Building a Cedar Designs playset in your backyard is one of those projects that feels equal parts practical and magical. You’re not just installing swings and a fort; you’re creating scraps-of-summer memories—mud pies, secret handshakes, scraped knees, and the kind of laughter that echoes down the block. If you live in Salt Lake City, you already know the climate plays by its own rulebook: hot sun, dry summers, sudden spring storms, and a good coat of winter snow. Let me explain how to do this project right so it lasts, looks great, and stays safe—without making your weekend a construction boot camp.
Contents
- 1 Why cedar matters (and why Cedar Designs is a solid pick)
- 2 Site prep and safety — start smart
- 3 Structural choices that actually matter
- 4 Wood treatment and finishes — keep it pretty and child-friendly
- 5 Design tips to spark imagination (and reduce future headaches)
- 6 Maintenance and seasonal care in Salt Lake City
- 7 Common pitfalls (and how to dodge them)
- 8 Quick comparison table — wood choices at a glance
- 9 Final thoughts — you’re building memories, not just a structure
Why cedar matters (and why Cedar Designs is a solid pick)
Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and smells nice; that alone is worth something. But there’s more: cedar shrinks and swells less than pine, which means your playset’s joints and fasteners behave better over time. Cedar Designs
Here’s the thing: cedar looks rustic but can be finished to look modern. You can leave it raw for a natural patina or stain it for color that lasts. You’re investing in a product that’s meant to age gracefully—so think of it like planting a tree rather than buying a patio umbrella.
Site prep and safety — start smart
Before you swing a hammer, walk the site. Safety and placement are the unglamorous stars of a successful playset. Ask yourself: Is the ground level? Are there overhead lines? How close are neighbor fences or garden beds? You want a flat area with good drainage and at least 6 feet of clear space around active elements like swings and slides.
Checklist to run through:
Permits and HOA: Check Salt Lake City building codes and your HOA rules. Some neighborhoods have height or color restrictions.
Drainage: If water pools, raise the platform or add gravel and a slight slope. Standing water is cedar’s enemy over long stretches, even though it resists rot better than many woods.
Surface under the playset: Use loose-fill materials like engineered wood fiber or pea gravel—or install rubber tiles for extra cushioning. Lawns are comfortable but not impact-rated.
Structural choices that actually matter
Not all fasteners are created equal. Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized hardware is a must in Salt Lake City—salt isn’t a concern, but corrosion from moisture swings is. For weight-bearing joints, I like using Simpson Strong-Tie brackets and 1/2-inch lag bolts where plans call for heavy-duty connections. You’ll see the names DeWalt and Milwaukee around; having a reliable drill and impact driver makes assembly move fast and keeps frustration low.
Concrete footings? Usually yes. You might be tempted to skip them and tamp down soil—but don’t. Concrete piers keep the set stable through freeze-thaw cycles and the occasional rambunctious neighborhood soccer match. Anchor hardware that’s set in concrete gives you years of reassurance.
Also: cross-bracing matters. It reduces sway and prolongs the life of beams. It’s a small extra cost that pays off big—like using a keyed wrench instead of an adjustable one when you need torque.
Wood treatment and finishes — keep it pretty and child-friendly
You’ll hear a lot about stains and sealants. Honestly, a good penetrating oil-based stain from brands like TWP or Cabot paired with a UV-blocking topcoat will protect cedar from sun bleaching and moisture. Avoid high-gloss finishes; they can get slippery on steps and platforms.
And yes, you can use water-based stains if you prefer lower odor. For play areas, choose products labeled safe for decks and outdoor furniture—Titebond offers some kid-safe adhesives and there are low-VOC stains that do the job without smelling up the yard.
Contradiction alert: leaving cedar natural will look more authentic, but it will gray and lose some water resistance. Staining preserves color and performance, but it changes that sweet natural look. Balance is key—maybe stain structural members and leave decorative parts more natural.
Design tips to spark imagination (and reduce future headaches)
Kids grow, tastes change, and so do weather patterns. So build in flexibility. Add a swing beam with pre-drilled holes for adjustable hooks; choose modular accessories that can be swapped out as children get older. A sandbox under the deck is charming, but consider a lid to keep cats out. A trapeze bar is fun, but extra fall space is required.
Smart design moves:
Make access easy: Wide steps, a ramp, or a combination, especially if you host neighborhood toddlers.
Think long-term: Leave room for a climbing wall or a fort extension later. That’s cheaper than ripping out the whole thing.
Make maintenance accessible: Install removable railings or hinged roofs so you can reach fasteners and beams without dismantling the whole structure.
Maintenance and seasonal care in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s springs can bring wind and debris; summers bring UV stress; winters bring freeze-thaw action. Simple maintenance keeps the playset safe and pretty. Inspect fasteners twice a year, tighten any loose bolts, and touch up worn finishes every 2–3 years. Sweep off snow rather than piling it all in one spot; heavy snow can deform flat roofs and platforms.
Keep an eye on swing chains and rope wear. Replace any frayed elements immediately—this is one of those “do it now” things. A quick safety checklist after heavy storms will save you headaches and, more importantly, keep kids safe.
Common pitfalls (and how to dodge them)
People assume assembly is just follow-the-instructions. Mostly true, but manuals can be vague about local concerns. A few common missteps:
Wrong anchors: Using deck screws where structural bolts are specified. Not good. Use the right hardware.
Poor drainage: Planting the set in a low spot. Water sits, wood soaks, problems grow. Raise the platform if needed.
Over-customizing: Cute, but altering load-bearing parts without recalculating support can create hazards. If you want a taller tower, consult a pro or the manufacturer’s customer service.
Quick comparison table — wood choices at a glance
| Species | Durability | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar | High natural resistance | Full playsets, exposed beams |
| Pine | Lower, often pressure-treated | Budget builds, painted structures |
| Redwood | Very high, premium | High-end, aesthetic-focused projects |
Final thoughts — you’re building memories, not just a structure
Putting up a Cedar Designs playset is a weekend project that pays dividends for years. It’s about utility, sure—but it’s mostly about the small, everyday adventures that happen underneath. If you want a structure that’s safe, lasts through Salt Lake City seasons, and adapts as your family grows, focus on good hardware, smart siting, and sensible finishes.
We build these things for people who care about quality and want a backyard that pulls neighbors in for summer barbecue chats. If that sounds like you—call us. We’ll walk through your yard, talk costs, and help sketch a plan that fits your kids and your style.
Utah Playset Builders — Serving Salt Lake City and nearby communities. Call 801-405-3954 or request a free quote today. We’ll handle the heavy lifting, and you’ll get the bragging rights (and more porch-time).
