Top 10 Gorilla Playsets for 2023

If you have started your search for the perfect backyard playset, you have more than likely encountered the brand Gorilla Playsets. Gorilla has been in the swing set business for more than 25 years and has created a name for themselves as one of the top quality wooden swing sets on the market. All of their playsets are constructed of quality materials and are loaded with fun features that kids of all ages will love.

With Gorilla’s extensive line of ready to assemble swing sets, it can be difficult to choose which one will be the perfect fit for your family. While the search will more than likely start by finding something that will fit the space in your yard as well as a certain budget, deciding which accessories and play features you want can be a daunting task.

That is why the backyard experts here at Backyardville have put together this comprehensive guide of the top 10 Gorilla Playsets for 2023. We will give you detailed information about each set as well as general guidelines to picking, purchasing, and putting together your Gorilla playset. The search starts with this handy comparison chart, arranged only by alphabetical order for your convenience.

Top Wooden Gorilla Playsets Comparison Chart

Why Buy a Gorilla Wooden Swing Set?

There are lots of reasons to purchase a swing set – fun for the kids, a form of physical exercise for the kids, a way to get the kids out of the house on a nice day – just to name a few. But why should you invest in a wooden swing set from Gorilla? Do they have a good reputation? Are they a brand that can be trusted for quality and safety? Below you’ll find some very good reasons why you should buy a Gorilla Playsets wooden swing set.

History

Gorilla has been in the swing set business since 1992.  From the very start, their founders believed that customers should have access to a ready to assemble playset that contains high quality wood components. They wanted each of their sets to “have durable playset accessories, contain all necessary hardware, and have clear, easy to understand instructions; all at an affordable price!”

When this company designs a swing set they do so with your child in mind. Their experienced engineers are continually listening to their customers and striving to make playsets that are not only safe but go beyond the typical features and value that you would find in other brands. Gorilla strives to take the playset industry to new heights and are excited to be a part of the fun and memories that you and your family will make while using one of their innovative and sturdy swing sets.

Quality

When you buy a Gorilla playset you can be assured that you are getting a quality, durable product that has been made in the USA. They use only choice grade lumber that has then been stained, sanded, and pre-drilled before it is packaged and delivered to your door. In order to assure quality, the designers at Gorilla have compared different types of wood and found the best quality to use to construct playsets that are safe, can resist wreathing and fading, as well as which type has the best strength and gets the longest lasting use.

Construction of each of their playsets starts with solid 4×4 wood beams that are used as the corner posts and undercarriage of each swing set. The load-bearing swing beam is constructed of a sturdy 4×6 wood beam. Gorilla has also developed their own patented swing set bracket that holds the swing beam securely in place to the rest of the swing set which increases durability and safety.

Customer service

From product questions, to delivery, building, or general concerns, Gorilla wants each play set purchase to be a great experience for their customers. Whether you buy a wooden swing set directly from their website or one of their online retailers, they offer superior customer service to anyone that contacts them with questions or requests.

Representatives are available during regular business hours to assist in finding a playset that has the exact features and accessories you want for your family. They are also willing to help with any delivery issues or questions you may have. Does your playset have missing or damaged parts, customer service is there to help. They will even send a representative to your home if you need someone to complete the installation of your swing set, at a reasonable price.

For help with all of your Gorilla playset needs, contact their customer service department by phone at 1-800-882-0272 during regular office hours Monday – Friday, 8 AM-5 PM, Eastern time. They can also be reached by email when you fill out the form available here.

Safety

All of the swing sets that are designed and built by Gorilla playsets meet strict safety standards. Their commitment to each child’s safety and their innovative safety features make them a leader in the industry. For the more than 25 years that they have been in business, Gorilla engineers have found ways to improve the safety of their playsets every single year. They pride themselves on keeping every child that uses their equipment safe and injury-free as long as safety recommendations and proper installation is followed.

Their playsets are recommended for kids ages 3-11, however weight ratings on each of their accessories may allow older kids to use the set safely as well. Below are some of the things Gorilla does to make their sets top of the line in safety.

