Tips and Advice: Assembling the Woodridge Playset from Sam’s Club
May 19th, 2008 Posted in Entertainment, General Parenting
If you keep up with this blog, you’ll know that I did some pretty extensive research into the best playset for my little princess and chose the Woodridge Playset at Sam’s Club. You can read the original post here.I started the project and wanted to share my experience and insights with anyone out there that may be planning a construction project. It is a construction project, they use the term “Assembly Required” to loosely mean, “we cut the wood, you do the rest.”
Here’s the complete story and step by step tips to build the Woodridge Playset right. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to…
The Purchase: Sunday:
Made the decision to make the big purchase and drove to Sam’s Club. I have a 2008 Ford SportTrac and was able to get all six boxes in the bed with the slide on the roof. I’m pretty sure i maxed out the load capacity and had to use tie-downs, but got it home in one, or should i say, “several hundred,” pieces.
You’ll want to read the instructions and do exactly what they say. My first step was to open and inventory the first two boxes to make sure the pieces were all there for the frist series of steps. After checking all the pieces off you’re on to the most critical element of the entire build, leveling the ground. If you don’t do this properly, you’ll be kicking yourself later.
Week One: Monday - Friday:
Now begins the daily chore of going to work, coming home and building. In working only about an hour and a half per night I was able to get the main structure assembled, the upper floor screwed down and the ladder installed.
Week One: Saturday & Sunday:
I got some help on the first weekend of the build when a buddy came over to help. Two people makes all the difference in the world. We were able to get the top fort on, the railing and the slide complete as well as a good bit of the woodwork around the bottom. This is where it becomes very clear if the structure is level, mine was off just a tiny bit and it took me over a half hour to get it 100% level.
CRITICAL STEP: The instructions ask that you lay the plastic for the tunnel flat on the ground so that in can unroll. Do NOT do this on the grass, which they fail to mention. We found out the hard way that if you place plastic on grass for any length of time it will cook the grass and result in a perfectly square dead area.
Sunday was Mother’s Day and a rainout so no work was done.
Week Two: Monday - Friday:
Since my buddy helped me get the bulk of the structure complete during the weekend, the work week was going to focus on getting the swings and roof on. Since I’m only able to work on it for about an hour and a half each day it took me the full week to get that all done. Again, the instructions were written by a genius; I’m amazed at how clearly they’re written and how well laid out the parts are. At the end of the week, my daughter was loving the swings and begging to do the slide just one more time.
TODDLER TIP: The Woodridge Playset does not come with an infant/toddler swing. We bought the Little Tikes 2 in 1 Snug Secure Swing at Toys R Us for $19. It fits the playset perfectly and our daughter was using it within literally two minutes. This is a must have for anyone, even if your kid doesn’t need it, it’s great to have around for guests.
Week Two: Saturday & Sunday:
I see the end in sight, it’s taken two full weeks to get the playset complete with a day or two off for rain and holidays. This weekend i completed the roof and installed the tunnel and lookout on top of the swings. Again, bravo to the guy who did the instructions. One thing that I would note is to get the swings together and up and then level that part. All you need to do then is use a shovel to dig out under the swing support to level out the dirt. This may be a little more problematic if you’ve got to raise it up to be level, but i knew going in that I’d have to remove dirt.
We made a few modifications to the playset that it’d like to note.
- We did not put the complete rail up around the bottom. it’s designed to have only one entrance in the back, which didn’t work that well. To make this happen, i just cut the long boards that make the railing in two and didn’t use the extra wood. This way there is a railing around the sandbox, and between the bottom area and the swings. Now our daughter can go right from the stairs into the sandbox without going around. This will be very handy when there’s multiple kids playing on it. We could definitely see a kid getting kicked when someone is swinging and another runs around the back to get in the sandbox. Potential problem solved!
- We used the extra wood from the sandbox modification to add additional railing on the top lookout. The design has the rock wall leading to the lookout, but since our daughter is too young for that part, we made it a little more safe. Now the only way to access the lookout is through the tunnel, no more worry of someone falling out the side. This will also be very easy to remove once she’s ready to climb the rock wall.
- We also bought the toddler swing but i talked about that above.
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27 Responses to “Tips and Advice: Assembling the Woodridge Playset from Sam’s Club”
By Justin on Jun 1, 2008
I have been putting up the Woodridge playset from Sam’s over the past couple days. Have made it roughly step 86 with some backtracking I need to do. (Want to install landscaping fabric under the bottom floor, so need to do that before the floor goes down).
I also did as you did with not installing the railing on the bottom front left of the set. What did you end up doing for the bench seat??? It looks as if it needed the railing there for support? I am sure something can be fashioned, but just curious what your solution was?
Thanks,
Justin
By The Rogue Parent on Jun 2, 2008
Hi Justin,
That’s a good question, that’s what i came across too. What you’ll need to do is use the extra wood that you saved by not putting the front rail on to build a support for the side of the bench. In this case, my plan was to take some of the wood from the rail for the top of the front and cut it to match the height of the side rail. I then continued the rail around the front just to the end of the bench. This allowed me to create the support for the bench and have it anchored at the railing locations and the floor (attached to the floor with an L bracket from Lowe’s).
