Gorilla Playsets Wilderness Gym II 1500JWF User manual

Copyright © 2021 Gorilla Playsets
All Rights Reserved
166 Etowah Industrial Court
Canton, GA 30114
www.gorillaplaysets.com
Wilderness Gym II
Model: 1500JWF
(BOXES: 1501, 1503N, 1509N,
1509W, 1512, 1525, 1530, Extreme
Tube Slide II Box & Slide Box)
Amber Post Boxes
BOXES: 1519, 1520-2boxes,
1522
*51-1106-W*
51-1106-W
™
™
playsets
playsets
REV: 3.5.2021
™
™
playsets
playsets

***IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR TREEHOUSE KIT PLAYSETS***
Read all instructions thoroughly before beginning construction, this is very important. The
“Treehouse Add On Kit” (1525) box will require you to deviate slightly from the standard kit
instructions.
Typical deviations include:
1) The Telescope that is usually on the front of the set on the Front face board (arched board)
must be moved to another location on the set. Additional instructions to mount the Telescope are
included in the play set Appendix or with the “Treehouse Add On Kit”manual. Mount the
Telescope along the top of any of the railings that do not interfere with any areas that are activity
openings.
2) DURING ROOF CONSTRUCTION:
Both Roof Peak Support Triangles will be required to build the main roof. Then the Roof Peak
Support Triangle is removed from the inside of the front Roof Supports on the front of the play
set. It will be necessary to re-use the Roof Support Triangle to connect the roof supports from the
Treehouse Kit to one another.
The Plastic Sunburst must be left off the front of the play set until after the “Treehouse Add On
Kit”is installed onto the front of the play set.
3) Flag Kits which normally reside on the front of the front corner posts at the top should be
relocated to the front slats of the “Treehouse Add On Kit”
Wood/Accessory and Hardware Lists:
These lists for the “Treehouse Add On Kit”are in the Appendix at the end of your play set
instruction manual or they are included with this sheet.
Steps to complete the “Treehouse Add On Kit”:
The instruction steps for the “Treehouse Add On Kit”are in the Appendix at the end of your play
set instruction manual or they are included with this sheet.
If you are adding the “Treehouse Add On Kit” to a playset that is already built:
It will be necessary to remove the Flags and Plastic Sunburst from the front side of your playset
wood roof. Then remove the 5/4 x 10” Roof Peak Support triangle from the inside of the front Roof
Supports. Keep these pieces and hardware since most will be reused during the construction
process.
Fill in the holes in the corner posts from the Flags with clear silicone (not included). If you wish to
fill the holes with a fastener then use #8 x 1” countersunk head screws with silicone in each hole.
You will need to purchase these screws at your local home center if you choose this option.
Fill any small holes in the Roof Supports leftover from removing the Plastic Sunburst with wood
filler. Use a stainable wood filler suitable for outdoor use. Then stain the wood filled spots with a
suitable matching color of stain.

Please inspect and inventory all parts immediately upon accepting delivery. Use the
inventory pages in the manual to make sure you have received all necessary parts.
The quickest method to get any parts that are missing or damaged is to use our “Quick
Response Center” located at:
www.gorillaplaysets.com/support
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE RETAILER OR CONTACT THE RETAILER DIRECTLY.
THE RETAILER DOES NOT STOCK COMPONENTS.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. KEEP THEM IN A SAFE
PLACE WHERE YOU CAN REFER TO THEM AS NEEDED. CHECK FOR REVISED INSTRUC-
TIONS AT:
www.gorillaplaysets.com/manuals

