Backyard playsets can be a big investment. They take up space, they’re expensive and the upkeep is constant. But are you sure they are right for your home and your family?
There are a lot of things to consider…from what to choose to price to home value, so I’ve put together a list of 6 reasons a backyard playset is worth the investment and 6 reasons they’re not.
What Are The Pros To Owning An Outdoor Play Set?
Like any investment for your family, there are all sorts of budgets and sizes you can work with when it comes to outdoor playsets. From a basic swing or slide to multiple levels, forts, and features.
6 Pros to Owning an Outdoor Play Set:
- They get the kids and family outside, playing together
- They can provide hours of fun
- Some models include shade, roofs or awnings
- If you have multiple children, it provides a safe play spot for them and gives you peace of mind
- They’re durable and can last for years
- Won’t Hurt Property Value
Are Outdoor Play Sets Worth It?
In general, an outdoor playset will give your kids an entertainment area in the safety of your own backyard. There are many sizes and price points available so it takes very little effort to find one that’s right for your family and your home’s backyard.
If you’re working with a smaller budget or don’t have much room in your backyard, something as basic as a swing set or slide can provide your kids and family hours of outdoor entertainment for years.
If you have more room and can swing a bigger budget, then options open up for you. Everything from attached forts, sandboxes…and even pirate ships are available!
If you live in a hot climate where the sun beats down most of the year, you can find playsets with enclosed spaces, awnings, and water features.
How Long Does An Outdoor Play Set Last?
On average, if taken care of, a quality playset can last for a decade. Models made from treated wood can last up to 30 years. Climate, weather, materials, and how well you take care of it can greatly impact the lifespan of your playset.
Cedar is one of the most popular wood types used to build outdoor playsets because they are durable and can withstand the elements for years without breaking down or rotting. They also have a nice natural look that fits perfectly in any backyard environment.
The right paints and proper care will prolong the life of your playset. Make sure you keep it clean, dry and do regular maintenance on any exposed metal or moving parts throughout the year to avoid rusting over time.
Do Outdoor Play Sets Hurt Property Value?
On average, an outdoor playset doesn’t hurt home value. While it may not add something to your home’s resale value, they’re just another feature that gives you extra space in the backyard for recreation and doesn’t take away from any other features.
The only exception is when backyard playsets become a permanent eyesore in someone else’s view or don’t fit with the style of the home.
In that case, an outdoor playset may have a negative impact on the value of your home because it won’t appeal to certain buyers and could deter them from wanting to buy your house if they’re looking for something more contemporary or modern in their backyard view.
What Are The Cons To Owning An Outdoor Play Set?
Of course, with all the good there is also some bad. I’ve put together a list of some negative aspects to owning a backyard playset that you will want to consider if you’re thinking about purchasing one for your family.
6 Cons to Owning an Outdoor Play Set:
- They take up space
- You have to maintain the equipment – cleaning, oiling and painting as needed. This is an ongoing cost so factor that in!
- Maintaining your yard around the play set can be a challenge
- Some models can be quite expensive
- The noise from children playing on it or with the equipment may bother neighbors
- It may not match your homes decor
How Much Space Do I Need For A Backyard Play Set?
Typically, you will want enough to fit the footprint of the model you are purchasing plus an additional 6 to 8 feet on all sides. This extra space will allow people to comfortably pass around the pay set without the risk of bumping into playing children.
Make sure you measure the area where you plan on putting your outdoor playset before heading out to buy one. Measure the length of each side and then add them together plus an extra 6 feet for wiggle room so there are no collisions with people walking by.
Also, consider where trees and other plant life are located in relation to the space as these will impact what type of playset you can have or need for your backyard.
Can Outdoor Play Sets Be Repaired?
Most outdoor playset models can be fixed. Many models carry a warranty that covers part replacement. That said, there are some parts that just aren’t worth the money to fix and they’re better off being replaced than repaired.
Even if your playset is out of warranty, replacement parts are available for most models at reasonable prices. If you take care of your outdoor playset by keeping it clean, dry, and maintained, you’ll be able to get many years of use out of it before replacing any parts or entire models becomes necessary.
If your playset needs a replacement part, make sure you find out if the model is still available and can easily be found at home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc. These big retailers carry most outdoor playset models and can help you find the right replacement parts.
How Much Does An Outdoor Play Set Cost?
On average, a wooden playset will cost between $500 and $800. If you’re looking for a basic swingset then the cost comes down to around $300. Outdoor playsets prices vary greatly depending on the type, size and materials used.
Outdoor playsets are not cheap, but if you plan on using them for several years and your children love to play outside in the yard, they’re well worth the investment. If cost is an issue or if purchasing one just isn’t possible right now, consider looking into used outdoor models from a reputable seller as these can be had for a fraction of the cost.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that if you’re looking for an entertainment area in your backyard for the kids to play, a well-built outdoor playset can provide years of fun and memories…if taken care of properly. They offer a nice space where family members can hang out together outside, playing around all day long without having to worry about the kids getting into any trouble.