NOTE: After I wrote this initial post my wife had a good suggestion to go ahead and build the railing around the whole thing and try it out. I was about 1/4 way through sawing the rail when she had the idea! I’m still planning on removing the railing leading onto the lower floor, but we are currently trying out the full version. It’s much more functional not having it there. I do want to make sure you know this was my plan, not actually executed.
I wish I had put the landscaping fabric under the floor like you did. Did it for the sandbox, but under the floor is a great idea.
By Justin on Jun 14, 2008
I finally figured it out…and it was much simpler than what I first imagined for the bench seat. We were in Lowe’s the other night, and I had my 2 x 4 ready to go to cut and use as angled brace pieces for the bench seat. Then I remembered…wait a minute they already make these premade! I found a nice outdoor metal shelving bracket. The box they were in said that a pair of the shelving brackets will hold up to 100 lbs. So basically I used the 2 shelving brackets to connect the bench seat to the 2 green plastic coated structure posts. Seems to work like a champ so far, I might go with two more brackets towards the middle of the bench as that area does not seem as strong as the outside. If I can snap some pics to show what I am talking about, I will send them your way!
Justin
By sam on Aug 18, 2008
I have been considering installing it ? How easy is it to switch the slide on the side with the ladder on the front of the deck. I am afraid I dont have enough space going along the length.
Also, did you install any separate foundation to hold the stuff. Some folks have guessed (in sam’s website) it might fall (or tip) back as the top is heavier.
By The Rogue Parent on Aug 18, 2008
@sam: Hi Sam. We didn’t end up moving the side to the front, but in my original plan to do so would have just required moving some of the railing to accommodate the width of the slide versus the ladder. it’ seems very easy though and would require very little modification. I’d definitely recommend laying it out that way first just to confirm.
Regarding the foundation and stability, aside from leveling the ground and using the anchors provided we’ve had no problems at all. When putting it in we cut into the ground a little to remove the grass and ensure a level starting point. From that point,we just installed the six provided anchors and it’s as strong and stable as can be. Our ground is just the standard dirt, and the anchors do just fine. In fact, i can swing all the way up and the base does not move at all. If it makes you feel better, you can pour some concrete around the anchors for a better hold. But we’ve been more than happy with the stability.
By Tim on Aug 26, 2008
I recently purchased this same playset from Sam’s and am very excited about having it for my kids (4 & 7). I started construction last Saturday and was able to get to step 21 in the time I had. This is right up to the point where it’s time to anchor it into the ground. I realize that I’m far from finished, but I’m a bit concerned because it feels a bit unstable to me at this point. I have checked it with a four-foot level and it looks good although it is just a tad off in the back. I have placed dirt under areas where I needed more support and dug out areas where it was a bit high. I even poured concrete footings for the anchors and have secured them to the baseboards. My big concern is that before the baseboards where secured, I could bring the entire thing over by just putting part of my weight on the section of floorboards that hang over the main, rectangular structure. As I said, I know we’re not finished yet, but I’m getting ready to add a whole lot more weight to this thing and I’m worried that if it’s top-heavy now, it will only get worse? It also feels like it moves too much if I push on the structure. Is this normal? Will it tighten up and be more secure as I finish? I have triple-checked all of the bolts and connections and they’re tight. Any help would be much appreciated. I don’t want to continue if I’ve got major problems that need to be addressed or am I juduging the stability prematurely?
Thanks.
-Tim
By The Rogue Parent on Aug 26, 2008
@ Tim
Hi Tim, I know where you’re coming from and you’re doing everything exactly right. My wife and I were very concerned about how wobbly and unstable it seemed to be early in the process.
Once you start putting the floorboards, sides and other elements it tightens right up and is as sturdy as can be. The guys who designed this thing are geniuses and did it right. You do want to make sure that you’ve got it in the exact right position in your lawn at this step as it’s about to get REAL heavy.
Sounds like you’re doing just fine, you’ve got no worries.
By Rhonda on Aug 30, 2008
We are currently looking at the same playset from Sams Club? It looks like you can only order it off the website - they are out of this product in stores. It come to 1550.00 with shipping. Should we wait until spring or get it now? I didn’t know if they have better sales in the spring.
By The Rogue Parent on Aug 31, 2008
@ Rhonda
Hi Rhonda, I noticed that too a while back on the Sam’s site. We had gotten ours in the store for $1,199 and I also recall it at the store the previous year for the same price. I would guess that it would be back for the summer of 2009 too. Guess the real question for you is it worth $350 in shipping to get it now? From my perspective, it’s a little expensive at that price.
By Joe B on Sep 9, 2008
Hi, I just purchased the swing set yesterday. My wife and I have been talking about getting it for our daughter after Christmas, but when we where shopping the other day we noticed it was on sale for $830.00 so we immediately bought it. I was wanting some advice about a few modifications. I would like to switch the ladder and slide position and I was also thinking about moving the swing and tunnel section to be in line with (behind) the front porch. Does anyone think that is possible or does anyone foresee any hazards. Any suggestions would be very helpful.
