"We get somebody different each time. They don't really develop an understand with the equipment we have. They are okay. The work is good. Each time we have had them they have solved the problem. It usually requires more than one trip though. I would use them in the future."
Playground Equipment questions, answered by experts
The average lifespan for a playset is around eight to ten years, but you can probably make it last to 15 years with good weather conditions and proper maintenance. If you’re purchasing a pre-made playset, some brands offer warranties for up to 25 years—long after your kiddos are grown.
Choosing a suitable backyard playset that’s age-appropriate and entertaining for your children is worth the cost. A backyard playset you can update and upgrade as your kids grow offers even more benefits. Although a playset won’t substantially increase your home’s value, it won’t negatively affect it either.
The average cost to install a playground is around $500, with most homeowners spending between $150 and $1,200 on installation labor. The total project cost can range from $500 to $2,500. These prices typically do not include the playground equipment itself, which can cost an additional $100 to $1,500.
Several factors influence the final installation cost:
Playset Details: The type, size, material, design complexity, and number of accessories.
Site Preparation: Costs may increase if the land needs to be leveled.
Yard Accessibility: Difficult access for installers can raise labor costs.
Customization: Custom-built playgrounds are more expensive to install than premade kits.
Permits: Local permitting fees may apply.
Additionally, remember to budget for playground surfacing, which can cost $15 to $160 per cubic yard, or up to $225 per cubic yard for poured rubber.
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.
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.
The Dunseith, ND homeowners’ guide to playground equipment services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Building a playground for the kids in your backyard? Read our playground equipment checklist, which puts safety first and helps prevent unnecessary accidents.