Handyman reader, Nick was looking for a playset for his son. but he was not impressed with the playsets from the big box stores, so Nick and his father, Bill, built this massive playset for his son over the course of three days
Nick, a Family Handyman reader, was looking for a playset for his son. but he was not impressed with the playsets from the big-box stores, so he and his father, Bill, built this massive playset for his son over the course of three days.
“Neither one of us have construction experience, but we’re both handy. We just looked online for ideas and started building. I bought pressure-treated lumber and cedar from Home Depot and playground equipment from Amazon (swings, slide, etc.), along with a 200-ft. roll of rope, to make it happen. It’s 95 percent pressure-treated lumber with some cedar for accent pieces. Once it’s sufficiently dry, we’ll stain it for protection. In many cases, the structure was sized for the swings and slide. The rock wall was a guess as to how it would work out, and the cargo net was handmade from the roll of rope. The playset is probably overbuilt, but it’s rock-sturdy and both my father and I were up on it during construction with nary a wiggle. We didn’t use footings, as frost heave isn’t really an issue where we live, and the footprint is pretty large. It sits on the ground like most prefab swingsets. No nails were used for this project. It’s all construction screws/lags. The total cost was about $1,500. Accents include a pirate ship wheel and telescope, slide, two swings, glider, rock wall, cargo net, solar lights and an “adult” ladder in the back so I can get up there without having to climb the cargo net. It was designed to be added onto in a year or two when my son gets older. I can easily add another tower or two to make a clubhouse or incorporate things more suitable for older kids.” – Nick
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