Get matched with top playground equipment service pros in Cobb, CA

Material markup costs and labor expenses are the additional primary costs of hiring a playground installer over building your own set. Labor costs are typically less costly than some more specialized home improvement projects. DIY swing set construction is less expensive than professional installation but will take considerably more time and effort to perform.

Playground installation costs around $500 on average, which doesn’t include the cost of the playground itself. Most homeowners spend between $150 and $1,200 on the labor to install a playground, plus between $100 and $1,500 on the playground equipment. The cost of professional installation depends on a few different factors:

• Type and size of the playground 

• Whether or not you need land leveling before installation

• Accessibility of your yard

• Whether you buy a premade playground or a custom one

• Local permitting costs, if necessary

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.

Rubber mulch is widely considered the best material to place under a playset. This material option provides more cushioning than traditional wood mulch for added protection, remains cooler than sand and most other materials in direct sunlight, and it’s low maintenance. Rubber mulch is slightly more expensive than other common options at $120 per cubic yard on average, whereas pine bark mulch is $30 per cubic yard. But when it comes to your children’s safety, the investment is worthwhile. Consult your playground equipment installation company about material recommendations before starting this project.