Used vs new play set

[nicolewi]

We're looking at backyard playsets. I want a big one with lots of stuff for the four kids plus cousins/friends. Also, I want it to be big enough to last for the 6 and 8 year olds, who I think would still love the upper clubhouse area for several years. 

We found some sets that we love from a company here, but obviously they cost a FORTUNE. We might do it b/c we see it as a long-term investment. The kids have nothing we can walk to (no parks, etc--all require a car ride), and no neighbors right next to us with kids, so we want our yard to be fun and have a draw for other kids who live a little further. The set would also have a sandbox area and picnic table set-up.

We found a couple used sets very similar to what we are looking for. Even factoring in cost of moving, re-assembling (we'd pay someone) and re-staining, we'd save a TON of money. BUT, these sets are already 10 to 11 years old and look kind of worn with some trim pieces off. Re-stained, they might look good again. I don't know. Are we just asking for trouble? Will it not last as long as we'd like? Also they would be without the sandbox. 

Thoughts??

[nicolewi]

Jun 6, 2017 9:12:12 GMT -5 @mama2b said:

Lack of a sandbox would not deter me, you could get a separate one. I'd be more concerned about safety than looks. I'd be OK with a 5 yr old set, but 10 yrs old would really depend on the wear and tear especially if I wanted another 10 yrs from it.

Yeah, the ten year part is what is concerning me as well. SaveSave

[expectantsteelerfan]

This won't be super helpful because I don't know exacts, but our house had a play set that was here when we moved in 3 years ago. I don't know the brand or how old it is, but it looked in decent shape other than needing stained and missing the sun shade when we moved in. Well, it is definitely now falling apart. My almost 8 year old climbs on top of the club house part and has pulled off the pieces of wood that held up the missing sun shade. When he and the 8 year old neighbor swing, it looks like the whole thing is going to fall apart. And the chain for the 'bench swing' (don't know what it's called, that's what we call it) rusted through and broke. So I would make sure if you buy used, it's in GOOD condition so that it will last through all your kids.
That being said, I don't thing my son will use it at all much longer, and I think ours will last (with the swings and slide at least) long enough for my daughter to have gotten the main 'swingset' years out of it so I don't regret taking the free set we got by any means and have no plans to buy a new one.

[sacattack]

I'd consider it. I'd go and look at the used ones - can you replace the wood pieces? Especially those that touch the ground? If the bolts are still tight and you don't see a lot of rot, I'd do it and know that every year you will just need to check it and stain it.

We have a set that is about 8 years old now and its in good shape, although we have had to replace the ground pieces and the flat pieces that water sits on need to be restained every other year or so.

My kids who range from 7-12 don't really play on this anymore, so it may not be as enticing for the kids long as you hope.

[momin2013]

I think older than 10 years is a bit older than I'd be comfortable with when buying a wooden set. I mean, wood will rot and break down eventually, that's why decks/fences/etc. need to be replaced. Even if you were to re-stain it, I don't know that I'd trust the integrity of the structure for much longer.

I vote spring for a new set. Maybe get a bit of a scaled down model to save some money. For example, like PP mentioned, you can always get a separate, stand-alone sandbox for cheap; it doesn't NEED to be integrated into a play structure.

[Kcthepouchh8r]

My husband actually built an 8 foot sandbox with cover; it was less than $200. I definitely advise doing that separately.

If you're willing to wait, there's good deals to be had at the end of the summer. We got ours on overstock with a 20% off coupon which saved us a few hundred dollars as well.

[nicolewi]

We have the best deal they run on new right now. The sandbox is worth doing b/c it is integrated right into the bottom of the clubhouse and shaded and covered (removable wooded floor), which would be nice for the set-up of the yard. We don't really want to have to do a separate sand area.

Ugh. I think we are going to look at the used one, but I am still a little concerned. We'll see how it looks.

[cjcouple]

If you guys are handy I would also look into the build your own kits from Home Depot. Often times you buy the kits that incluides all of the accessories, nuts, bolts and fasteners and buy the lumber seperately. It is cheaper in the long run AND better quality. My friends DH did this and it is a sturdy set.

This is a large one: There are various sizes

www.homedepot.com/p/Swing-N-Slide-Playsets-Do-It-Yourself-Alpine-Custom-Playset-WS-5007/203490155

[cjcouple]

Also, I definitely recommend a cover for a sand box. Keeps critters out.

[dizzycooks]

Our neighbor bought a used one. So much needed replacing due to rot they hadn't notice that he might as well have built it from scratch.
Costco has some sales right now and there was a pretty sweet one for less than I expected.
Sandbox wouldn't be a factor, you can built one easily.

[chelsmat]

So not sure what you are exactly looking for, but Costco changed the design of their playsets and I justs picked up the one they carry in store for 40% off.

[auroraloo]

WE bought off Craigslist and it's been awesome. We powerwashed it, set it up, and it's been in our yard ever since.

[nicolewi]

Well, we bought the used set. DH was all for it; I was on the fence. It has a ton of great features and would cost a fortune new, but it has been used heavily. We'll have it moved, washed, stained, and see how it turns out! I hope it's a good call. I do love all the features! Play house plus side porch area, tire swing bar, regular four place swing bar, and a rock wall. The kids will love it. We probably won't get it until first week in July--the mover/re-installer guy is booked until then.