If you are looking to build a commercial playground for public parks, daycares or schools, it is not cheaper, nor practical, to build your own playground. Public playgrounds must meet the safety guidelines set by various organizations such as ASTM and CPSC. Manufacturers and dealers will carry equipment that has been tested and meets all of these safety standards. Additionally, they will be made from heavy-duty materials that are more equipped to handle daily use. However, if you have purchased commercial-grade play equipment and are ready to install it, doing that part yourself can save a lot of money.
Backyard or residential playsets can be diy, as they are meant to be used by only the children in that household. There are many instructional videos and guides available that can teach someone how to build a wooden playset for their kids. Make no mistake, pressure-treated lumber is by no means cheap. But if you already have the tools and can find the accessories at an affordable price, do-it-yourself playsets or treehouses can cost less than a prefabricated one. Building your own playground can be cheaper this way, but that is a personal decision to be made by parents or homeowners. Keep reading to learn more about saving money on your playground.
Installation
There are three different ways to have a playground installed: Customer, Supervised and Professional. Installation can account for around 18% of the budget. But as long as you have knowledgeable volunteers, commercial playgrounds can be fully installed by the customer, saving that 18% to be used on more equipment. Or you can opt for the middle ground, a supervised installation which consists of a CPSI certified installer guiding volunteers. So in this scenario, it is cheaper to “build” your own playground.
Look for Deals
Always check Deals or Sale pages to see if there is anything available that fits your needs. Finding surplus or overstock equipment at a reduced price or shipping time can save a significant amount of money on the project. In-stock or Quick Ship items are great for projects with a short time frame. These are going to be popular or best value types of systems that can ship out in one to two weeks.
How much is a playground set?
The average price spent on backyard playgrounds is $2,500. This typically covers a wooden structure with swings, a slide and a climber along with the mulch. The average cost of a commercial playground is about $8,000. This will typically include a structure with three to four play components, as well as the appropriate safety surfacing. Commercial playgrounds are much higher quality than your typical backyard system. They are made from commercial steel and roto-molded plastics that are tested and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and daily play. Commercial playground equipment can be used in residential areas and can be a great investment into the home's value and the safety of the children playing.