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Johnny's BackyardPlaysets · Sheds · Since 2012(210) 429-7529
Home / Playsets / Playset SafetyPlayset safety

Safe by design.
Installed right.

A safe backyard playground takes three things: a well-built set, a correct installation and a safe play zone around it. Here is how Backyard Adventures and our crews handle each one.

Shop Backyard AdventuresPlan your safe play zone
1 · A well-built set

Built into every Backyard Adventures set

Backyard Adventures has spent more than 40 years refining its modular playsets, and says safety is its top priority.
StandardsBuilt to ASTM safety standardsBackyard Adventures states its playsets meet ASTM safety standards, the standards written for home playground equipment.
Materials100% cedarCedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects, so the structure stays strong year after year.
HardwareRecessed bolts, heavy-duty hardwareBolts sit recessed into the wood instead of sticking out where kids climb, slide and grab.
GripsSafety grips where hands goGrips on ladders and rock walls, and rubber safety grips on swing chains, give small hands a secure hold.
SwingsCoated swing chainsSwings hang on 1/4″ galvanized, powder-coated chains that resist rust and are easier on hands.
AnchoringAnchors in every boxAnchoring devices come with the set. Anchors can be left with you at installation. However, Johnny's Backyard does not install anchors because of underground utilities and piping.
EntrapmentSmart opening sizesOpenings are designed to stay out of the 3½″ to 9″ range where a child’s head could get trapped.
WarrantyLifetime coverage on the structureAbove-ground wood, Rocket Slides, powder-coated steel and hardware carry a limited lifetime warranty on Treehouse, Peak, Summit and Outlook sets.
2 · A correct installation

Installed by our crews, the right way

Most playset injuries come from falls and from sets that were never put together right. Our crews assemble every set to the Backyard Adventures instructions.
We check your yard firstYou send us photos of the spot. If we see slope, access or ground issues, we schedule a yard evaluation before install day.
Level, firm groundPlaysets belong on level ground. Uneven or soft ground can make a set unstable, and the manufacturer does not cover it.
Anchors left with youAnchors can be left with you at installation. However, Johnny's Backyard does not install anchors because of underground utilities and piping.
Room to playWe place the set at least 6 feet from fences, trees, buildings and overhead wires.
Every bolt tightenedHardware is tightened and checked before we leave, and we walk the finished set with you.
3 · A safe play zone

Give falls a soft landing

Grass, packed dirt, concrete and carpet are not safe surfaces under a playset. Use a cushioning material and cover the whole zone.

  • Cover at least 6 feet in every direction from the set.
  • In front of and behind swings, extend the zone twice the height of the swing beam.
  • Keep loose-fill like wood chips or mulch at least 9 inches deep for sets up to 8 feet tall, and top it up as it packs down.
  • Never put loose-fill over concrete or asphalt.
  • Rubber tiles or poured surfaces should be tested to ASTM F1292.
Guidance from Backyard Adventures and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
FortSlideSwing beam6 ft6 ft2× beam2× beamCushioned surfacing zone
House rulesSafe play every day
  • An adult nearby whenever kids are playing.
  • Sit in the middle of the swing. No standing, and no pushing empty swings.
  • Walk wide around moving swings.
  • Slides are feet first, and nobody climbs up the slide.
  • No jumping off the deck or climbing on the roof.
  • Stay off when the set is wet.
  • Wear shoes, and skip loose cords, drawstrings, ropes and bike helmets on the set.
  • Check slides and metal parts for heat on sunny days.
MaintenanceKeep it safe for years
  • Twice a month in season: check and tighten nuts and bolts.
  • Monthly: look over swing seats and chains for wear.
  • Monthly: oil moving metal parts and check for rust.
  • Monthly: check the wood for splinters and lightly sand.
  • Every year: re-stain the set.
  • Often: rake and refill the surfacing.
Have an older set?Send us a few photos. We will tell you what it needs to be safe again, from new hardware to a full refinish.
Get a safety check quote
Sources: Backyard Adventures support and safety guidance, Backyard Adventures, Backyard Adventures limited warranty, CPSC playground surfacing guide. Backyard Adventures playsets are for home use only.
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