Thanks
By The Rogue Parent on Sep 10, 2008
@ Joe B
Wow, you got a great deal and I know your daughter will love the Woodridge. The good thing about that swingset is that it’s all just pre-cut lumber, as i bet you’re realizing, so you can make just about any modification you like. I was in the process of switching the slide and ladder too, and it should be pretty easy. You will want to check the dimensions of the two areas and accommodate for the different sizes (The slide is slightly wider). You will build the ladder separate from the rest of the swingset so you’ll be able to move it around to both places to see how you like it.
I don’t have any advice for you on moving the tunnel/swings to the side, but as long as you sketch it out and rework the pieces you’ll be able to make it happen. I bet it will actually be more sturdy with the base sitting in that configuration.
By Joe B on Sep 10, 2008
Thank you for your response. I look forward to watching my daughter play. I will let you know how the modifications go. But in the meantime if anyone has any other suggestion or tips I would greatly appreciate them.
By bill on Sep 24, 2008
Does anyone have an idea of what the lifespan of this set it?
By Todd on Dec 16, 2008
If anyone needs this assembled in Houston, I have a great person. He had been referred to me and put mine together yesterday. It took him and 2 helpers about 12 hours and it is perfect! I paid him $400 and he was Great to work with. If you need his info., e-mail me at tmt10914@ymail.com
By Brad on Jan 10, 2009
With the anchors(6) did you use rope or what to attach to the set?
By The Rogue Parent on Jan 10, 2009
Hi Brad,
You’ll drive the anchors into the ground right next to the wood pieces that lay on the ground. You’ll then drill a hole through the wood and use the provided bolts to attach the anchor directly to the structure. Since you’ll put two under the sandbox and two under the wooden floor, the only two you’ll be able to see are the ones that are attached to the swing support/rock wall.
By Jennifer on Feb 17, 2009
We too have been debating this one for over a year now. Our daughter is turning 3 now and we decided it’s time. I would love to see how everyone’s modifications turned out. We had the same debate about the railing in front on the lower section, but I was thinking that maybe we could just switch the front and back. And we too were originally debated the slide/ladder switch, but I think we will be able to reposition it in our yard to where we won’t need to mess with that one. We haven’t purchased it yet (still too cold here) but I would love to see some pictures or to hear how things went from those previously inquiring.
Great site, and thank you!
By Shanna on Feb 18, 2009
We are considering this set as well. Does anyone have pictures of any of the modifications discussed above?
Shanna
By Lalura on Mar 2, 2009
This is a great site! Very informative! We are also looking into purchasing the Woodridge for our 3 year old and one year old twins. Any other feedback on the set? Thanks for all the information!
By Dave on Apr 6, 2009
Hi. Great site.
We just purchased this playset online (expect delivery after 5/1/09). I’m concerned about how level the area needs to be. I would like to keep our thick lawn as the base for the playset and avoid taking out the sod and putting in mulch (another project and area of annual maintenance), but I know our lawn is not perfectly level.
How level does the area have to be? A few inches off over the entire length? Can you just level the points of contact with the ground by taking away or adding dirt?
Thanks,
Dave
By The Rogue Parent on Apr 7, 2009
Hi Dave,
We ran into the same issue as you and just leveled the points of contact so we could keep our grass under the swing area. Once we had the main based leveled off we did the same for the swing, ladder and slide. We’ve had no problems at all. It is very important that you have the ground 100% level where the set touches the ground. If you don’t, gravity will slowly do what it does and make the set lean over and eventually fall (over years).
By Dave on Apr 8, 2009
Thanks. Any tips on leveling the points? I think the ladder to the swing tower will be lower than the main base in our yard. I don’t think piled dirt under the ladder will last….probably wash away. Will I be forced to level the entire area to the lowest point (swing tower ladder)? Has anyone actually switched the slide and small ladder positions? Does it affect the balance of the whole set?
Dave
By michelle on Apr 29, 2009
Does anyone in the sacramento, CA area know of anyone for hire to put the set together? I found someone for $575 and I was hoping to pay a little less. I am not loving the idea of trying to get it together on our own!!!! Michelle
By The Rogue Parent on May 3, 2009
That’s crazy expensive. It’s definitely a lot of work, but I don’t know if I would pay 1/2 the price of the set on construction. I’m sure you can find someone to do it at a fraction of the cost. Do what I did and have a few buddies come over, load a cooler with some beer, throw some burgers on the grill and make an event out of it. Just remember, if you do this, you’ll have to return the favor when your friends see how cool it is and want one too!
By Amy on May 13, 2009
HI Rouge
I was wondering if you could tell me the sizes of the wood? Like are they sturdy pieces, 4×4 and 2 x 6? We started with a cheapy set and the wind took it ! Twice! it was not pretty! We need something that will stand up to our wind tunnel of a back yard!
By The Rogue Parent on May 13, 2009
Hi Amy,
It’s great, we’ve had it about a year now and have had no issues at all. the wood is all of great quality. I did notice that the 4×4 are fabricated and don’t seem as sturdy as a regular 4×4, but I haven’t had any issues. You’ll love it.