Play equipment for the garden - buy or build?

[ellenrose]

We are moving house and now have the joy of a garden we could finally put some kind of climbing/swinging/sliding aparatus in it for the children. Dh has mentioned making something himself havnig seen some of the prices but has anyone done this? Are there kits available or is it just easier to buy them complete? Any favourites? I have kids of 8, 4 and 9mths so need to be thinking of wide range appeal.

persoanlly would build but might work out more expensive than cheapo stuff but-

wow, you could build something fiiine!

Given the big age gaps we thought we might be able to make something more suitable to all three of them rather than having something that doesn't really cut it but would hardly know where to begin. DH is pretty good with the carpentry lark but wondered if it was possible to buy the appropriate extras to go with it (swings, scramble nets etc.)

We have got QUADRO and it is DEFFO BRILL

We have added to it and designed and changed the design so is very versitile and strong

we have had it for years

We bought a kit from B&Q 4 years ago. It was made by a company called Jungle Gym and you can choose from all sorts of basic kits, and then you can buy 'add on' bit.

We have the climbing frame and slide, with add on monkey bar. We then went on and bought a double swingset too from the same company too.

We have found it absolutely brilliant, the kit was easy to assemble (you do need to cut the wood yourself) and the instructions were easy to follow.

We have had our climbing frame/slide for 4 years and the swing for 2 years and are really really pleased with the quality.

The only thing is that I believe B&Q only stock this in spring/summer, so you may have to wait till then...

Forgot to say, they do loads of extras - from steering wheels (so you can pretend it is a car or boat!) and pretend periscopes/telescopes, to monkey bars, swings, climbing robe, scramble net, climbing wall etc etc...

DH has this on his favourites for next Spring, on the right the free plans have some kids stuff. He reckons they look pretty straightforward & he's ok but definitely an amateur.