Popular swing set manufacturer, Gorilla Playsets, is at again, rolling out a new line of swing set models that are designed for fun. Not only that, this line is built to fit any size yard and any size budget.
The Five Star II line of swing sets includes a new Space Saver model that is unlike any smaller set Gorilla has provided in the past. It also includes that standard Five Star II that is an average size and can be ordered with or without monkey bars. And finally there’s the Deluxe version that adds a second, higher play platform along with 2 extra slides for tons of space and fun.
Read on to learn more details about each of these quality swing sets.
Five Star II Space Saver
If your backyard doesn’t seem accommodating enough for a wooden swing set, then the Five Star II Space Saver might be the set for you. It packs a whole lot of fun features into a compact structure that is perfect for smaller yards. And you don’t have to give up features like swings and a slide, they’ve just been slightly reconfigured to maximize play but minimize surface area.
Fun Features
Gorilla playsets prides itself on packing a lot of fun features into every playset they build. This is no different with their new Five Star line of swing sets. From sliding to swinging and even climbing the Space Saver has everything you need.
Built around a 4 foot by 6 foot play platform that is semi-enclosed to look like a clubhouse, kids can climb to its height using a safe entry ladder or the rock wall that also includes an assistive climbing rope. The 4’ long Alpine Wave Slide™ is perfect for zooming back to the ground where kids will find one belt swing or trapeze to their left and another belt or trapeze swing to their right. Unlike any other Gorilla set, this idea of putting one swing on each side saves space instead of utilizing one long swing beam.
Underneath the clubhouse is an area that can be used as a built-in sandbox. And up above are the perfect tools to build imagination including a chalkboard kit, play telescope, and Tic-Tac-Toe Panel. See the complete feature list below:
- Alpine Wave Slide™
- Rock Wall with Climbing Rope
- Semi-Enclosed Clubhouse
- Safe Entry Ladder
- Belt Swing
- Trapeze Swing
- Built-In Sandbox Area
- Tic-Tac-Toe Panel
- Chalkboard Kit
- Play Telescope
- Steering Wheel
Decorative Features
Not only does Gorilla strive to make playsets fun for the kids, they want them to be visually appealing to the buyer as well. Since it will be sitting in your backyard for many years you will be excited to know that there are lots of decorative features to add to the ambiance of your yard.
The set is built of natural cedar with a redwood finish on all of the wood including the tongue and groove wood roof. To add to its charm the roof features sunburst accents, dormers, and a chimney. The upper clubhouse, which is semi-enclosed, provide endless opportunities for imaginative fun. The window inserts and flag kit give the Five Star a fun and inviting façade.
- Semi-Enclosed Clubhouse
- Decorative Window Inserts
- Flag Kit
- Redwood Finish
- Tongue & Groove Wood Roof Featuring Sunbursts
- Dormers and a Chimney
- Standard Wood Roof
- Natural Cedar Framing
Safety Features
Your child’s safety is of the utmost important to the manufacturers at Gorilla. They use a patented A-frame bracket in the construction of all of their swing sets, which provides stability while the kids climb and play. In-ground mounts also add to the set’s stability. While the mounts are included, it is advisable to add concrete to secure the set. Several sets of safety handles provide security while the kids go up and down the ladder and slide.
- Safety Handles
- Included In-ground mounts are required
- Patented A-Frame Bracket
How Big is It?
The Five Star line of swing sets are built with smaller yards in mind. While it may be small in appearance it is large on structural solidity. Like all of Gorilla’s sets it is built around solid cedar 4×4 posts and main beams. The 2-position swing beam is a sturdy 4×6.
When measuring for your backyard the dimensions of this playset are 10’ wide, 13’6” deep, and 10’6” high. You should also keep in mind that Gorilla recommends a 6 foot play safety area around all sides of the swing set. The play platform is 4 feet high and measure 4’ wide by 4’ long.
The Five Star Space Saver comes in 6 boxes when it is shipped directly to your home. The approximate shipping weight is 692 pounds.
- Dimensions: 10'W x 13'6″D x 10'6″H
- 4′ High Platform: 4′ x 4′
- 4×4 Posts & Main Beams
- 4×6 2-Position Swing Beam
- Number of Boxes: 6
- Shipping Weight: 692
Five Star II
The Five Star II is very much like the Space Saver, however obviously doesn’t save as much space by including Gorilla’s standard 3 position swing beam situated on one side of the clubhouse. It is still packed with all of Gorilla’s best features. Differences from the Space Saver include 2 belt swings instead of one as well as the option for adding on a set of monkey bars.
Fun Features
- Alpine Wave Slide™
- Rock Wall with Climbing Rope
- Semi-Enclosed Clubhouse
- Safe Entry Ladder
- 2 Belt Swings
- Trapeze Swing
- Built-In Sandbox Area
- Tic-Tac-Toe Panel
- Chalkboard Kit
- Play Telescope
- Steering Wheel
- Optional Monkey Bars with Heavy-Duty Metal Rungs
Decorative Features
With a simple glance you can see that the Five Star Space Saver is very similar to the Five Star II. This base model version of the Five Star includes all of the same decorative features that are described in the more detailed paragraph above. For a quick reference here is the list of visually enhancing details.
