How Tall Should a Swing Set Be?

You swing set height should be tall enough to allow the child to have fun and grow into the swing set as they get older. Here's a guide on the typical swing set height.
Written by Marisol Pereira
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
The typical height for a home swing set is anywhere between five and seven feet.
If you have children and a backyard, odds are, you have considered building or buying a play set.
Play sets
allow your children to pass the daylight hours in close proximity to your home. That means supervision is easy and your children are less likely to live out the plot of Stranger Things.
If you're planning on adding a swing set to an existing play structure or building a stand alone set, you might be wondering how tall you should build your swing and what materials you need. Here are a few tips to get you started on your swing set journey, compiled by
Jerry
.
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Swing set height standard

There's no wrong height when you're deciding how tall to make your swing set, but most home play sets typically have a height of 6 feet. This is a good option if you have older children or you don't want your kids to grow out of the swing set. For a playground, the standard height for a swing set is 8-feet tall, 8-feet deep, and 12-feet wide.
If you have young children and aren't worried about them using the swing when they get older, you could build your swing as small as 4-feet high. That way, if they fall off, they aren't going too far.

Other things to keep in mind when building a swing set

If you're building a swing set, it's also a good idea to keep these other factors in mind:
Obstructions: It is a good rule of thumb to have no obstructions within eight feet of the swing set.
Terrain: Swing sets should be assembled and installed on soft terrain, such as grass or sand, so the landing will be somewhat cushioned if a child falls.
They should not be installed over rough terrains such as concrete or solid wood because it will increase the risk of a fall, potentially causing a serious injury.
Level: Make sure the posts and beams of your swing set are installed on level ground. If the ground is not level, the swing seats be crooked, and it puts swingers at a higher risk of crashing into each other.
Safety seats or "toddler swings": If you have young children, you should install at least one toddler swing to keep them secure while they enjoy the swing set. Toddler swings should never be used without supervision.
Materials: The top-rated wood for a backyard swing includes pine, redwood, and cedar—with pine being the strongest of the three. These materials are also weather resistant, cost-efficient, and provide a beautiful finish.
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