Planning the construction of a kids’ playground structure

Falling is the greatest risk of injury for children on play structures. Therefore, ground surface materials are designed to help cushion the fall to avoid or lessen injuries.

A grassy lawn can become compacted and hardened over time, so each play structure needs extra ground surface protection. The type and quantity of ground surface is based on the height of the structure and also on the ages of the children playing.

Types of Recommended Materials

• Play-grade wood chips provide protection that is easy to maintain and inexpensive. Children are not advised to wear open-toed shoes while playing on wood chip playgrounds.
• Rubber tiles are high-tech and often need to be installed professionally. Rubber tiles will provide optimum protection.
• Pea gravel is a practical, inexpensive option.
• Sand is also a practical, inexpensive option. Sand is a fun option for children who enjoy sandboxes.
• Rubber mulch consists of loose pieces of rubber. As ground cover tends to find its way into the yard, bear in mind that rubber does not naturally degrade into the landscaping.

Surface Construction Tips

• The ground surface material should extend up to 6' out on all sides of the structure.
• 12' of ground coverage should be installed in front of and behind swings.
• Loose material should be 12" thick and compact to no less than 9".
• With loose material, verify regularly that the material is replenished to maintain the minimum recommended depth.
• The ultimate surface material depth is based on the structure’s height. Refer to the ground surface chart below.

Ground surface chart

When using the ground surface chart, keep the following interpretations in mind:

• The listed “critical height” is the height requirement listed for kids of a certain age range. The critical height is the highest level from which a fall could occur.
• The ground surface material needs to meet both the “compressed” and “uncompressed” depth requirements in order to pass safety code requirements.
• It is always a good idea to over-engineer the ground surface material. Think about putting down 10% more ground cover than the recommendation to account for loss of material and uneven coverage.
• Do not rely on this chart alone. Verify safe depths related to critical height from the manufacturer and from local building codes. Never install a play structure on a concrete surface, asphalt, compacted dirt or any other hard surface without covering it with a sufficient layer of adequate material, by adhering to current regulations.

Here is an interpretation example from the chart:

• 6" of wood chips can be used for a structure up to 7' tall.
• 9" of wood chips can be used for a structure up to 10' tall.

Here are a few general tips to help you build a safe and solid structure.

• The height of the structure is based on the ages of the children. Structures are commonly designed to protect children within the age ranges of 2-5 years old and 5-12 years old.
• Prevent head and neck entrapment by keeping all open spaces smaller than 3 ½" wide. This rule applies specially to railing stiles spacing.
• Slide entrances need to be greater than 9" wide.
• Avoid V-shaped spaces that could trap a child’s head.
• Provide handrails and railings according to local municipal codes.
• Swings have several spacing requirements. Make sure there is enough space between each swing. The swings with a 360-degree rotation need to be located in separate play structure area.
• Never install equipment on concrete, asphalt, packed earth, or any other hard surface without adding sufficient ground surface material per regulations.
• Make sure the play equipment is anchored to the ground. If in an area with harsh winds, consult a professional to make sure the structure is rated to withstand winds typical of that geographical area.
• Remember than unfinished equipment is dangerous for children to play on.
• Make sure that the play equipment’s anchoring assemblies are covered so as to prevent a tripping hazard.

Hardware safety

• Use corrosion-resistant hardware throughout.
• Always use lock washers or self-locking nuts.
• Keep bolts and other hardware sized appropriately to avoid extra lengths that could cause a possible laceration or entanglement.
• Close “S” hooks and all hooks to a gap smaller than the size of a dime.

All play structure accessories available.

Municipal bylaws

• Check out local restrictions for play structure construction and ground cover requirements.
• Visit the building department to make sure the structure is designed and constructed safely. Play structure kits have already been approved, but ground cover requirements may need to be approved.
• Verify whether or not a permit is needed before construction begins.

Here are a few general tips on how to start building your play structure:

• Install pine treated wood with the bark side up to prevent splitting and to protect against a risk of splinters.
• Drill holes first before installing fasteners to prevent the wood from splitting.
• Sand the wood thoroughly after installation.
• Use a highly pigmented pure color stain for woods other than redwood. Treated pine wood cannot be stained until one year has passed after construction.
• Cover bolts with safety caps that can only be removed with a tool.
• Use corrosion-resistant hardware. Take care to research which hardware materials are compatible with the type of wood used as there is a difference from wood to wood.
• Any ropes installed within the structure must be anchored safely.
• Plan for one or more helpers during the construction and assembly.

Play structure kit construction tips

• Read all instructions before assembling the kit.
• Play structure kits have lists of the required materials to make construction easy.
• Sort the parts before beginning construction to help organize the process and to make sure that all parts are included.
• Install the play structure kit on level ground.