What Makes Metal Swing Sets Cool?
Just having a swing set in your backyard alone is pretty cool. No need to go to the playground, your friends can come over and hang out and play on it whenever you want. But there are some elements and accessories for swing sets that make some better than others.
DURABLE, HIGH QUALITY FRAME: Backyard Discovery's thick, powder coated steel provides a high quality, durable frame that will outlast traditional outdoor swing sets.
Multiple Swings – Having more than one swing allows a few kids to play on the swing set at one time, this can be their friends, cousins, or siblings, just to name a few! It can also allow for a couple different lengths of swing so different height kids can enjoy the swing set as well!
Slides – Why stop at just swings? A slide just adds to the fun that kids can have with their new swing set! It can also double for some good family pictures!
Climbing elements – Since a bunch of kids have enough energy to where they are bouncing off the walls, they tend to get rowdy a lot. For years kids have always been obsessed with climbing trees and whatever else they can grab onto, so why not add some small rock walls or other climbing elements so they can have a safe environment to let out that energy!
Fort – Kids like to have their own space, and there is no better place than a fort! Not only does this give them the feeling of independence, but they can also hang out with their friends, eat lunch, or even have sleepovers all in their fort!
Quick Comparison of our Top Metal Swing Set Picks
| Brand/Model: | Size: | # of Swings: | Best Feature: | Price: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard Discovery | Width: 13’2” Length: 9’7” Height: 9’6” | 2 swings and a trapeze bar | Big/Heavy Duty | $749.00 |
| Lifetime Big Stuff | Width: 15’1” Length: 13’9” Height: 11’ | 2 swings and a trapeze bar | Many Play Features | $2749.99 |
| Fitness Reality | Max Height: 72” | 1 swing, 1 flying saucer,1 two person glider, 1 trapeze bar | Basketball Hoop and Soccer Net | $579.99 |
| Sports power | 179″L x 96″W x 74″H | 2 swings, 1 two person glider, 1 two person flying saucer | Small Attached Trampoline | $479.99 |
| XDP Recreation | Approx 248” wide by 106” deep and 74” tall. | 1 Stand n Swing 1 Deluxe Trapeze Swing 1 Seesaw 1 Blow Molded Space Glider 1 Fun Glider 1 Standard Swing | 7 Play stations | $379.99 |
| Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure | 17 ft. 7 in. L x 14 ft. 1 in. W | 3 | Classic Style | $1903.00 |
Learn More About Our Top Metal Swing Sets
1. Backyard Discovery Big Brutus Metal Swing Set
Specs –
Size: Width: 13’2”, Depth: 9’7”, Height: 9’6”, Weight: 185 lbs
Material: Powder Coated Steel
Number of swings: 2 swings and a trapeze bar
Number of slides: 0
Climbing elements: 0
Other accessories: 0
Weight capacity: 450 lbs.
Age limit: 3-10 years
This product is a classic example of a metal swing set that can sit in the yard and be used for years to come. With easy assembly and extreme durability and stability, we had to add this swing set to the list!
What We Like:
- Strong and Durable
- Weather-resistant
- Classic
- Easy Assembly
What We Don't Like:
- Few Play Station Options
- Expensive in Regards to Limited Play Options
2. Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure Swing Set
Specs –
Size: 168″D x 180″W x 132″H
Material: Plastic and Steel
Number of swings: 2 swings and a trapeze bar
Number of slides: 2
Climbing elements: 2
Other accessories: 6
Weight capacity: 150 lbs.
Age limit: 3-12 years
This Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure Swing Set really is the full package when it comes to play sets for kids! With so many different features, kids will never run out of activities to do with this swing set. The plastic and metal design also allows for durability and stability when in use.
What We Like:
- Many features
- Durable
- Accommodates Many Kids
What We Don't Like:
- Expensive
- May Not Be Great For Smaller Yards
3. Fitness Reality Kids “The Ultimate 8” Playset
Specs –
Size: 107.5″D x 157.5″W x 72″H
Material: Alloy Steel, Steel
Number of swings: 1 swing, 1 flying saucer, 1 two-person glider, 1 trapeze bar
Number of slides: 1
Climbing elements: 0
Other accessories: 5
Weight capacity: 80 lbs.
Age limit: 3-8 years
This Fitness Reality metal playset is a great all-around pick for kids with many interests! In addition to the standard swings and slide, it also comes with a small stand-alone trampoline, basketball hoop, soccer net, one inflatable soccer ball, and one inflatable basketball!
What We Like:
- Several Different Activities
- Relatively Budget Friendly
- Accommodates up to 9 Kids at a time!
What We Don't Like:
- Low Weight Capacity
4. Sportspower Mountain View Metal Swing Set
Specs –
Size: 96″D x 179″W x 74″H
Material: Alloy Steel
Number of swings: 4
Number of slides: 1
Climbing elements: 0
Other accessories: 1
Weight capacity: 800 lbs.
Age limit: 3-11 years
The Sportspower metal swing set is amazing in its own right and is similar to the Fitness Reality Kids “The Ultimate 8” Playset. The difference is the lack of the basketball hoop and soccer net, and the Sportspower swing set includes an attached trampoline. While this may seem no different at all, this metal swing set is able to hold almost 800 pounds and is cheaper than the Fitness reality set. If you want something that can be used by many kids at one time for a budget friendly price, this is the choice for you!
