Editors of Cool Springs Press - Black & Decker Play Structures & Backyard Fun: How to Build: Playsets--Sports Courts--Games--Swingsets--More

How to Build: Playsets Sports Courts Games Swingsets More

F un. Thats the whole idea behind backyard recreation structures. Ideally, they arent just fun to use; projects like the ones in this book are also a blast to plan, design, adapt, and build. At least, that was the criteria used in selecting all the projects included here. If its not fun, whats the point?

Divided into four common-sense sections, these projects represent an incredible diversity from which you can choose. Big or small, complex or simple, youll find a project in this book to match any level of DIY expertise and ambition. There is also something for children of every age, from four to forty. Want to give your six-year-old the gift of an incredible hideaway that transforms from a mountaintop pirates fort to a medieval castle with a flick of the imagination? A clubhouse like the one shown ) on the other side of the yard will keep the kids occupied for many happy hours, while keeping them physically fit.

Unless youre willing to change the look and style of your backyard, youll find that different landscapes are usually better suited to one project or another. A long, flat driveway is the ideal home for a basketball hoop (shown ).

If you opt for a project that is targeted to the younger members of the household, include them in the planning and construction. Planning, designing, measuring, marking, cutting, and building can all be great opportunities for young DIYers to hone math skills, learn about basic physics and geometry, and test out their own hypotheses about the way things work. No matter what the project is or who builds it, however, safety should always be the first and foremost concern when it comes to backyard recreation. Wear the proper safety gear whenever you work with power tools or dangerous hand tools. Follow best safety practices in constructing projects and ensure all safety guards are correctly installed in anything you buildthis includes those directed in the project steps and common-sense features such as rounding off sharp edges. Youll find more safety information throughout the book, and links to safety organizations in the Resources section shown .

B efore starting a large project, its important to get a clear idea of where to build it, what landscaping work is involved, and how much it will cost. If the structure will be anywhere close to the property lines and will be difficult to move after you build it, make sure you know exactly what setbacks are required in your area. Talk to an inspector about what youre planning to doit doesnt cost anything; in fact, you probably will get some good advice or handouts about construction details, and it might save you from big problems later on.

If you live in an area with a neighborhood homeowners association, or your house is part of a condominium development, check your deed and talk to your neighbors before starting any permanent or semi-permanent projects to find out if there are restrictions. Youll also need to know how deep to dig footings and what to do if you have bad soil or a high water table. This all sounds worse than it isone or two phone calls usually resolve all of these questions, and its best to get the answers at the start.

You also should estimate the cost of materials to avoid surprises. For complicated projects like a treehouse or a large playset, lumberyards and home centers will estimate costs for you if you give them a detailed scale drawing of what you plan to build. Its always a good idea to add 10 percent for waste and mistakes.

Before building anything, locate your lot lines and any buried utilities. Make note of overhead utility lines, and make sure your play structure is far enough away from them so the two dont touchthe general recommendation is to make sure utility lines are at least twice the height of the structure (which includes most building projects, including swingsets). Play areas must be at least 6' from any building, tree, or other obstacle. The clear area in front and back of swings must be at least twice the height of the swingset (measured from the center of the swingset).

Before buying any lumber, make scaled construction drawings. It will make buying materials and building the structure much easier and help you avoid expensive mistakes. If you need to obtain a building permit, inspectors will also want to see your construction drawings.

Safety Equipment

Protective gloves play two important roles when you are working outdoors: they protect your hands from abrasions when working with tools or handling building and landscaping materials, and they prevent contact with chemicals such as solvent-based finishing products. Wear well-fitted work gloves whenever they do not interfere with important dexterity concerns. Wear rubber gloves when working with solvent-base paints, stains, and sealers or other chemicals that are not suitable for skin contact.

Protective eyewear is perhaps the most important safety gear you can wear. Quality protective eyewear has lightweight, shatterproof lenses that are resistant to fogging. Some are tinted to protect against UV rays. If you will be working around chemicals or airborne irritants, wear safety goggles that fit your face snugly. Some prescription glasses are rated as safety glasses, but dont assume that yours are: wear goggles over them if you are not certain.