• Flat-edge safety steps
• Plastisol swing chains are pinch free and cushioned
• Safety handles on each set
• Safety bumper pads
• Recessed bolts in the lumber
• Heavy duty bolts, no nails
• Commercial grade, heavy-duty plastic slides

What is Included in a Gorilla Playset Purchase?

Purchasing a Gorilla playset is an excellent choice because each set is a complete package which includes everything you need to build a quality swing set that will last for many years. Everything from lumber to hardware and an illustrated manual is included and delivered to your door. The only thing you’ll need to provide is a few basic tools, a willingness to build your own set – or find someone to do the installation for you – and some kids to enjoy it when you’re done.

Lumber & Hardware

Each swing set from Gorilla comes with all of the lumber and hardware required for construction. From the smallest dowel needed on the sunburst design of the roof and the tiniest wood screw, to the 4×6 swing beam and longest Hex bolt, each piece of lumber and hardware is counted and numbered to help improve the convenience of self-assembly. All of the included lumber also comes from the factory pre-sanded, pre-stained, and pre-drilled to not only help with installation but to ensure quality and safety as well. While the lumber is resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage, it is recommended that your swing set be sealed with a waterproof sealant to extend the life of the set.

Accessories

There are numerous models to choose from when it comes to picking a Gorilla playset and each has its own set of accessories to make it unique and a perfect fit for various family needs. Depending on the model they choose, some customers will also have the choice of a roof type including a wood roof, vinyl canopy, or Sunbrella fabric option.

There are some accessories that are standard to nearly all Gorilla playsets. Unfortunately, they do not offer the option of exchanging or customizing the included accessories but they do offer a wide variety of equipment that can be added on later or swapped for current features. Some of the standard features include:

• Swing belts
• Trapeze swing
• Safe entry ladder
• Rock wall
• Wave slide
• Steering wheel
• Telescope
• Tic-tac-toe panel
• Safety handles
• Flag kit

Instructions

When your Gorilla playset is delivered it will come with a detailed instruction manual that includes everything you need to know for do-it-yourself assembly. Each manual starts with safety and maintenance suggestions as well as a list of things to do before installation. It also explains how to identify each piece of lumber which is then followed by a parts identification list of each part included in the boxes.

The step-by-step instructions are fully illustrated with detailed directions and each part on the page clearly labeled. While some customers are intimidated by the lengthy instruction manual, Gorilla has made each step as clear and simple as possible so almost anyone can put their playset together in as little as 8 hours up to 18 hours depending on the size. If you are unable to locate your instruction manual, each Gorilla playsets manual can be viewed and downloaded on their website, here.

Roof Options

Wood

The wood roof option is the popular choice for most customers. The majority of Gorilla playsets give wood as one of the roof type choices, however those that do not come with an option typically come standard with a wood roof. The wood roof is a tongue and groove construction with boards that run horizontally.  Wood roofs also include a chimney and dormers and have a sunburst design on each end. Malibu models have wood roofs that have two dormers with windows.

Advantages

• Sturdy
• Water resistant
• Stands up to harsh weather

Disadvantages

• Cannot be removed
• More expensive
• Harder to replace
• Can warp and crack

Maintenance

• Regular staining and sealing
• Replacement of cracked or loose boards

Sunbrella® Fabric

Several of Gorilla’s playsets come with the option for a Sunbrella Fabric canopy roof in a forest green color. Sunbrella fabric is a patented product that is designed to stay bright and colorful even with extensive exposure to sunlight. It lasts longer than traditional fabric roof types and is also resistant to stains. Its unique production includes UV stabilized pigments that are added to the already fade-resistant fiber so color won’t be faded or washed away.

Advantages

• Fade-resistant
• Stain resistant
• Vibrant colors
• Lasts 2-10 times longer than other fabrics
• Offers sun protection
• Can be removed in winter

Disadvantages

• More expensive
• Can be damaged in severe storms

Maintenance

• Scrub with soap and warm water
• Rinse with water
• Air dry
• Can use bleach if needed

Vinyl

The standard and most economical choice in roof options, most of the smaller sets come equipped with a green vinyl canopy. The larger sets can also come with this standard green vinyl that is easy to install and simple to remove during winter or harsh weather. This roof option still provides shade and UV protection to the play area and the children underneath it.

