This step by step woodworking project is about outdoor playset plans. If you have a backyard and you want to keep your kids busy while putting a large smile on their faces, we recommend you to consider building a playset. Make sure you pay attention to the safety side of the project, meaning that you should insert all the screws properly and round the corners and sharp edges of the constructions.
Taking into account there are so many plans and designs you could choose from, we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects and select the one that fits your needs, tastes and budget. In addition, don’t forget that you could always adjust the size of the playground. Add several swings and a slide to the construction, if you want to keep your kids entertained for many hours.
Invest in quality lumber if you want to build a durable construction. Ask a handy friend to help you during the project, as it requires many measurements, cuts and alignment. While a person holds the components into place, the other one can drill pilot holes and insert the galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to increase the rigidity of the frame. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
Made from this plan
Outdoor playset plans
Building an outdoor playset
Materials
- A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 110″, 2 pieces – 89 1/2″, 1 piece – 48 1/2″ POSTS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 60″ long FRAME
- C – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 63″ long, 3 pieces – 57″ long FRAME
- D – 10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 63″ long DECKING
- E – 37 pieces of of 1×4 – 46 1/2″ long BALUSTERS
- F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 57″ long, 2 pieces – 63″ long RAFTERS
- G – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 110 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 147 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 2×6 – 13 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 53 1/4″ long SWING
- H – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 46″ long, 8 pieces – 13 3/4″ long LADDER
- 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10 ft
- 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 14 ft
- 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 2 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 10 ft
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
- 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft
- 19 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
- 4 post anchors
- full bucket swing, slide, hangers
- 300 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- 100 pieces of 3 1/2” screws
- 250 pieces of 1 1/4” screws
- glue, paint
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw, pocket hole jig
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Tips
- Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
- Adjust the size of the shelves, according to your needs and tastes
Time
- One Day
Related
Building an outdoor playset
Building the frame of the playset
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frame of the tower. Use 4×4 lumber for the posts and lay them out in a professional manner. Make sure you dig 1-3′ deep holes and set the posts in concrete, in order to create a rigid structure. Use a spirit level to check if the posts are perfectly plumb before pouring the concrete. Afterwards, install 2×8 beams to the bottom of the structure, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the beams to the posts in a professional manner.
Fitting the posts
Dig 1-3′ deep holes (at least 6″ under the frost line) and pour a 2″ layer of gravel. Install tube forms and fit the posts into place, making sure they are perfectly plumb. Secure the posts with braces before filling the forms with concrete.
Building the floor frame
The next step of the project is to assemble the frame of the floor. Cut the 2×6 joists at the right size and secure them to the posts, as described in the diagram. Use a spirit level to make sure the corners are square and the joists perfectly horizontal. Leave no gaps between the components and add glue to enhance the bond of the joints.
Fitting the top rafters
Next, you have to fit the 4×4 post that will support the swing area, as well as the 2×4 rafters. Plumb the post with a spirit level before locking it into place with screws. Cut the rafters at the right size and secure them to the top of the posts using 2 1/2″ screws and glue.
Fitting the floor slats
Build the decking out of 2×6 lumber. Lay the slats to the floor and align them at both ends with great attention. Place the slats equally-spaced and secure them to the joists using 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes.
Building the floor slats
Use the information in the diagram to make the notches to the slats that are fit around the posts. Use a circular saw to make several parallel cuts and a chisel to remove the excess material. Sand the cut edges and remove the excess with a damp cloth.
Building the back wall
Building the walls for the outdoor playset is a straight-forward process, but you need to pay attention to a few aspects, in order to get a professional result. Build the components out of 1×4 lumber and secure the slats to the structure using 1 1/4″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. Make sure you place the slats equally-spaced, as to get a professional result.
Ladder Wall
Continue the project by fitting the rails to the other sides of the outdoor play tower.
Building the back wall
Continue the project by fitting the rails to the other sides of the outdoor play tower.
Building the front wall
Adjust the size of the opening according to your needs (the width of the slide).
Building the A-frame
Build the A-frame supports out of 4×4 lumber, using the information described in the diagram. Make accurate cuts and take your time when marking the cut lines.
Cutting the top of the posts
Check out the diagram for more information regarding the way you have to cut the top of the posts.
Fitting the braces
Build the braces out of 2×6 lumber. Cut both ends of the braces at 75 degrees and secure them to the posts using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.
Building the swing
Install the top beam to the outdoor as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 6″ screws to create a rigid structure. In addition, Make sure the top beam is horizontal and the A-frame is perfectly plumb. Use metal hardware to enhance the rigidity of the structure.
Building the ladder
Building the ladder for the outdoor playset is a straight-forward process, as you need to build the components out of 2×4 lumber. Take accurate measurements and adjust the size of the components using a circular saw. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the steps. Make sure the steps are equally-spaced and leave no gaps between the components for a rigid structure.
Attaching the ladder
Fit the ladder to the opening and secure the supports to the joists by using 3 1/2″ screws. Make sure there are no gaps between the components and double-check if all the joints are rigid.
Outdoor playset plans
Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. In order to build a playground with a neat appearance, you have to fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper along the wood grain, after the compound has dried out.
Thank you for reading our project about outdoor playset plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.
EXPLORE MORE IDEAS:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |