Playground Equipment Costs

On average, the price of playground equipment ranges between $100 and $5,000. In rare residential cases, it can be much more. Where on that range you fall depends on what kind of playset or swing set you want. 

Most playground equipment comes in one of three materials: wood, metal, or plastic. You can find options as simple as a single swing or as complex as a tower with multiple slides. Playsets, sandboxes, and water tables round out your options.

Playground Installation Cost

Most experts charge between $150 and $900 to install your playground equipment. You can depend on your local handyman for a cost of $150 to $250 or hire a team of specialists at a budget between $300 and $900.

Many retailers that sell this type of equipment also offer installation for a $200 to $800 fee.

Playset Installation Costs by Brand

• Gorilla playset installation costs between $200 and $500 if you hire professionals. The company estimates that this two-person job will take between six and eight hours. When you buy the equipment, Gorilla will recommend preferred installers that are familiar with its products.
• Rainbow play system costs range between $1,500 and $4,000. These are among the more custom options, which means you can expect to pay between $250 and $600 for installation.
• KidCraft equipment ranges between $1,000 and $2,800 for the materials and come with installation and assembly included.

Swing Set Cost

Expect to pay between $80 and $1,500 for a swing set excluding additional attachments and assembly. Material is the biggest cost variable, so check out the table below to compare prices and benefits.

Plastic playground equipment is often the cheapest but also the least durable. It's the most likely to have its colors fade in sunlight and doesn't hold up for older children. Metal is more durable but can get hot in the sun. Wood is the most expensive but also comes with the most aesthetic and functional advantages.

Swing Set Installation Costs

Professional installation of a new swing set typically ranges between $150 and $500. Most come in prefab kids and take just a few hours to put together. You might pay more if it's a custom piece, the ground needs to be leveled, or you need to pay for a soft surface.

Playset Prices

Playsets or jungle gyms cost between $200 and $5,000 or more. Material, features, and brand all play a major role in price. A custom set featuring premium wood can easily reach $10,000.

Jungle gyms are swing sets that come with something extra attached, like a slide, lookout deck, awning, or trampoline. Most, but not all come in prefab kits that include all materials.

Playset Assembly Cost

Professionals charge between $200 and $900 to assemble a prefab playset kit. The more complex the structure, the more you pay for assembly. Some larger sets might require two assemblers to get it done, in which case the price typically ranges between $300 and $900.

Sandboxes or Water Tables

Most installation prices for projects other swing sets or jungle gyms are minimal.

Sandboxes themselves range between $40 and $300. They can be ready-to-play plastic boxes or custom wood constructions that anchor underground. Digging out ground for a sandbox might cost between $100 and $200.

Water tables can cost as little as $30 at your local home improvement store or as much as $500 for a custom, permanent wooden structure. Building a water table ranges between $50 and $150.

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Cost Factors to Building a Swing Set or Playset

Materials, kits, and assembly are only part of the full cost of installation. The surface and paperwork also play a major role in your budget.

Securing Permits

Not all destinations require homeowners to apply for a permit. Before you move forward with site prep or buying any playground equipment, make sure you check and comply with all local laws.

Depending on where you live, you might need permission to construct a backyard playground. Your budget will likely fall on the lower end of the $400 to $1,100 price for a building permit. Although you might think about installing a simple swing set or small play equipment on your own, the reality is that some cities require a structural work permit first.

If you live in a subdivision, you may also need to check with your HOA to learn about any restrictions related to outdoor play equipment.

Cost to Level Your Yard for a Playset

If you have a hilly or uneven yard, you might have to budget for the price to clear the land at about $1,200 to $4,200. Many homeowners don't expect site preparation to be as lengthy or as expensive as it can end up.

Larger projects with lots of backyard vegetation might require you to budget for land excavation, at $1,500 to $5,000. You can do your own site prep, but enlisting professionals makes sense when the task gets complex. 

You might need to dig up the soil, remove rocks, roots, and trees, or replace topsoil. You will need to build the play structure on level ground that won't shift over time. The area where the playground goes needs to be clear of all debris and structures, graded to be level and then covered in topsoil if necessary.

Compare Playground Surfaces & Costs

You can select from multiple options like grass, soft rubber tiles, wood chips, and sand, at a cost between free and $3,500. Choosing the right base for your outdoor play area is vital.

Grass is the cheapest option since you may have a backyard full of it already. Just be sure to keep it healthy and free of sharp objects and pet souvenirs.

Rubberized playground surface costs between $1,800 and $3,500 and tends to be your most comprehensive option. Soft rubber tiles are kid-friendly, relatively easy to install, slip-resistant and ideal for rainy areas where drainage is a concern. 

Sand is another base material popular in outdoor play areas. It can absorb falls, protect children and be quite affordable, but you might find it a hassle to contain. You can use these numbers as an internal playground sand calculator:

• Sand costs between $5 and $8 per cubic foot.
• You need about 100 cubic feet for a small swing set about 10 feet in length.
• Each foot of equipment requires about 10 cubic feet of sand.
• Therefore, each foot of equipment costs between $50 and $80 to cover.

Playground mulch is essentially a mix of soft wood chips with dull ends. It's certified for child safety. Wood chips are also expensive and attract insects like ants and termites.

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DIY vs. Hiring Swing Set Installation Services

On average, you can save around 11% of the cost if you install the playground yourself. That's because you won't need to pay the $150 to $900 price for professional assembly and installation if you build your own swing set.

Assembling the playground equipment is the final step, but it can be complex. Many sets are pre-made and only needto be assembled with clear-cut instructions rather than measured, cut and drilled from scratch. These DIY swing sets come in plastic, metal or wood parts, and they typically require minimal labor and tools.

A true DIY playground involves building your own play equipment. This is a major task, and some larger structures could require an additional permit or safety check to ensure that it is sound for child or adult use. Due to the heavy nature of timber and metal rods, building the structure from scratch might need to be a two or three-person job. 

Pre-made playground sets are more expensive than custom alternatives, but they save time. Be sure to test all equipment before letting children use the jungle gym.

For complex projects, look for professional playground installation services or swing set installers near you. Going with an expert can also give you peace of mind about the stability of slides, forts or any other structures.

FAQs

Where can I buy playground equipment?

You can buy playground equipment at most home improvement stores, as well as online at all major retailers. Some outdoor furniture stores also sell small and large sets for home use.

How much does commercial playground equipment cost?

The average price of commercial playground equipment ranges between $10,000 and $50,000 and can go as high as $150,000. These are sturdier structures that can withstand a large number of children over a long period of time.

How much does it cost to move or remove a swing?

Removing a single swing can range between $100 and $1,000 depending on the complexity of the move. Most common playground repairs cost between $200 and $500, which can range from painting the equipment to replacing cracked parts.

How much does a playground slide cost?

You can buy a playground slide for $100 to $800 at most major retailers and home improvement stores. It's useful if you want to build onto your existing structure or have an area of your yard (like a deck) that kids can slide down from.

What do you put under a swing set?

Any material that can soften falls is great to put under a swing set. Natural grass works, but you can also use sand, wood chips, and rubber tiles to keep your children safe.

What's the best swing set for toddlers?

When it comes to your toddler, look for swing sets that don't have opportunities to climb higher than you feel comfortable with. Swings should include safety brackets and seat belts to prevent falling. Look for safety ratings to ensure your little ones can stay safe while playing.

How much would it cost to build an indoor playground?

The price for an indoor playground ranges between $90 and $110 per square meter, which is about 11 square feet. It can go up to $400 per square meter if you add multiple levels to it. Within that range, filling a 150 square-foot room costs between $1,200 and $1,500.

How long does playground equipment last?

Most home-use playsets range between eight and ten years in lifespan. With good maintenance and mild weather, that can go up to 15 years. Commercial equipment typically comes with warranties of 25 years or longer.

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