Advantages

• Cost efficient
• Attractive color
• Can be removed during off-season
• Cooler inside temperature

Disadvantages

• Not fade-resistant
• Easily damaged in high winds

Maintenance

• Scrub with soap and water
• Or gentle cycle in wash machine
• Remove in winter

Timber Shield™ or Natural Cedar Posts?

The majority of Gorilla playsets that you can buy come with the option of either Timber Shield™ posts or natural cedar posts? So what is Timber Shield and which should you choose? The choice really comes down to a personal preference as both have their advantages and disadvantages. See the information on each below to help you make an educated decision.

Timber Shield™

A patented system used on most of Gorilla’s play sets, Timber Shield is a poly coating that is applied to the timber in order to protect it from fading and weathering. The green, polyethylene casing keeps the wood from cracking and splintering but looks attractive at the same time. Gorilla offers Timber Shield as an option on the corner posts and swing beams of many of their swing sets.

Advantages

• Weather-resistant
• Maintenance free
• Attractive
• Resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage

Disadvantages

• Green color takes away the wood look
• Makes beams heavier
• Synthetic, chemically-based material

Natural Cedar

When you order a playset with natural cedar beams you are getting lumber that matches the rest of the swing set. These all-cedar timbers are sanded, stained, and sealed just like the rest of the wood and are also pre-drilled for ease of installation.

Advantages

• Natural wood look
• Attractive
• Resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage

Disadvantages

• Requires staining and sealing
• Can fade in the weather
• Not resistant to cracking

Gorilla Playset Details and Reviews

Gorilla Playsets Chateau Tower

The perfect playset for kids who just love climbing or a yard with limited space. The Gorilla Playsets Chateau Tower is built around Gorilla’s standard 4’ x 6’ play platform that sits 5 feet above the ground. Kids will love climbing the rock wall that also comes equipped with a climbing rope. The standard safe entry ladder is a great way to access the tower where kids will love zooming back to the ground down the speedy Wave slide.

A built-in picnic table under the tower, the steering wheel, play telescope, and tic-tac-toe panel make excellent places for some imaginative play. The rope ladder is one more way to climb and get some exercise as well. Parents will love the included safety features such as the plastic safety handles and sturdy 4×4 main beams. The 3 roof choices and 2 wood options allow you to give this tower playset the exact look you want.

• Roof Type: Green vinyl, Forest green Sunbrella, Wood
• Swings: None
• Slides: Wave slide
• Other fun: Rope ladder, rock wall, steering wheel, telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel
• Platform: 4′ x 6′
• Color: Amber
• Assembly Time: 6-8 hours
• Price: $1299-$1499

Gorilla Playsets Frontier

The Frontier from Gorilla Playsets has just about everything you could want in a playset built into one compact package. This cedar wood swing set is built around a 4’x6’ tower that is adorned with either a decorative wood roof with sunburst dormers or a choice between a green vinyl canopy or a forest green fabric canopy.

Hours of fun will be had by your kids and all their friends when they have 4 different swinging options including a tire swing with 360-degree swivel, two belt swings, and a trapeze bar. The 5-foot-high play platform can be reached using either the climbing rock wall or the climbing ramp which both come with a helpful climbing rope. For additional climbing fun there is a climbing rope ladder. Imaginations will run wild with the built-in picnic table, steering wheel, play telescope, and tic-tac-toe panel.

• Roof Type: Green vinyl, Forest green Sunbrella, Wood
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing, Tire swing
• Slides: Wave slide
• Other fun: Climbing ramp, Rope ladder, Rock wall, Steering wheel, Telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel, Picnic table
• Platform: 4′ x 6′
• Color: Amber
• Assembly Time: 8-10 hours
• Price: $1799-$1999

Gorilla Playsets Great Skye II

A great swing set that looks like it reaches the sky, the Gorilla Playsets Great Skye II is a two level playset that is loaded with fun features. The lower platform is surrounded by a rope ladder, standard safe entry ladder, rock climbing wall, and wave slide. The upper platform gives kids access to a tube slide, a super scoop slide, and a fantastic view of the neighborhood from 7 feet off the ground.