GORILLA PLAYSETS WARRANTY –2021
Gorilla Playsets® (“Gorilla”) warrants its play sets to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under
normal use and conditions, for 10 years for above ground structural wood components and for one year for all
other components (e.g., swings, hardware, plastics, tarps, rope ladder, etc.).
Gorilla warrants all remaining products, including but not limited to its, Malibu Playhouse, Free Standing Swing Set,
Free Standing Tire Swing, See-Saw, Children’s Picnic Table with Umbrella, Play-Zee-Bo™, Cedar Toy Chest,
Interlocking Sandbox and spring riders to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use
and conditions, for a period of 1 year.
Cosmetic imperfections and natural tendencies of wood such as peeling, splintering, warping, seasonal checking
or cracking, knots or knot holes, etc. are normal characteristics of all outdoor wooden play equipment and are
not covered by this warranty. Checks or cracks in wood components that do not affect the intended function of
the part, piece or overall swing set are not covered under this warranty.
Wood rot or decay that develops because the product was installed in an area with poor drainage is not covered
under this warranty. Lumber that has been damaged by wood boring bees, or conditions that develop as a result of
faulty or improper installation of the product, are not covered by this warranty. Fading of stain, discoloration or
mold on any wood part or accessory is not covered by this warranty. Cracks in plastic components, surface rust on
hardware and chips on powder coated materials are not considered defects in material as long as they do not
affect the functionality or structural integrity of the part or component.
It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the swing set. This includes but is not limited to staining and sealing
the lumber as needed and regular inspection to be sure all hardware is tight. Instructions for proper
maintenance can be found on Gorilla’s website. Imperfections or conditions that develop because of a failure to
properly maintain the swing set are not covered by this warranty.
Gorilla will, at its discretion, replace any above ground part within the stated warranty period that is defective in
workmanship or materials. This decision is subject to verification of the defect, which, at Gorilla’s discretion, may
be accomplished by submitting photographs or by delivery of the defective part to Gorilla Playsets • 166 Etowah
Industrial Ct. • Canton, GA 30114 • 1-800-882-0272 Monday to Friday 9AM-5PM EST. Any warranty claim must
include proof of purchase, including the date of purchase. In addition, within the first 30 days from the date of
purchase, Gorilla will replace any parts discovered to be missing from or damaged in the original packaging.
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed and installed at a
residential, single-family dwelling. This warranty is void if the product is used in a commercial, institutional or
multi-family setting. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or (a) products that have been damaged
by acts of God and/or nature, negligence, misuse or accident; (b) products that have been modified or repaired
by unauthorized persons; (c) the cost of labor; or (d) the cost of shipping any replacement product or part.
GORILLA DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED,
STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. GORILLA WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. This
warranty is non-transferable and does not extend to the owners of the product subsequent to the original
purchaser. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties or exclusion of incidental or consequential
damages, so these restrictions may not be applicable to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.

IMPORTANT SAFETY GUIDELINES
This product is recommended for use by children ages 3-11. This product is intended
for residential use only and not intended for use in any public setting. A safety surface
such as mulch or recycled tire should be used under the play set to prevent injury from
falls. Also a 6 foot safety zone should be used around the entire play set.
As with any home project, good judgment and respect for power tools will greatly
reduce the risk of injury. Gorilla recommends you follow all tool manufacturers’ safety
guidelines. Always wear eye protection and safety gloves to prevent injury. In several
phases of construction two people may be required for lifting and securing of lumber.
While the play set is being constructed, please keep children off the equipment until the
project is complete. Bolts and screw heads should be checked regularly for tightness.
The ground ladder, rope ladder, slide, swings and other areas where children spend a
majority of their playtime should be checked more frequently.
Gorilla shall not be liable for incidental, indirect or consequential damages or
injuries that result from building and/or playing on our play sets. Adult supervision is
recommended anytime a play set is being used.
WEIGHT LIMITS FOR GORILLA PLAYSETS
• FORT PLATFORMS: 800 LBS. TOTAL WEIGHT
• SWING BELT: 225 LBS.
• TANDEM SWINGS: 70 LBS. PER CHILD. UP TO 140 LBS. TOTAL WEIGHT.
• TRAPEZE: 125 LBS.
• FULL BUCKET SWING/ HALF BUCKET SWING: 50 LBS.
• HEAVY DUTY TODDLER BUCKET SWING: 85 LBS.
• INFANT SWING: 35 LBS.
• TIRE SWING: 125 LBS. TOTAL WEIGHT
• ROPE LADDER: 75 LBS.
• ROCK WALL: 150 LBS.
• CLIMBING RAMP: 150 LBS.
• MONKEY BARS: 175 LBS.
• ALL SLIDES: 150 LBS.
Gorilla recommends that the weight limits for all components must not be exceeded.
Failure to adhere to these and other safety guidelines could result in damage to the play
set and injury to the users.

