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.

Wood, metal, and plastic are common materials. Choose based on durability, aesthetics, and maintenance needs.

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.

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?