The swing beam is equipped with two belt swings and a trapeze swing. Additional fun includes a telescope and binoculars to stay on the look-out for intruders along with a chalkboard kit, tic-tac-toe panel, steering wheel, and built-in picnic table. The Great Skye II comes with everything you need for assembly and gives you 3 different roof options and two wood options for the main beams.

• Roof Type: Green vinyl, Forest green Sunbrella, Wood
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing, Glider swing
• Slides: Wave slide, Tube slide, Scoop slide
• Other fun: Rope ladder, Rock wall, Steering wheel, Telescope, Binoculars, Telephone, Chalkboard kit, Tic-tac-toe panel, Picnic table
• Platforms: 4 ‘x 6′ & 2.5′ x6'
• Color: Amber
• Assembly Time: 14-16 hours
• Price: $3299-$3599

Gorilla Playsets Highcrest

Designed for younger kids and smaller backyards, the Gorilla Playsets Highcrest may look smaller than its counterparts but it is not short on fun. The 4×6 swing beam is equipped with 2 belt swings and a trapeze swing. The 4-foot-high deck has two great ways to climb up including a unique curved rock wall and a safe entry ladder that is perfect for little hands and feet. Kids will also love finding their way back to ground on the wave slide where they will find the perfect place for a sandbox underneath the play platform. The cantilevered vinyl canopy roof and redwood finish give this playset a unique look that will work in any backyard.

• Roof Type: Green vinyl
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing
• Slides: Wave slide
• Other fun: Arched rock wall, steering wheel, telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel
• Platforms: 4 ‘x 4'
• Color: Redwood
• Assembly Time: 8-10 hours
• Price: $1199

Gorilla Playsets Malibu Extreme

While it may look similar to many of Gorilla’s other wooden playsets, a closer look at the roof shows you how unique the Malibu Extreme is. This roof style, which was new in 2015, comes only in wood and features a decorative sunburst design along with two dormers that have built-in windows. The Malibu line also includes two solar lights that give the swing set a sophisticated look and a way to light the playset for nighttime play.

Under the Malibu Extreme’s attractive roof, kids will find a 5 foot high play platform that is loaded with play features. The rock wall and ladder give them access to the platform where they’ll find a play steering wheel, telescope, and tic-tac-toe panel. The tube slide and wave slide bring them rocketing back to the ground where they can dig in the sandbox or have a snack at the built-in picnic table. The swing beam is equipped with a trapeze swing and two belt swings.

• Roof Type: Wood
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing
• Slides: Wave slide, Tube slide
• Other fun: Rope ladder, rock wall, steering wheel, telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel, Picnic table, Solar lights, Dormers with windows
• Platform: 4 ‘x 6'
• Color: Amber
• Assembly Time: 12-16 hours
• Price: $2399

Gorilla Playsets Mountaineer Clubhouse

Another great playset from Gorilla, the Mountaineer Clubhouse is very similar to its former counterpart the Mountaineer except that it has a cool enclosed lower clubhouse. While the clubhouse eliminates space for a sandbox or built-in picnic table it does provide a cool place to hang out. It includes a large window on one side, a half-wall on another, and a fully enclosed wall on the side of the swing beam. Its arched doorway makes an attractive entrance.

Along with the clubhouse this popular Gorilla playset model include a wave slide and tube slide. It has three mechanisms for climbing including a standard ladder, a rope ladder, and a rock wall with a climbing rope. Kids will have tons of swinging fun on the two belt swings and trapeze swings. And they’ll love exploring the upper platform with its tic-tac-toe panel, steering wheel, and play telescope.

• Roof Type: Green vinyl, Forest green Sunbrella, Wood
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing
• Slides: Wave slide, Tube slide
• Other fun: Lower level clubhouse with half wall, large window, arched doorway, Rope ladder, rock wall, steering wheel, telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel, Picnic table
• Platform: 4 ‘x 6'
• Color: Amber
• Assembly Time: 12-16 hours
• Price: $2299-$2499

Gorilla Playsets Nantucket

Another smaller set from Gorilla, the Nantucket is one of their most popular models. Its play deck sits 4 feet off of the ground making it more easily accessible to the littlest people in the family. Kids of all ages will love climbing the challenging rock wall or they can choose the standard ladder for climbing. Once on the 4’ x 4’ platform kids can use their imagination with the tic-tac-toe panel, steering wheel, or telescope. Other fun includes a wave slide, 2 belt swings, and a trapeze swing. The perfect set for smaller kids, smaller yards, and smaller budgets.