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PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Gorilla Playsets™manufactures
the nest quality products that
are designed for outstanding
strength and durability. We back
our products with unparalleled
warranties. In the unlikely event
that you need to contact us about
covered repairs, we must have a
valid Product Registration on le.
3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
OPTION 1 Complete the online registration form at:
http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/register
OPTION 2 Fax this completed form to:
[phone]
OPTION 3
Mail this completed form to:
Gorilla Playsets
166 Etowah Industrial Court
Canton, GA 30114
Name:_______________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments:________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you recommend this product to friends & family?
Please select
your age How would
you rate the
quality of this
product?
18-30
2-3
41-50
6-7
Yes
 Excellent
 Above Average
 Average
 Below Average
Poor
No
31-40
4-5
51+
8+
How old are
your children?
Where did you buy this product?
Your registration information:
Date of Purchase Store Store City Store State
Street City State Zip
May we add you to our mailing list? Yes No
May we use your comments on websites or other marketing materials? Yes No
Number of
children
- WILDERNESS GYM II - 1500JWF -

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IMPORTANT –PLEASE READ
Congratulations! You have just purchase one of the finest residential wooden swing sets available today. As
with any wooden product that spends its entire life outside, in varying elements, it is important to know what to
expect with your new swing set so that your family can enjoy it for many years.
As your swing set acclimates to its new environment, natural characteristics of the wood can show in the form
of checks, or “cracks” in the lumber. In almost all cases this is normal and it will not affect the structural
integrity of your play set and is not covered under warranty.
KEEPING YOUR PLAYSET LIKE NEW
MUST DO’s
The following owner responsibilities are crucial to the safety, integrity and aesthetic appeal of your
swing set and may affect the warranty if not adhered to.
WITHIN 60 DAYS
• Check and tighten Hex Bolts/T-nuts, Carriage Bolts/Lock-nuts, and Lag Screws within the first 60 days and
then twice annually –once before each season and then once during the season.
WITHIN 90 DAYS
• Apply a sealant or semi-transparent stain with sealant within the first 90 days of owning the swing set. Our
own Stain/sealant is available online here: http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/Playground-Sealant-p/10-0003.htm
Oil based stain or water based stain may be used. Should you choose to use other stain we suggest asking
the product covering specialists at any number of specialty paint stores or home improvement centers for a
product that would work best for your local environment. ** TIP –while the set is new, take a small board from
to the store with you so they can color match the tint of the stain or sealant.
SEASONAL REMINDERS
•If your area experiences regular snowfall, remove your fabric tarp/canopy to avoid stretching, sagging or
tearing of the material. Store it inside, folded up, and it will be as good as new when winter is over.
•If your area experiences extremely cold temperatures, remove swing belts and other pliable features to
prolong the lifespan of these play activities.
OTHER TIPS
• Spray swing hangers with Pam, Mazola or olive oil to stop squeaking; do not use petroleum based products
such as WD-40 or motor oil.
• To repel yellow jackets and wasps, use a cotton ball and dab interior wooden corners
underneath the play set
deck with a liquid dish soap. Avoid using insecticides.
•To speed up the slide wipe the center of slide with wax paper every 2 - 3 weeks.
For additional safety and maintenance guidelines, please visit our website.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
CUSTOMER MUST READ AND RETAIN
Please go to the following links and read important SAFETY information prior
to using your new play structure.
http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/Swing-Set-Safety-s/85.htm
https://www.gorillaplaysets.com/Maintenance-s/129.htm
http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/manuals.html (Click on your specific model)
http://www.gorillaplaysets.com/Warranty-s/82.htm
NOTE: Your children’s safety is our #1 concern. Observing the following statements
and warnings reduces the likelihood of serious injury. Please review these safety
rules regularly with your children.
WARNING:
Children must NOT use this play set until it has been
completely assembled and inspected by an adult to
ensure it has been properly installed.
Gorilla Playsets
166 Etowah Industrial Court
Canton, GA. 30114

Model: 1500JWF
(BOXES: 1501, 1503N, 1509N,
1509W, 1512, 1525, 1530,
Extreme Tube Slide II box &
Slide Box)
REV: 3.5.2021
Amber Post Option
BOXES: 1519, 1520-2 boxes,
1522

