If you’re like most parents, adding a backyard playset sounds like a dream: the kids get hours of screen-free fun, you get a few precious moments of peace, and everyone gets some fresh air. Win-win, right?
But here’s the thing: even the most Pinterest-worthy playset can turn into a hassle (or a hazard) if a few important details are overlooked. At North Mountain Structures, we’ve helped countless families bring backyard dreams to life—with fewer headaches and a whole lot more fun. So before you start imagining giggles on the slide or a full-blown pirate adventure on the climbing tower, let’s make sure your setup is safe, practical, and built to last.
Here are five things parents often forget when planning a playset—and why they matter more than you think.
We get it. You’ve measured the space. You know the footprint of the playset. Maybe you even mapped it out in chalk or cardboard. But have you accounted for the fall zone?
That’s the area around the playset where kids land when they jump off (or fall off—because let’s be real, it happens). Industry guidelines recommend at least 6 feet of clear space on all sides. For swings, that increases to twice the height of the swing beam in both directions. So if the top of the swing is 7 feet tall, you’ll want 14 feet of clear space in front and back.
It sounds like a lot, but think of it as your safety buffer. Kids don’t play in straight lines—they leap, spin, and launch themselves like tiny daredevils. Planning for that movement makes your backyard safer from day one.
🛠 Pro Tip: Our team at North Mountain Structures can help you choose a vinyl playset that fits not just your yard—but your actual usable space. We’ve seen it all, from sloped lawns to tight suburban lots. Let us help you get it right.
2. “Oops, We Didn’t Think About the Sun…”
Imagine this: it’s 2 PM in July, and the kids are begging to use the playset. You step outside only to realize—the slide is blazing hot, the metal handles are untouchable, and there’s zero shade in sight.
Yep, it happens all the time. Sun placement is one of the most overlooked (but most important!) parts of planning a play area. Not only does the sun affect how comfortable it is to play, but it also impacts safety. Hot surfaces can cause burns in seconds, and constant UV exposure can shorten the life of some materials.
The fix? Think ahead.
- Morning sun, afternoon shade is ideal.
- Avoid placing slides facing south or west if possible.
- If natural shade isn’t an option, consider adding a canopy or shade sail.
The good news? Our vinyl playsets are built to handle the sun like champs.
🌤 Fun Fact: Positioning your playset under a tree can be a double win—it offers shade and fuels imagination (hello, secret clubhouse).
3. “We’ll Buy One They Can Grow Into” — Age Mismatch Mistakes
We hear this one all the time: “We want to get something our 3-year-old can grow into.” That sounds logical, but it often means buying a playset that’s too advanced for your child right now.
And what happens? It sits unused. Or worse, becomes a safety risk.
Instead, think of your playset as a stage. Start with features your child can safely enjoy right now—like a toddler slide, sandbox, or lower deck. Then, as they grow, add on.
Need help deciding? Here’s a quick guide:
Age Best Features 2–4 Bucket swings, small slides, sandboxes, enclosed spaces 5–7 Belt swings, medium-height platforms, basic climbers 8+ Tall towers, rope ladders, monkey bars, more complex accessories 👶 Parent Tip: Don’t underestimate how fast your kids will think they can do big-kid features. Just because they beg for a tall climbing wall doesn’t mean it’s time.
4. “We’ll Just Put It on the Grass” — The Surface Surprise
This might be the most common assumption: “We’ve got a yard. That’s enough, right?”
Not quite.
While grass looks soft, it compacts quickly—especially under active feet. And when kids fall (because again, they will), a hard-packed surface isn’t forgiving.
Instead, plan for a playset base that cushions impact. Here are your best bets:
- Rubber mulch – Soft, clean, low-maintenance, and long-lasting.
- Engineered wood fiber – Natural look with good shock absorption.
- Pea gravel or sand – Affordable, but can scatter and need frequent raking.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s deep enough (typically 9–12 inches) and wide enough to extend beyond the playset’s outer edges.
🪵 North Mountain Bonus: Our vinyl playsets are designed for easy site prep. We’ll guide you on what surface works best for your space and your structure.
5. “It’ll Take Care of Itself” — The Maintenance Myth
We hate to break it to you, but not all playsets are created equal—especially when it comes to maintenance.
Wooden playsets, while charming, need yearly staining, splinter checks, and constant watch for warping or rot. That’s a lot of work, especially if you’ve got more than one kid, a full-time job, or just want to spend weekends playing, not fixing.
That’s why so many families choose vinyl playsets—like the ones we offer at North Mountain Structures.
- No staining.
- No splinters.
- No rot.
- No pest problems.
Our playsets are made to withstand harsh seasons, from snow to summer storms, without fading, cracking, or needing weekend-long repairs.
🧰 Just check once a season for loose bolts or worn parts—and you’re good to go.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Fun Factor 🎉
While safety and practicality are essential, don’t forget why you’re doing this in the first place—for fun! When choosing a playset, involve your kids in the process. Ask them what kind of adventures they want to have. Castle? Spaceship? Jungle hideout?
Then, find a structure that brings their imagination to life.
And remember—play evolves. Today it’s pretend cooking in the sandbox, tomorrow it’s ziplining across the yard. Choose a setup that’s flexible enough to grow with your family.
Let’s Make Playtime Awesome (and Safe)
At North Mountain Structures, we believe your backyard should be more than just a patch of grass or a place to store tools—it should be a space where childhood comes to life. A place where imaginations run wild, friendships are built, and memories are made in every season. That’s why our vinyl playsets are more than just playground equipment—they’re gateways to adventure, learning, and laughter.
Designed with safety, durability, and fun in mind, our playsets give your children the freedom to explore while giving you peace of mind. Whether it’s a quiet morning spent in the sandbox or an afternoon of epic backyard battles, we’re here to help you build a space that grows with your family—and sparks joy every step of the way.
✅ Safe and spacious
✅ Built for all ages
✅ Low-maintenance
✅ Customizable and expandable
✅ Delivered and installed by real humans who careReady to make it happen?
👉 Explore our playsets here
👉 Contact us today!Let’s build something your kids will love—and you’ll feel great about.
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