This past spring, we decided to go the DIY route after the pre-built playset we bought was back ordered and then canceled altogether. We ended up finding this DIY Alpine Custom Playset online and it’s perfect for smaller yards like ours. The kit itself was less than $200 and included two swing seats, a pair of safety handles, a multi-colored canopy, hardware and assembly instructions. The lumber was purchased separately, as were the additional accessories like a baby swing, steering wheel, and rock-climbing holds. We already had a big slide my in-laws gave us last summer. Brian had a few days off of work and used them to tackle what seemed like a daunting project. It took Brian about 4 days to complete with assistance from family and neighbors. 

My father-in-law came over on day one to help measure and cut lumber. We searched high and low for Cedar lumber, but it was really scarce. Maybe because of the pandemic? I really don’t know, so we settled for pre-treated wood. It’s a solid choice but we will need to seal it now that it’s complete. 

Day two was the beginning of construction and our neighbor* came over to help Brian build the frame of the tower. 

Day three was probably the most labor-intensive and it was hot. The boys were content sitting inside watching a movie while I helped Brian connect the swing set to the tower. Later that evening, my father came over to help Brian finish up with the ladder and rock wall before the heavy rains came through. A fun touch they added was stringing the patio lights through the tower and securing them at the top. The boys won’t be playing outside in the dark any time soon, but it makes for a romantic date night for Brian and me. Yes, get the boys to bed early, set up the monitor, and sneak out back to hang out in the fort under the stars.

Day four was Brian adding bells and whistles. He attached the rock wall to the play set and decided to add a floor underneath which turned out to be a nice little sitting area for the boys. 

This has been our biggest project this summer and it’s been worth it. Is it weird that I think having a playset outback makes our house feel more like a home?  The boys have been having so much fun with it already. I put a bucket of chalk on their table,”downstairs” as Parker likes to call it, so they can draw freely on the wood. Since the boys aren’t in school, it’s a nice way to break up the days without the stress of going to the playground and not knowing who is and isn’t vaccinated.

* Side Note: We have really cool next door neighbors we talk to all of the time. They are so kind towards Lincoln and Parker as well. Once the backyard is set up, we’re going to have them over proper. 

---