Safety Guidelines……………………………………….......……...........................Pages 3-7
Leveling Fort, General Information and Denitions…………………...................Pages 7-9
How to Install T-nuts, Board Identication, Predrill Lag Screw Directions and
Swing Beam Loading......................................................................................Pages 10-14
Site Plan, Safety Zone, Required Tool List and Kit Contents.........................Pages 15-17
Hardware, Lumber and Accessory Checklists……………………………........Pages 18-39
Adding T-Nuts to Corner Posts...…………………………………..………...…........... Step 1
Framing Fort……………………………………..…………………………..……..... Steps 2-9
Mounting Deck…………………………....……………….…………...…................... Step 10
Rock Wall Assembly/Installation…………………...…..……..……...….…….... Steps 11-15
Ladder Assembly/Installation………………..……........................................... Steps 16-17
Center Post and Panel Slat Installation.......................................................... Steps 18-19
Swing Beam Assembly…………….……………………..……........….............. Steps 20-27
Roof Assembly...................................……...……………………….………...... Steps 28-31
Hanging Swings and Safety Board…………………………………………….... Steps 32-33
Picnic Table Assembly and Installation..…………………………......….…....... Steps 34-36
Rope Ladder Assembly/Installation…………………………….....…….........…....... Step 37
Tube Slide, Side Panel Slats, Right Side Angle Supports…………..........….. Steps 38-39
Rock Wall Rope, Safety Handles and Telescope........................................... Steps 40-42
Flag Kit, Sandbox Seats/Name Plate, Plastic Sunburst and Ground Stakes. Steps 43-46
Steering Wheel...................................................................................................... Step 47
Part 2 Clatter Bridge Assembly......................................................................... Steps 1-31
Appendix:
Chimney and Dormer, Clatter Bridge Mesh, Treehouse Kit Instructions.............Page 128
PLEASE READ OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE STARTING ASSEMBLY!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Your New Play Set:
NOTE: Your children’s safety is our #1 concern. Observing the following
statements and warnings reduces the likelihood of serious or fatal injury. Please
review these safety rules regularly with your children.
• This play set is designed for the use of 4 occupants who have a combined weight not exceeding 800
pounds on the elevated oor, 3 occupants who have a combined weight of 425 pounds on the swing
area, for a total Unit capacity of 7 occupants who have a combined weight of 1225. (This weight does
not include any picnic table area(s).)
• On-site adult supervision is required.
• Teach children not to walk close to, in front of, behind, or between moving swings or other moving
playground equipment.
• Teach children to sit in and never stand on swings
• Teach children not to twist the chains and ropes and not to loop them over the swing beam, since
this may reduce the strength of the chain or rope.
• Teach children not to jump from swings or other playground equipment in motion.
• Teach children not to push empty seats. The seat may hit them and cause serious injury.
• Teach children to sit in the center of the swings with their full weight on the seats.
• Teach children not to use the equipment in a manner other than intended.
• Teach children to always go down slides feet rst. Never slide headrst.
• Teach children to look before they slide to make sure no one is at the bottom.
• Teach children to never run up a slide, as this increases their chances of falling.
• The parents should have the children dress appropriately with well-tting shoes. No clogs, ip-
ops, or sandals are allowed. Loose clothing such as scarves, ponchos or capes should not be worn.
Always take off, tie up or tuck in cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing. These things can get
caught on playground equipment and strangle a child.
• Teach children not to climb when the equipment is wet.
• Teach children to never jump from a fort deck. They should always use the ladder, ramp or slide.
• Teach children to never crawl or walk across the top of monkey bars or swing beam.
• Teach children to never crawl on top of a fort roof or on the outside of a tube slide.
• Verify that any suspended climbing ropes, chains, or cables are secured at both ends and that they
cannot be looped back onto itself.
• Teach children not to attach items to the playground equipment that are not specically designed for
use with the equipment, such as, but not limited to, jump ropes, clothesline, pet leashes, cables and
chain as they may cause a strangulation hazard.
• Teach children to never wrap their legs around swing chain.
• Teach children to never slide down the swing chain.
• Teach children to remove their bike or other sports helmet before playing on the playgound
equipment.
• Teach children to NEVER look at the sun or other bright light through any accessory such as but not
limited to a telescope, periscope or binoculars.
• Never add extra length to chain or rope. The chains or ropes provided are the maximum length
designed for the swings.
WARNING: Children must NOT use this play set until it has been completely
assembled and inspected by an adult to insure it has been properly installed and
the swing beam legs are anchored.
3

