What surfaces can we install our swing sets on?

One of the great benefits of how King Swings designs, manufactures, and delivers our vinyl swing sets and playhouses is that we can install them on a wide range of surfaces without issue. Since our towers are designed to be tip-proof, we can skip the whole cementing things into the ground, thus allowing us to deliver and install on top of all types of terrain, including:

• Grass
• Turf
• Dirt
• Sand
• Gravel
• Concrete

Each terrain type has its own challenges and characteristics. Let’s go down through them so you know what you want to expect on delivery day.

Grass

Installing on grass is about as straightforward as it gets. Most of our installs are directly on the grass in a customer’s backyard. This pliable surface allows us to stabilize your swing set or playhouse by digging down or blocking up your set.

While installing sets like Cubby’s Fort or the Sea King will not hurt your yard as we can simply roll the tower into place on a set of wheels, larger sets or installs where we have to use our mini skid steer can leave ruts in your yard if it is wet or the crew has to make sharp turns to get the tower in place. We do our best not to damage your yard. However, this is an understood risk of purchasing a large playhouse and having it delivered and installed.

If you are planning on reseeding or doing other major yard work, planning ahead can help protect your yard. Tender, young grass is easier to damage. If a swing set purchase is on your forecast, the proper order would be to install the swing set or playhouse first, then redo your yard.

Turf

King Swings can install our swing sets or playhouses on artificial turf. Anchoring of the swing set or playhouse is done through the turf. Turf installs are straightforward and easy to install.

You need to know two important things about installation on artificial turf. 1) The artificial turf should be installed before King Swings arrives to install your playground for the best results. 2) The turf should have about a month to solidify before we install it. This allows the turf install to “set,” which prevents our machinery from tearing it up.

Dirt

Installs on dirt are similar to grass. Most installs are simple and straightforward. However, there are a few important items to point out. Dirt installs can turn into mud installs if the weather turns bad. We do our best to keep your set clean, but the site’s quality directly affects our efforts.

Sand

Installing on the sand is not an issue for our swing sets or playhouses. Sand provides a built-in playground surface and is part of the fun.

The most important factor in a swing set installation on sand is that we cannot anchor the set because, well, you are installing on sand. While this isn’t a problem for the tower or playhouse since they are large, heavy, and designed to be tip-proof, this does mean you may see a bit more movement in the swing beam.

Read this blog post here for more information about sand as a playground surface!

Gravel Base/Pea Gravel

Occasionally, a customer will have us install on a prepared gravel bed. This is usually in preparation for poured-in-place rubber flooring or some other playground surfacing. Gravel bases are simple to install since they are generally very level and accessible.

Pea gravel as a playground surface can be fun and provide extra play, but pea gravel can be a challenge if it is already on site when we arrive. We should deliver and install the swing set or playhouse before you spread your pea gravel. This will allow us to anchor the set to the solid ground.

For more information on pea gravel as a playground surface, you can check out this blog post here.

Concrete

If you have our crews install on concrete and have not purchased playground surfacing from King Swings, we are not responsible for providing mulch. We will install the set, but you must provide playground surfacing before allowing children to play on the swing set or playhouse.

When installing concrete, we cannot anchor the tower or swing beam. To install our border on concrete, we have to bring special equipment to drill down into the cement to be able to install the pins that keep the border in place. There is a charge for this as it takes extra time and equipment.

If you are having us install your swing set on concrete, you need to let us know beforehand so we have adequate time planned for your installation and the needed tools along with the truck.

Conclusion

King Swings can install our swing sets and playhouses on many different types of surfacing, including grass, dirt, gravel, concrete, sand, and turf. When placing your order, it is always best to let us know what type of terrain we will be installing on so that delivery day is a success!

King Swings has been crafting, delivering, and installing swing sets for over thirty years! We know a thing or two about how to have a successful installation. A critical part of that is honesty. If your site is not ready for your swing set, do not pretend that it is. I know, I know, you would think this is a no-brainer, but you would be surprised.

If you have any concerns about the site you have chosen for your swing set or playhouse, here is what you can do. Take a picture or video of the site and then send it to the sales rep. you are working with. We can review it with our head of installation and work with you if any issues arise.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us! We want to help you bring the playground home!