Play Structure Advice Needed

[stoonmom]

I am looking to buy a play structure. However, I have no idea which ones are best. I have looked at ToysRUs, Home Depot, Cosco, Walmart...

Does anyone have any advice?

I am looking to spend from about $500 to $1000, and am looking for the best value for my money. My kids are 2 and 5.

Thank you!

[Charly13]

We were recently looking for a structure as well and opted to buy a used one from Kijiji. We were lucky enough to find someone selling a system that was built with the plastic resin wood which requires no upkeep and is sturdy enough to hold us adults. It came with the standard slide, 3 swings and a pull up bar, plank, fireman pole and rope ladder. You can get some really decent deals on Kijiji.

If you're going to get a standard wood system make sure you stay on top of the staining and sealing to prolong it's life.

A company in my area makes the Rainbow Play structures. On their website they offer some insight into the brand Costco carries regarding the construction. http://www.playrainbow.ca/link.html Might be of some help for you since they're a Canadian company.

[oddduck]

We've been doing the same thing. Costco (in Ontario) is completely out of their set in store. They will not be getting anymore in this summer. You can order it online, but you'll be $1399+tax and will be waiting 3-4+ weeks.

All the big backyard stuff doesn't seem very sturdy to me. They have a max child weight of 105lbs. The swings are help up to 2x4 instead of 4x4s. The wood for the most part is stained to look like cedar, but not cedar... I'm just not very impressed. I'd like to be able to sit on the swings and go into the "fort" with my kids.

My husband and I bought a set from Home Depot. We ended up picking up the "Hawks Nest", but have plans to possible expand on later. They have a lot more options online then instore. The set we bought, we needed to buy the 4x4s separately ($60). They are made by swing 'n slide and use full sized lumber.

There are no rainbow dealers in my city, else we would have seriously considered. They are however over your $1000 limit. I think the cheapest I saw was $1400+tax.