Swing Set Cost

• A metal swing set typically costs $80 -$500 for a standard backyard A-frame, or $500 -$4,000 or more for a commercial-grade metal set. Prices depend on whether the set is just swings or whether it includes additional features like a slide, two-person glider, rings, trapeze or climbing gym. For example, the Flexible Flyer First Fun Swing Set ($100 -$160) has two swings, a standing swing with rings and a 6' slide with ladder; the Lifetime 10' Swing Set ($500 -$600) has two belt swings and a trapeze bar and is advertized as heavy-duty, weather-resistant and maintenance-free; the Ultra Play Double Bay Bipod Swing Set $(1,400 -$1,700) has two belt swings and two infant swings; and the Lifetime Deluxe Play Set ($2,500 -$3,500) has three swings, a trapeze bar with gym rings, a 9' slide, a look-out deck with ship's wheel and binoculars, and more.
• The most common type available, wood swing sets start at about $100 -$500 for a basic, simple kit but average $500 -$1,200 for a standard backyard unit and can cost $1,200 -$10,000 or more for a set with multiple swings, slides, decks, awnings and imaginative touches like a movable ship's wheel. For example, Swing-N-Slide's Pine Bluff No-Cut Wooden Play Set Kit with two swings costs $200 but the 6' slide is sold separately for $60 -$200, and the customer has to supply the 4"x4" lumber needed for the slide; Gorilla Playsets' Congo Swing Station ($550 -$850) has two swings and a trapeze bar; Gorilla Playsets' Big Sky II Swing Set ($3,200 -$3,700) includes two swings, a trapeze bar, three slides, a rock wall, a periscope and more; and Kid's Creations' Big Ringer Wood Swing Set ($9,400) is 45'x18' and 13' high, and includes five swings, a tire swing, spiral slide, two decks, a rock climbing wall and more.
• Another option is a molded plastic swing/play set designed for younger children (typically five or six and younger), which can cost $100 -$1,200 or more, depending on size, number of swings and features like a slide or teeter-totter. For example, the Little Tikes Endless Adventures Variety Climber and Swing Set ($500 -$560) has two swings, two slides, a bridge/tunnel, a climbing net and a steering wheel.

• Most swing sets come unassembled. They often have thousands of hardware pieces and hundreds of wood parts, and many features must be pre-assembled before the main structure is built. Most require two workers and few sets can be assembled in a day or even in a single weekend, except with additional help. TheDallasHandyman.com lists tips for installing a swing set and recommends increasing the manufacturer's suggested assembly time by 50% for a team of two skilled people or doubling it for an inexperienced team.
• A time-lapse video shows a two-man crew from Hands For You Assembly Services in Massachusetts constructing a typical wooden swing set.

• Hiring a handyman or assembly service company to install a swing set starts at about $150 -$250 for a simple A-frame with few parts or features, but more typically costs $300 -$700 and can be $800 -$1,200, depending on local rates, the brand and model of swing set and the distance from the installer to the customer. Some retail stores or dealers offer delivery and assembly for $100 -$1,000 or more, depending on distance and complexity.

• Hardware-only kits with all the hardware -- swing, brackets, rings, etc. -- but no lumber for a wooden play set can cost $75 -$500, depending on what is included. For example, the Swing-N-Slide Pioneer Custom DIY Play Set Hardware Kit with four swing set designs costs $80 -$100. HGTV provides instructions for building a custom A-Frame Wood Swing Set from scratch.

• Avoid sets with exposed moving parts that could pinch or crush fingers, and be sure the set is properly anchored when installed. Good Housekeeping lists safety tips for buying, installing and maintaining backyard play equipment.
• Swing sets are available from big-box stores like Target or Walmart; home improvement centers like Home Depot or Lowe's; or online retailers like Amazon.
• Some manufacturers offer links to dealers and installers on their website. For example, Kid's Creations lists installers by state and Swing-N-Slide provides links to retailers.

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