Swings are a quintessential playground fixture due to how beloved they are by kids of all ages. This makes them a necessity for any playgrounds you plan on building to be considered a success; however, there are a few considerations you need to make to find the perfect set. Here are some tips for buying a swing set for a playground project.

Residential vs. Commercial

Swings aren’t one size fits all, and you may be surprised how varied swing sets can be. First, you should establish whether or not you intend to create a residential or commercial playground. A residential playground is what you might expect—a playset made for the backyards of homes. Commercial playgrounds are ones built for communities or schools, meant to withstand a large number of kids and intense use. Some styles and swing set parts are meant specifically for residential swing sets, but for our purposes, we’ll be focusing on commercial swing set parts.

Consider the Age Range

The next step is to identify the target age range you’ll be building this playground for. This age range will guide what kind of swing set you buy for your project. The younger the children, the more likely you’ll need to use lower top rail heights. Most playgrounds focus on an age range of 2 to 12-year-old kids, adjusting the minimum or maximum age as necessary. Ergo, a kindergarten playground would tailor the playground for 2 to 5-year-olds while a middle school may target 5 to 12-year-old kids.

Measure Your Space

To ensure your swing set fits with the rest of your playground, it’s a good idea to measure out the space you’re working with. The space measured to fit your swing set is called the “use zone,” and it’s important to remember this includes the vertical space you have to work with. There are a few hazards above that may be an obstacle for your swing-set, such as tree branches, power lines, or buildings that may have some part that overhangs. A useful tip for buying a swing set for a playground project is to imagine you’re placing the equipment in a bubble, with the use zone extending to every edge of the bubble. This will aid you in ensuring your swing set is properly zoned and given enough space.