Get matched with top playground equipment service pros in New Market, AL

The cost of the materials to build a DIY playground will run you about $700 to $1,000, which could vary based on the type of lumber you choose to use. On the other hand, buying a pre-made playset costs $1,000 to $6,500 or more, and if you choose to have it professionally installed, you’ll pay an additional $330 to $700.

You can start by finding playground installers in your area that have amassed mostly positive reviews online. Next, search for the companies on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website to see if any consumer complaints have been filed. Once you rule out companies with poor reviews and a history of complaints, contact the remaining options and ask the following questions to find the right installer for you:

• Will you pull permits if required?

• Do you offer a warranty?

• How long do you expect the installation to take?

• Do you have experience working with the specific playground material I want?

Whether building a playground or installing a pre-made one is more affordable depends on the materials of each. In most cases, it’s more affordable to build a wooden playground than it is to buy one and have it professionally installed, but it might be less expensive to invest in a pre-made plastic playground, even if you pay a professional to install it. Wooden playgrounds tend to last longer, but as children age, they will become less valuable. Overall, it may be most affordable to have a pro install a pre-made plastic playground.

Whether or not you need a building permit for a playground depends on where you live. Some municipalities will require a permit for the construction of any playground equipment while others will only mandate one if you use a concrete foundation for any portion of the equipment. You can check with your local building department or a professional playground installer to see if your project requires a permit. Some municipalities also require a fence if you have a playground, and fence construction will almost always require a building permit.