Do-It-Yourself Wood Forts and Swing Sets
Reasons to buy my play set plans, over other designers.
My play systems are not only great looking and loads of fun, they're also constructed of high-quality, heavy duty materials that parents can feel good about. Home made systems, although designed with the best intentions, are made with entrapment areas, exposed bolts, inferior hardware, or are just plain under engineered. All of my designs voluntarily meet or exceed all safety standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Inclined Step Ladder:
Some manufacturers offer rung ladders, which are slippery, or vertical ladders, which can be hard to climb. My inclined stepladder is very strong and will help your child develop confidence in his/her climbing abilities. I use 2x 4 uprights and 2 x 4 supports laminated together to make an extra heavy-duty ladder. 2 x 4 steps set at a 30-degree angle provide a wide level step-up into fort.
2" x 6" steps can be used for an even wider step.
Overlapping Joints:
Overlapping joints at the base and at the top of my structures add strength and overall stability. This design feature is found throughout the structure. These wood-on-wood features along with the double bolt construction make my forts adult and kid safe.
Dual Bolt Construction:
I use 3/8 double lag bolt construction at all 2 x 6 joints. This eliminates a pivot point in the structure, minimizing leaning and adding overall strength. There are 4) deck supports with 2" x 6" planks for the deck.
I recommend all corners and edges should be rounded to eliminate sharp corners or edges. Counter-bores recess heads of bolts minimizing snag hazards.
Multiple Fasteners at all Joints:
I use 3) 3 screws at all 2 x 4 joints. This eliminates a pivot point in the structure minimizing leaning and adding overall strength. Pre-drilling of all holes before securing minimizes cracking and splintering of the wood. Notice no cracks and all corners and edges are flush and square demonstrating high quality and craftsmanship.
Solid Rail System:
Connected with screws, not brads or nails. Solid rail system is set with all openings 3 or less eliminating entrapment areas and providing a high level of comfort and safety. The rail uprights are on the inside on the fort, not outside, where they can be pushed out. All upper level sides of my structures are enclosed unless there is a play event at the opening.
Solid All Wood A-frame Assembly:
My all-wood a-frame assembly is built to support any load your kids can dish out. Solid 4 x 4 legs and support blocks are secured together using ½ bolt thru beam carriage bolts. The spread of the legs are greater than the height of the swing beam and legs are staked to ground to add increased strength and stability.
1/2" Carriage Bolts and Wood:
I dont rely on flimsy metal plates to mount the swings to the fort. 4 x 4 blocks and ½ bolt thru beam carriage bolts secure swing beam to fort. When you see this you will not doubt the strength of our swing assembly. Countersinks protect your children from snag hazards and exposed bolt threads which can cut tiny fingers.
Completely Moveable:
Dont leave your investment behind. My structures break down into several large parts that can easily be moved to your new home or sold. Make your set from redwood and increase the value of your investment of money and time. Due to the over-whelming popularity of redwood play structures; resale value should be 50-75% of original cost.
Take a look at the 6' tall fence in the background to see the relative size of my design.