• Roof Type: Wood
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing
• Slides: Wave slide
• Other fun: Rock wall, Steering wheel, Telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel
• Platforms: 4 ‘x 4'
• Color: Redwood
• Assembly Time: 6-8 hours
• Price: $1299

Gorilla Playsets Pioneer Peak

Having the Gorilla Playsets Pioneer Peak in your backyard is almost like having your own playground. Kids from all over the neighborhood will want to come play with your kids on this cool set that has two towers connected by an exciting clatter bridge. Both towers can be accessed by either a standard ladder, rock wall, or climbing ramp. The smaller tower leads to a super-fun wave slide and there’s a rope ladder for climbing on the larger tower.

There are two swing beams attached to the Pioneer Peak. One includes two swing belts and a trapeze swing and the other is equipped with a tire swing that will spin 360 degrees. There are three roof options to choose from and two wood options for the main beams. Like every Gorilla playset, this one is built around sturdy 4×4 beams and includes many features for keeping your kids safe.

• Roof Type: Green vinyl, Forest green Sunbrella, Wood
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing, Tire swing
• Slides: Wave slide
• Other fun: Clatter bridge & tower, Climbing ramp, Rope ladder, Rock wall, Steering wheel, Telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel, Picnic table
• Platforms: 4 ‘x 6′ & 3′ x 3'
• Color: Amber
• Assembly Time: 16-20 hours
• Price: $2399-$2649

Gorilla Playsets Sun Palace I

The Sun Palace I is a unique set from Gorilla Playsets as it is built around their unique A-frame instead of four corner beams. The play platform is supported by two climbing apparatuses including an extra-wide climbing rock wall and the cool wood and metal ladder combination. There is a climbing rope ladder and a super-fun wave slide attached to the platform as well.

Underneath the main platform kids will find an exciting way to swing on spin on the 360-degree swivel tire swing. The other three swings on the outside beam include a trapeze swing and two belt swings. The large wood roof covers the play deck where kids will find a steering wheel, play telescope, and tic-tac-toe panel to fuel their imaginations. The Sun Palace I is finished in a beautiful redwood color.

• Roof Type: Wood
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing, Tire swing
• Slides: Wave slide
• Other fun: Wood & metal ladder combo, Rope ladder, Wide rock wall, Steering wheel, Telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel
• Platforms: 4 ‘x 6'
• Color: Redwood
• Assembly Time: 8-12 hours
• Price: $2099

Gorilla Playsets Treasure Trove

One of the largest sets you can get from Gorilla, the Treasure Trove has everything you want. The large tower is comprised of two levels where kids will have fun climbing and sliding. This set includes a standard ladder, rock wall, and climbing rope ladder, and tube slide attached to the main tower. This tower is connected to a smaller tower with the exciting clatter bridge.

The smaller tower has a wave slide for rocketing to the ground where kids will find space for a sandbox underneath. The main tower has room for a built-in picnic table and sandbox underneath and a steering wheel, telescope, and tic-tac-toe panel above. The 3 position swing beam includes two belt swings and a trapeze swing. Both the main tower and smaller tower have three options for a roof.

• Roof Type: Green vinyl, Forest green Sunbrella, Wood
• Swings: 2 Belt swings, Trapeze swing
• Slides: Wave slide, Tube slide
• Other fun: Clatter bridge & tower, Rope ladder, Rock wall, Steering wheel, Telescope, Tic-tac-toe panel, Picnic table
• Platforms: 4 ‘x 6′ & 2.5′ x6' & 3’ x 3’
• Color: Amber
• Assembly Time: 16-18 hours
• Price: $3499-$3849

Installation and Maintenance

Each of the playsets that Gorilla sells comes with a detailed instruction manual with illustrated, step-by-step instructions. In order to maintain the safety, durability, and integrity of the playset it is important that these instructions are followed closely, whether that is by you or by someone you hire to complete the installation.

