A swing set for the backyard is a major purchase that will be a part of your outdoor landscape for many, many years. There are several factors that you will need to look at before you buy, and several decisions you need to make before you settle on one. Read below to find out what details must be decided on, up front.

1. Measure the Space: When you decide to pick out a swing set for the backyard, the first thing that you have to do is measure the perimeter of the intended backyard space to see how large of a set you can purchase. As you measure, you will need to make sure you add in a 5-6 foot perimeter area around the set. This is called the "fall zone".

2. Add Extra Room Around Perimeter: If your set is 7x6x8, don’t forget to add enough room (up to six foot) for the swings to go back and forth, and for the slide to come down. Leave enough running room for the kids all around the swing set.

3. Check for Level Ground: In addition to the play zone area, you need to make sure that your yard is level where you want to place the play set. Slides can be leveled easily from the bottom, but the A-frame of the set must be level. This will make sure that the wooden legs don’t move or shift while the jungle gym is in use.

4. Decide on Play Features: When deciding on the set that you want, make a list of the play accessories that your children want and start from there. Narrow down your choices by unit size and then price. Many of the play accessories will be similar, however, only the bigger sets will have clatter bridges, multiple slides and real wood play houses at the top. You will need to know what the most important things are that your kids want. Choose the set based on their favorite play time fun.

Girls will most likely want more than one swing and an enclosed playhouse, while boys love the monkey bars and the climbing walls. If you can’t find one set with everything you want, some swing set dealers let you customize the set, adding features you like. Playnation offers customization options, and so does Gorilla Play sets.

5. Plan to Customize it Ahead of Time: If you choose to change features on the swing set, make sure you check all the other listed factors above with the new options. (Be sure it is level, check fall zone with new measurements, etc.)

To customize your wooden swing set, you can add a trapeze or a glider to any swing beam, since they use the same space on the beam. You can also switch out small accessories like a steering wheel, punching bag, buoy ball or telescope. Even updating a swing set can be done this way. By using the existing frame, just switch the old play set accessories for new ones.

6. Decide where you want to buy: The last decision you need to make is where to purchase it. Many of the jungle gym retailers have moved their catalog online, so you can do your research from home. If you purchase from an online dealer, you can have it built for you if you pay for that service. Some of the mega stores don’t offer building service at your home, so you need to know if that is something you will need, from the beginning.

Compare the warranty and brands before you buy. Choosing a new swing set will be a fun decision, if you don’t have regrets later.