If you've ever watched kids play on a climbing frame, you know the joy and adventure it brings. But safety should always come first, especially when it comes to outdoor play equipment.
One crucial step in ensuring your climbing frame is safe is securing it to the ground properly. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process step by step, so you can enjoy peace of mind while your little adventurers have the time of their lives.
What you will need
Before you get started, you're going to need some equipment to carry out the job properly.
- Hammer or rubber mallet
- Drill with appropriate drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Spirit level
- Ground anchors or spiral anchors.
- Safety goggles and gloves
Top tip: if you want to get the job done quicker and get some quality time under your belt, why not get your little one to play builder's mate?
How to secure a climbing frame: A step-by-step guide
Below, we're going to teach you how to secure your climbing frame in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide. Before you know it, your little one will be climbing around, achieving optimal fun and optimal safety.
It's worth noting that this guide can also be applied to other playground equipment like swing frames and trampolines.
1. Choose the right location
Select a suitable spot for your climbing frame. It should be on level ground and away from any obstacles such as trees, fences, or walls. You must ensure that there's enough space around the frame for kids to play safely.
2. Prepare the ground
Now, clear the area of any debris, rocks, or roots that could interfere with the installation
process.
You can use a shovel or spade to dig holes for the ground anchors according to the manufacturer's instructions. The depth of the holes will depend on the type of anchor you're using and the soil type.
3. Install the anchors
Place the anchors in the holes you've dug. From here, use your hammer or rubber mallet to secure them in place.
If you're using concrete anchors, mix the concrete according to the instructions and pour it into the holes around each ground anchor. Allow it to set before proceeding to the next step. You need to make sure that the anchors are secured to the ground firmly.
4. Attach the frame
With the help of a friend, carefully lift the climbing frame and position it over the anchors. Use a spirit level to ensure it's straight and level.
Once you're happy with the position, attach the frame to the anchors using the provided hardware. If you need to, this is where you would use a drill to make pilot holes for the screws.
5. Secure the frame
Double-check that all the screws are tightened securely. Give the frame a gentle shake to test its stability. If it wobbles or feels loose, go back and tighten the screws further. The safety of your little ones is paramount, so take your time with this step.
6. Inspect regularly
Even after you've secured the climbing frame, it's essential to inspect it regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Check the screws and anchors for any loosening or damage, and make any necessary repairs promptly. A well-maintained climbing frame will provide years of enjoyment for your family, so make the most of it!
Extra tips to keep your climbing frame safe
Alongside securing your climbing frame into the ground with the help of anchors, here are some other top tips to help keep your child as safe as possible during play.
- Padded flooring: Climbing frames can present some falling risks, so it pays to be extra safe by investing in some padded flooring around the floor of the area for a soft landing
- First aid kits: Such is the nature of adventure: scrapes and grazes can happen! Be prepared to come to the rescue with a first-aid kit nearby
- Make space: Keeping your space in and around the climbing frame will increase safety. Make sure your children have enough room to explore, with other structures in your garden being a good distance away
- Climbing frame rules: Rules help the world go round. Setting a few simple boundaries for your children is a great way to maintain some safety and control during play
Upgrade your child's playtime with outdoor toys
At Outdoor Toys, our main priority is fun. However, we understand that fun can mean different things to different children, so we covered as many bases as possible with our range of toys.
Whether your child is a climber or jumper, we've got what they need to make your garden the perfect play area. Take a look at our wooden climbing frames, swing sets, trampolines and more.
The world of outdoor toys is vast, and sometimes, it's hard to pick the perfect toy for your little one. That's where we come in! If you need any help picking out your child's next toy, get in touch with one of our team today.
FAQs
What materials are climbing frames made from?
Whether you opt for a climbing frame, swing set or trampoline, toys at Outdoor Toys are made from top-quality, tested materials. Common materials for climbing frames to be made out of include wood, metal or plastic.
Can I add any attachments to my kids' climbing frame?
At Outdoor Toys, we have a load of different attachments available to make your kids climbing frame more fun. You can add slides, monkey bars, swings, rock walls and many more things to your kids' climbing frame.