If you decide to construct the playset yourself there are some tools that will be required. It is also important to have at least one other person available to help carry and/or hold the larger beams in place while you tighten bolts or pre-drill holes. Gorilla provides an estimated installation time for each individual playset based on its size and level of construction difficulty. These times can vary depending on your building experience and amount of help you have.

Required Tools

• Drill with a Phillips Bit (#2 square bit provided)
• Drill Bits 1/8”, 3/16”, 3/8”, 7/64”, 9/64”, 11/64”
• 1” paddle bit
• ½” Wrench and Socket
• ½” Deep Well Socket
• 9/16” Deep Well Socket
• 9/16” Wrench and Socket
• Level
• Carpenters Square
• Tape Measure
• Extension Cord (if using standard drill)
• Hammer
• Pencil
• Locking Pliers
• Shovel
• Marker or Tape

Below are some installation tips that you can follow for before, during, and after building your swing set to make it a safe and fun environment for your kids. Many of these tips can be found with more detail in your instruction manual.

Before

• Choose and clear a safe area, include a 6’ safety perimeter on all sides
• Gather all required tools
• Inspect and inventory all parts
• Read instructions thoroughly

During

• Level the play area under main unit
• Tighten bolts once parts are square
• Don’t allow children to play on uncompleted set
• Add protective surfacing material

After

• Check and tighten nuts, bolts, and screws within 60 days
• Remove fabric tarps and swings during snowy seasons
• Rake protective surfacing material twice per month
• Apply a sealant to all wood within 90 days

By following this detailed guide, you will have all of the information you need from the beginning steps of choosing your Gorilla playset to the final steps of installing the swing set in your backyard. The list of top 10 playsets should give you an idea of what to look for in a Gorilla swing set and maybe even give you a recommendation on which one to buy. Continue reading our list of Frequently Asked Questions for even more information. And if there is some information you’re looking for that you can’t find here, let us know because someone else might be looking for it too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy Gorilla playsets?

All of the swing set models that Gorilla offers can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website at www.GorillaPlaysets.com.

You can also find their products at a number of online retailers. Some of these retailers include popular stores such as Home Depot and Walmart or online locations like Amazon or Ebay. There are also numerous online swing set specialty stores that offer Gorilla playsets at a low, competitive price and may even offer free shipping or other special promotions to help save you money.

How long does it take for my Gorilla playset to be delivered?

Shipping times can vary depending on the retailer that you purchase the swing set from. You will want to check with them for individual shipping estimates. However, since most of these online retailers are working directly with the manufacturer shipping times are quite similar.

From the time of ordering, swing sets typically take 5-7 business days to ship out via a common freight carrier. Once shipped, transit times will vary depending on the delivery location but average 3-5 business days. Customers will need to work directly with the freight carrier to schedule a convenient delivery time.

Where are Gorilla playsets made?

Gorilla playsets are designed, manufactured, and shipped from their headquarters in Canton, GA.

How long do Gorilla playsets last?

The quality playsets from Gorilla are designed to last many years. With proper care and maintenance, they can last as long as 15 – 20 years. This time can vary depending on weather and amount of wear and tear the playset endures.

How do I get replacement parts for my Gorilla playset?

If you find that parts are missing or damaged upon delivery of your playset, Gorilla will replace them at no cost to you. You will need to contact them and provide your order number, part number and description, as well as the quantity you need. The fastest method for obtaining replacement parts is to contact Gorilla directly by filling out their online form.

For playsets that are past the 10-year warranty on structural wood components or the 1 year warranty on all other parts, you may be required to pay for replacements to be shipped to you.

Are Gorilla playsets good quality?

All Gorilla playsets are designed and built with your kids and their safety in mind. They strive to provide products that are high quality and made of choice grade lumber and materials. They stand behind their products 100%, so if you have any concerns about the structural quality of your swing set they will do everything they can to replace parts or help you find the highest-quality product to fit your needs.