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Your New Play Set:
(continued)
Playgrounds should be inspected on a regular basis. If any of the following conditions are noted, they should be removed,
corrected or repaired immediately to prevent injuries.
• Hardware that is loose, worn or that has protrusions or projections.
• Exposed equipment footings.
• Scattered debris, litter, rocks, or tree roots.
• Splinters, large cracks and decayed wood components.
• Deterioration and corrosion on structural components, which connect to the ground.
• Swing chains, rings, ropes, etcetera should always be fastened to a rotating swing hanger. NEVER attach a chain, ring,
rope, etcetera to a stationary hanger such as but not limited to an eye bolt. Severe wear could occur leading to an injury.
• Missing or damaged equipment conditions, such as but not limited to handholds, guardrails or swing seats.
At the beginning of each play season:
□ Owners shall be responsible for maintaining the legibility of all warning labels. Replace as required.
□ Tighten all hardware. (But not so tight that you crack the wood.)
□ Oil all metallic moving parts.
□ Check all protective coverings on bolts, pipes, edges and corners. Replace if they are loose, cracked or missing.
□ Check all moving parts including swing seats, ropes, cables and chains for wear, rust, or other deterioration. Replace
as needed. Replacement should be made of any swing seat that has developed cracks in the plastic seat.
□ Check metal parts for rust. If found, sand and repaint using a nonlead-based paint meeting the requirements of 16
C.F.R. 1303. These requirements are available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/
□ Check all wood members for deterioration and splinters. Sand down splinters and replace deteriorating wood members.
Once or twice a year, depending on your climate conditions, you must apply some type of protection (sealant) to the wood
or your play set. Please note this is a requirement of your warranty.
□ Reinstall any plastic parts, such as swing seats or any other items that were removed for the cold season.
□ Rake and check depth of loose ll protective surfacing materials to prevent compaction and to maintain appropriate
depth. Replace as necessary.
□ Creating and maintaining the play set on a level location is very important. As your children play, your play set will
slowly dig its way into the soil, and it is very important that it settles evenly. Make sure the play set is level and true.
Twice a month during play season:
□ Tighten all hardware. (But not so tight that you crack the wood.)
□ Check all protective coverings on bolts, pipes, edges and corners. Replace if they are loose, cracked or missing.
□ Rake and check depth of loose ll protective surfacing materials to prevent compaction and to maintain appropriate
depth. Replace as necessary.
Once a month during play season:
□ Oil all metallic moving parts.
□ Check all moving parts including swing seats, ropes, cables and chains for wear, rust, or other deterioration. Replace
as needed. Replacement should be made of any swing seat that has developed cracks in the plastic seat.
At the end of each play season or when the temperature drops below 32OF:
□ Remove plastic swing seats and take indoors or do not use.
□ Rake and check depth of loose ll protective surfacing materials to prevent compaction and to maintain appropriate
depth. Replace as necessary.
Disposal Instructions:
When the playset is no longer desired or when it reaches the end of its lifetime it should be disassembled and disposed of
in such a way that no unreasonable hazard will exist at the time the playset is discarded.
4