What We Like:
- Budget Friendly
- Accommodates About 8 Kids
- Durable
What We Don't Like:
- Similar to Other Products
- Kind of Bland
5. XDP Recreation Rising Sun Swing Set
Specs –
Size: Approx 248” wide by 106” deep and 74” tall
Material: Polyethylene, Metal, Steel
Number of swings: 4
Number of slides: 1
Climbing elements: 0
Other accessories: 2
Weight capacity: 100 lbs per seat
Age limit: 3-8 years
This swing set, like others, comes with many different features, but this set can hold up to ten kids at once! XDP Recreation also uses six legs for extra stability! While it may seem that this set would be priced higher relatively similar to those with this many features, however the price of this set is budget friendly at only around $400!
What We Like:
- Can be used by up to Ten Kids at Once
- Budget Friendly
What We Don't Like:
- Less Durable than Others
- Light and Flimsy
6. Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Metal Swing Set
Specs –
Size: 169″D x 205″W x 93″H
Material: No Lead-Based Material
Number of swings: 3
Number of slides: 1
Climbing elements: 2
Other accessories: 1
Weight capacity: 150 lbs.
Age limit: 3-8 years
This heavy duty metal swing set is a perfect combination of simplicity and usability! With more of a no-frills approach, this set comes with three swings, a slide, a firemen’s pole, and a set of monkey bars. While it may seem a little bland, kids are sure to enjoy every moment of playing on this swing set!
What We Like:
- Durable simple design
- More climbing accessories
- No lead based materials along with several other safety features
What We Don't Like:
- Expensive
- Not as many features to accommodate more kids
In short –
DURABLE, HIGH QUALITY FRAME: Backyard Discovery's thick, powder coated steel provides a high quality, durable frame that will outlast traditional outdoor swing sets.
A metal swing set is going to be something for your children to use and enjoy, and memories will be made with it. Of course, you want your kids to have the best products and toys, but you also want them to be safe. With many regulatory codes for playset manufactures nowadays, most sets will be safe for your child to play on!
For those looking for the most budget friendly option, out of our picks we suggest the XDP Recreation Rising Sun Swing Set. If you want the best of the best, take a look at the Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure Swing Set. While it is the most expensive on our list, it is well worth it for the quality and features of the set!
Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Metal Swing Set
Price – Depending on what you want in your kids playset, price can vary drastically. This can depend on features, materials, brand, quality, etc. Make sure to look at different options, as many will be similar, but the price will be very different.
Installation – Not everyone is a handyman, so a complicated swing set assembly can be a giant headache for some of us! Some sets require less assembly than others, so be sure to look into this before purchasing your swing set.
Many of the manufacturer's websites have a copy of the instruction manual, so we recommend looking to see if this is available before buying the product. They may also have videos available such as the one for the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set below.
Durability – Kids can be rough and rowdy, and so can nature. High winds, falling trees, adverse weather, and just basic wear and tear can destroy a poorly built swing set.
While metal is normally seen as durable, not all metal is the same. Some metal is much thinner than others or can rust easier. Be sure to know the material of the set you are looking at and read reviews! They can be your best friend!
Safety – Every parent is protective of their kid or kids, and never want them to get hurt bad. With swing sets, there are so many things that can go wrong and end up seriously harming your child if they are not built correctly or manufactured to be safe.
While there are codes and standards for swing sets, that does not mean that all will be safe. Look for a safety rating, or look at reviews from customers. Often times people will leave reviews regarding safety.
Shipping Process – Online shopping is great, but shipping can be a pain! Most of the time there is no issues, however some companies sometimes have more issues than others, especially if the product is flown in from a foreign country.
Some swing sets may also ship at two separate times, so be sure to check this before wondering where the other half of the set is.
Warranty – Most of us have probably never used a warranty, however, say you buy a swing set and it isn’t what you wanted, or it breaks shortly after you purchase it, a warranty is going to possibly save you a lot of money.
When looking at the warranty conditions, however, be sure to read the fine print, because the companies will often times make the warranty void under certain conditions. Just be sure to look at it to make sure you won’t be scammed!
FAQ’s
Which is better, a metal or wood swing set?
Metal swing sets tend to be more heavy duty, wood sets can also withstand use and conditions. Overall, wood will last longer if made out of quality wood, and is going to be a better purchase for those who want something that can last for many years to come.
How long do metal swing sets last?
Metal swing sets can last upwards of 15 years if properly taken care of, and if no damages occur, such as weather or rusting.
How long do metal playsets last?
Like swing sets, you can expect a metal playset to last about 15 years
Do metal swing sets rust?
If the metal is not coated correctly, or if it has damage to where the bare metal is exposed, metal swing sets will rust over time and become a hazard
Do metal swing sets get hot?
The short answer is yes. In the summer heat, it is very easy for metal pieces of a swing set to become extremely hot to the touch, and almost dangerous in some situations.
In conclusion –
At the end of the day, your kid is going to enjoy whatever swing set they have, and it can provide endless amounts of entertainment! Being sure that you are getting what you want is going to require you doing your research and looking at different options. If taken care of properly, and made with quality, a nice heavy duty metal swing set can last for generations and be enjoyed for a long time!
DURABLE, HIGH QUALITY FRAME: Backyard Discovery's thick, powder coated steel provides a high quality, durable frame that will outlast traditional outdoor swing sets.
No Comments