The average cost of playground equipment installation is around $500, and most homeowners pay between $330 and $700, excluding the cost of the playground equipment itself. Your total project cost will depend on site preparation requirements, playset size, design complexity, number of accessories, and the swing set materials. Don’t forget to account for the cost of playground surfacing, which can cost between $15 to $160 per cubic yard or $225 per cubic yard for poured rubber.

It may be tempting to DIY the construction of a swing set to save money, but we don’t recommend it. Since children will use the swing set, the entire system must be solid and safe, meaning the cost savings aren’t worth potentially endangering them. Plus, most DIYers will have to build their swing sets out of wood, which won’t last as long as metal or vinyl and introduces the risk of splinters. Instead, hire a local playground equipment installer to ensure the swing set is built safely and efficiently, setting up your kids for fun for years to come.

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.

Whether or not you need a permit to install a playground depends on where you live, as some cities require it and others don’t. You can contact your local building department to find the answer or ask your playground equipment installer if you need a permit. Reputable playground equipment companies will know the laws in your area and can help you apply for the permit and coordinate inspections. Building permits cost $250 to $2,000 for outdoor projects.

In most cases, your professional playground installer will put down a playground surface before assembling the fun-filled system. However, you should ask your installer about this service before booking an installment date. Most playground equipment installation companies offer service add-ons like leveling the area, laying down a surface, building a border to keep the surface material contained, and setting up the swing set.