- Semi-Enclosed Clubhouse
- Decorative Window Inserts
- Flag Kit
- Redwood Finish
- Tongue & Groove Wood Roof Featuring Sunbursts
- Dormers and a Chimney
- Standard Wood Roof
- Natural Cedar Framing
Safety Features
The safety features on this set are again very similar to the features that are described in more detail above along with additional safety handles for the monkey bars. These features are outlined below:
- Safety Handles
- Included In-ground mounts are required
- Patented A-Frame Bracket
How Big is It?
While this Five Star II has some additional size over the Space Saver it is still on the smaller scale relative to other Gorilla playsets. It is built with the same large beams. Its overall dimensions are 16’ wide, 13’ deep, and 11’ high. It has a 4-foot-high platform the measures 4 feet wide by 4 feet long.
- Dimensions: 16’W x 13’D x 11’H
- 4′ High Platform: 4′ x 4′
- 4×4 Posts & Main Beams
- 4×6 2-Position Swing Beam
- Number of Boxes: 6
- Shipping Weight: 703
Five Star II Deluxe
Added features mean added fun, which is what you get with the Five Star II Deluxe. Built around the same basic play tower as the Space Saver and Five Star II, the Deluxe is a little bit larger with its additional upper level. The 2nd level is a simple step up and a foot higher than the main platform.
With this added space comes some added fun features including 2 more slides, the 5’ wave slide and the Extreme tube slide on the back. Underneath the taller platform kids will find a punching ball to strengthen muscles and provide more imaginative play.
Fun Features
- 4′ Alpine Wave Slide™
- 5′ Alpine Wave Slide™
- Extreme Tube Slide™
- Rock Wall with Climbing Rope
- Lower-Level Semi-Enclosed Clubhouse
- Safe Entry Ladder
- Belt Swings – 2
- Trapeze Swing
- Punching Ball
- Built-In Sandbox Area
- Tic-Tac-Toe Panel
- Chalkboard Kit
- Play Telescope
- Steering Wheel
Decorative Features
The decorative features of this set are almost identical to the previous two Five Star swing sets. As you will notice, the decorative window inserts are only included on the lower level clubhouse as the upper level is not enclosed.
- Semi-Enclosed Clubhouse
- Decorative Window Inserts
- Flag Kit
- Redwood Finish
- Tongue & Groove Wood Roof Featuring Sunbursts
- Dormers and a Chimney
- Standard Wood Roof
- Natural Cedar Framing
Safety Features
The safety features on this deluxe set are identical to the previously described sets. See the complete list below:
- Safety Handles
- Included In-ground mounts are required
- Patented A-Frame Bracket
How Big is It?
The largest of the three new Five Star sets, the Five Star II Deluxe is 23’ wide, 18’ deep, and 11’6’ high. You’ll need a larger yard to accommodate this swing set but your kids will have so many fun things to choose from they’ll stay busy all day.
- Dimensions: 23'W x 18'D x 11'6″H
- 4′ High Platform: 4′ x 4′
- 5’ High Platform
- 4×4 Posts & Main Beams
- 4×6 2-Position Swing Beam
- Number of Boxes: 10
- Shipping Weight: 1091 lbs
Assembling the Gorilla Five Star Swing Sets
All of Gorilla’s quality swing sets come with a detailed instruction manual and all the required lumber and hardware that is necessary for construction. This is no exception with the line of Five Star swing sets. Whichever Five Star set you decide to order you will be given all the direction and help you need to construct the set in your own backyard. Not overly confident in your building skills? Gorilla also provides a list of recommended installers based on your location.
Once your Gorilla Five Star swing set is delivered you will notice that all the lumber is pre-cut, pre-sanded and pre-stained. All of the main beams are conveniently pre-drilled as well for ease of assembly. The instruction manual is laid out with step-by-step directions that are also illustrated. The only thing you will need to provide are a few common tools including:
- Drill with a phillips bit
- Drill bits: 1/8”, 3/8”, 9/64”, 11/64”
- Wrench and socket: ½”, 9/16”
- Deep well socket: ½”, 9/16”
- Level
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Locking pliers
If securing into the ground:
- Shovel
- Post hole digger
- 6 – 60lb bags of Concrete
While the Five Star sets do come with lumber that is all stained in the factory to resist rot, decay, and insect damage, it is recommended that you use a sealant after assembly as well. The sealant should be waterproof and applied within 90 days after installation. This will help maintain the look of the playset as well as prolong the life of the wood. Gorilla sells its own playground sealant here.
It is recommended that you have at least one other adult available to assist with holding the play structure while it is being constructed. Approximate assembly times for each set are outlined below. These times may vary depending on the amount of building knowledge and number of people providing assistance.
- Five Star Space Saver: 5-7 Hours
- Five Star II: 6-8 Hours
- Five Star Deluxe: 10-12 Hours
Ordering a Gorilla Playsets Five Star Swing Set Model
Ordering your Gorilla Five Star Swing Set is extremely simple. You can visit the manufacturers website directly at www.gorillaplaysets.com. There are also a number of online retailers who can answer your questions and help you order the Five Star Space Saver or Five Star Deluxe. These smaller retailers, such as Totally Swing Sets, may be able to provide a more personal experience and even a better price than the manufacturer or a brick and mortar store.
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