Playground installations may include construction of decks over 10 feet high, roofs over 16 feet high, and shelters over 18 feet high. These heights pose serious risk to installers if safe tools and safety precautions are not reasonably met. If performing a self-installation without the guidance of a professional it is best to get a suggested tool list from the company of which you purchased equipment. The tool list will give a general insight into the required skills and tasks ahead of your project.
The installation of a shade structure is by far the most difficult task for inexperienced installers, as it requires patience and strength, either in numbers or by individuals. Although a two-person installation crew can install a shade structure of practically any size, we suggest the use of 3-4 people, and more if available. The first step in installation of a shade is figuring out grade. If the grade is 2% or less, no site preparation is generally needed to construct a shelter properly.
First step is to dig holes and support the bottom of each hole with a flat concrete block. Each hole needs to be the same depth at grade. In other words, the holes may not be the same depth from the bottom of the hole to the soil, however at grade each hole should be level. This may require the use of a scope and laser for pinpoint accuracy, however most construction laborers can find other method if a laser is not available. If you are in a small town built on trust, your local utilities company or city maintenance may have a tool you could borrow.
The next step is to concrete one of the upright support posts. Make sure that the post is plumb and centered in the hole. You will want the measurements dead-on before concreting the first post. If a post if thrown off-center of a hole, the hole may need to be re-dug later, which makes installation very difficult. Once the concrete is set, installation of the structure is ready to continue. Fast set concrete should be used on the first post, as it will be ready in a matter of hours versus days.
The next step involves placing the other posts in the remaining three holes. Several stakes and straps may be needed for this process to keep the posts plumb and from falling over. The top frame of the shade is assembled next. First, attach the elbows to the posts. Elbows generally fit on top of the upright posts without any effort. They will be more permanently attached later.
The top frame is carefully assembled starting at each post. This process requires strength on all parties. A long top frame post must be lifted up and slid into the elbow at an upward angle. This must be done four times, one for each upright post. Once each top frame bar is installed into the elbows, the four bars must meet at the top and connect to a center support. This is often the most difficult part of the installation due to the shear strength required and the height.
The frame bars coming out of the elbows will likely be bowing down slightly due to gravity. Someone must climb a ladder (10 foot or greater); push up on all four bars, all while sliding in connecting yokes and a center bar. You will find the process much easier by having at least one other person on his or her own ladder to push a bar separately. The larger shade structures require more upwards force. Also, the larger the shade, the higher in the air the frame bars will rise. A cherry picker or boom lift is very useful in this process, although not always affordable in the construction.
Once the top frame is assembled, all hardware should be installed to set the frame in place. Several bolts and screws should be set in place a various points to secure the connections. The fabric canopy is the last piece of the puzzle. The canopy should have specific instructions on how to properly install the steel cable into the fabric. Black tape will be required for the end of the cable in order to be able to feed it through the fabric. Once the steel cable is installed, the fabric must be set on top of the shade structure. Make sure before you begin to align the canopy in the proper direction if it is a rectangle. Also the orientation is important as the fabric has a top and bottom.
The cable loops should be placed on the elbows. As the fabric is built to fit a specific size of structure, the fit will be very tight. It may appear too tight. Shade structures with fixed elbows may require use of a come along cable puller. Glide elbows do not require a come along. To use the come along a solid support must be used such as a truck, building, or heavy machine. You will be placing enormous force on the object so light and portable objects are not recommended. A person should be on a ladder guiding the cable loop and fabric to properly place itself over the elbow hook.
Now that your shade is constructed, it may be time for a break.