PLAYGROUND SURFACING MATERIALS
SECTION 4 OF THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION’S OUTDOOR HOME
PLAYGROUND SAFETY HANDBOOK9
Select Protective Surfacing
One of the most important things you can do to reduce the likelihood of serious head injuries is to install shock-absorbing protective surfacing under
and around your play equipment. The protective surfacing should be applied to a depth that is suitable for the equipment height in accordance with
ASTM Specication F 1292. There are different types of surfacing to choose from; whichever product you select, follow these guidelines:
NOTE: Do not install home playground equipment over concrete, asphalt, or any other hard surface. A fall onto a hard surface can result in
serious injury to the equipment user. Grass and dirt are not considered protective surfacing because wear and environmental factors can reduce
their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting and thin mats are generally not adequate protective surfacing. Ground level equipment – such as
a sandbox, activity wall, playhouse or other equipment that has no elevated play surface – does not need any protective surfacing.
Loose-Fill Materials:
Maintain a minimum depth of 9 inches of loose- ll materials such as wood mulch/chips, engineered wood ber (EWF), or shredded/recycled
rubber mulch for equipment up to 8 feet high; and 9 inches of sand or pea gravel for equipment up to 5 feet high. NOTE: An initial ll level of
12 inches will compress to about a 9- inch depth of surfacing over time. The surfacing will also compact, displace, and settle, and should be
periodically relled to maintain at least a 9- inch depth.
Use a minimum of 6 inches of protective surfacing for play equipment less than 4 feet in height. If maintained properly, this should be
adequate. (At depths less than 6 inches, the protective material is too easily displaced or compacted.)
Use containment, such as digging out around the perimeter and/or lining the perimeter with landscape edging. Don’t forget to account for
water drainage. U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207 or call the toll-free hotline :[phone]
Check and maintain the depth of the loose-ll surfacing material. To maintain the right amount of loose-ll materials, mark the correct level on
play equipment support posts. That way you can easily see when to replenish and/or redistribute the surfacing.
Do not install loose ll surfacing over hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
Poured-In-Place Surfaces or Pre-Manufactured Rubber Tiles:
You may be interested in using surfacing other than loose-ll materials – like rubber tiles or poured-in-place surfaces.
Installations of these surfaces generally require a professional and are not "do-it-yourself" projects.
Review surface specications before purchasing this type of surfacing. Ask the installer/manufacturer for a report showing that the product
has been tested to the following safety standard: ASTM F 1292 Standard Specication for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within the
Use Zone of Playground Equipment. This report should show the specic height for which the surface is intended to protect against serious head
injury. This height should be equal to or greater than the fall height – vertical distance between a designated play surface (elevated surface for
standing, sitting, or climbing) and the protective surfacing below – of your play equipment.
Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.
Placement
Proper placement and maintenance of protective surfacing is essential. Be sure to
Extend surfacing at least 6 feet from the equipment in all directions.
For to-fro swings, extend protective surfacing in front of and behind the swing to a distance equal to twice the height of the top bar from which
the swing is suspended.
For tire swings, extend surfacing in a circle whose radius is equal to the height of the suspending chain or rope, plus 6 feet in all directions.
2H 2H
H
L
6 ft.
6 ft.
6 ft. 6 ft.
L+6 ft.
6 ft.
6 ft.
Use Zone for Single-Axis Swings Use Zone for Multi-Axis Swings
Denotes Use Zone with Protective Surfacing
Denotes Use Zone with Protective Surfacing
9This information has been extracted from the CPSC publications "Playground Surfacing—Technical Information Guide" and "Handbook for Public
Playground Safety." Copies of these reports can be obtained by sending a postcard to the: Ofce of Public Affairs, U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207 or call the toll-free hotline: [phone]
5

Play Set Surfacing Recommendations:
Below are some of the recommendations that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) offers from its Handbook for Public Playground Safety. The guide
can be downloaded in full at www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/122149/325.pdf
1. Protective Surfacing - Since almost 60% of all injuries are caused by falls to the
ground, protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most
critical safety factor on playgrounds.
Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces also are acceptable; however, test data on
shock absorbing performance should be requested from the manufacturer.
Asphalt and concrete are unacceptable. They do not have any shock absorbing
properties. Similarly, grass and turf should not be used. Their ability to absorb shock
during a fall can be reduced considerably through wear and environmental conditions.
Certain loose-ll surfacing materials are acceptable. Surfacing materials are acceptable,
such as the types and depths shown in the table.
Fall Heights and Materials
Type Of Material 6 in. depth 9 in. depth 12 in. depth
Double-Shredded bark mulch 6’ Fall Height 10’ Fall Height 11’ Fall Height
Wood Chips 6’ Fall Height 7’ Fall Height 12’ Fall Height
Fine Sand 5’ Fall Height 5’ Fall Height 9’ Fall Height
Shredded Tires* 10-12’ Fall Height N/A N/A
Fine Gravel 6’ Fall Height 7’ Fall Height 10’ Fall Height
*This data is from tests conducted by independent testing laboratories on a 6-inch depth of uncompressed shredded tire samples
produced by four manufacturers. The tests reported critical heights, which varied from 10 feet to greater than 12 feet. It is
recommended that persons seeking to install shredded tires as a protective surface request test data from the supplier showing the
critical height of the material when it was tested in accordance with ASTM F1292.
It should be recognized that all injuries due to falls cannot be prevented no matter what
surfacing material is used.
6

