Several factors will affect the project cost of playset installation, including the type of material, type of base, whether the playset is pre-made or custom-built, landscaping, labor, and permits. Professionals playset installers can help assemble or construct a playset.

Type of material

Playsets cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The three main playset building materials are plastic, wood, and metal. Plastic is the least expensive, but it is also the least durable. However, plastic might be best for younger kids. Wood is durable and can take a beating. Metal is the most durable, but it can rust and gets hot-to-the-touch in direct sunlight.

The type of outdoor play equipment can include slides, a swing set, monkey bars, ladders, play decks, playhouses and more. Costs for each piece of a playground set differ and most will cost more when purchased individually (as opposed to purchased as part of a set).

Pre-made or custom-built

You can purchase a pre-made playset that must be assembled, or you can construct one yourself. While the latter may be cheaper, it requires much more effort. The safety of children using the playset may be jeopardized if it’s not constructed properly.

Base

Playsets need something to sit upon and be anchored to. Options include grass, wood chips, rubber tiles, pea gravel, and sand. Grass is the cheapest because you most likely already have it in your yard. Rubber tiles are the most expensive option, but they provide a high degree of safety when children fall; they also don’t require maintenance.

Landscaping

Getting the ground ready for a playset can be expensive. First, the ground must be leveled. Then, the level ground must be cleared of rocks, roots and other debris, and compacted to accommodate the base. The cost of hiring a landscaping pro to prepare space for a playset also includes pouring foundations for the posts.

Labor

Some retailers offer free installation services or installation at a nominal charge with the purchase of a playset. Independent playset installers usually charge by the hour. Installation and setup of a playset can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple days, depending on how elaborate the set is. Other assemblers charge a flat rate based on the type of equipment.

For example, Travis’ Assembly and Set up of Stockbridge, Georgia, charges a flat rate; however, the rate varies depending on the size and complexity of the playset.

Permit

Some municipalities require a permit for construction of playground equipment, which will add to the overall cost. City governments and homeowners’ associations may be able to help determine the permit rules regarding the construction of playsets.

A basic backyard swing set ranges from $80 to $200. More complex swing sets – those that include slides and additional features – can cost upwards of $1000.

Should you choose plastic, wood, or metal for the playset building materials? Should you purchase a pre-made playset or construct it yourself? These questions can be daunting, so let’s break it down to help you determine which playset options are right for you.

• Consider the future: Instead of buying a playset that will suit your child’s needs right now, consider how your child will grow and change over the next few years and buy something that they will be able to use for a long time.
• Plastic, wood, or metal?: Plastic is the least expensive (and best for younger children), but it is also the least durable. Wood is durable and can take a hefty beating. Metal is the most durable of the three, but it can rust and get hot-to-the-touch in direct sunlight.
• Pre-made vs. custom built: A custom-built playset may be less expensive than a pre-made playset, but it can also be more dangerous. To make sure your set is put together correctly and safe to use, it’s a good idea to let a professional assemble and install it, particularly with more complicated playsets.

Here at Thumbtack, we love helping our customers save money – so here are our best strategies on how to save some dough on playset installation costs:

• Assemble it yourself: To save on installation, purchase a playset that is partially or fully assembled or one that is easy to assemble. Playset assembly is a great DIY project that will help save you some serious cash – just be very careful to assemble at your own risk.
• Prep beforehand: Prepare the ground for the playset before making the purchase. That way, the space will be clear and ready to go when your playset arrives!
• Think about ground covering: Rubber tiles are the most expensive ground covering options, so look into wood chips, pea gravel, or sand for a cost-effective alternative.