2. Fall Zones - A fall zone, covered with a protective surfacing material, is essential
under and around equipment where a child might fall. This area should be free of other
equipment and obstacles onto which a child might fall. Stationary climbing equipment
and slides should have a fall zone extending a Minimum of 6’ in all directions from the
perimeter of the equipment.
Swings should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6’ from the outer edge of the
support structure on each side. The fall zone in front and back of the swing should
extend out a minimum distance of twice the height of the swing as measured from the
ground to the top of the swing support structure.
LEVELING YOUR FORT DURING ASSEMBLY
• Complete the steps which will be the basic frame of the fort. {i.e. four corner posts with
base (sand box boards) and deck supports}
• Position in the most level area chosen for the play set, keeping in mind the location
and size of the swing beam, ladder, slides, etc. that extend off the fort.
• Once the frame is in the nal position, check for vertical and horizontal levelness to
determine which side(s) will need to be dug into the ground to level the play set.
• With a shovel, score the ground around the outside edges of the sandbox boards on
the ‘high’ side of the fort. This is the area that will be dug in. Make sure to score deep
enough; the scored lines will be your digging template.
• Push the frame off and away from the scored area, far enough to dig and remove dirt
to reach the appropriate depth.
• Dig a channel along the scored line(s) for the base of the fort (corner post and
sandbox boards) to rest into. Dig the channel(s) to the same level depth. The bottom
of the channel(s) should be level to each other so your frame doesn’t teeter or rock
because the channel(s) are uneven.
• Once you have removed enough grass and dirt, slide/push the frame into the
channel(s). Place a level on the vertical and horizontal boards of the frame to determine
if enough soil, or too much, was removed.
• Repeat this process until the basic frame is plumb and level and in its nal position
before completing the rest of the assembly.
• Measure to make sure fort is square.
Important: if you require a channel depth of more than 6”, then we
recommend you have your play set area professionally graded before
completing assembly.
Example Play area:
= Area to be scored and
channeled for levelness
The diagonal measure-
ments should be the
same from corner post to
corner post. If not, adjust
corner posts so that the
distance is equal.
Side View of
Playset Frame
(Grade is the
Slanted Line)
7

General Info to Review Before Installation
• Depending on your experience, assembly of the playset can take as little as 6 hours
up to 24 hours, depending on size, after inventory of parts; therefore, we recommend
you set aside a full two days for assembly.
• Identify all of the parts for your play set. Empty each box and lay out boards so you
can see each part. Your instruction book will have detailed drawings that will make it
easy for you to recognize individual parts. Keep all hardware and metal parts separate
from wooden pieces.
• After everything is laid out, check carefully to ensure all parts are present. Make sure
there are no broken boards.
• Find an area to sort your hardware. It is best to open the hardware on a solid surface
so that you do not lose any pieces in the grass. This will save time and familiarize you
with all the different pieces in the hardware bag.
• Important note: Wood has some natural defects such as knots, surface cracks, etc…
We reject parts that are structurally defective. We use a high quality lumber in our
structures; however, you should inspect each part for splinters or rough spots and sand
them smooth to prevent injury.
• After familiarizing yourself with all of the components, read all instructions thoroughly.
Reading instructions after you have studied the parts will help you understand the
installation process, and help to eliminate unnecessary mistakes.
• Pay close attention to the diameter and length of each bolt and screw.
• Never tighten hardware completely at rst. It helps to have some adjustment for bolt
alignment while you are attaching parts together. After everything is square, tighten
each joint.
• After the main unit is assembled it is critical that the oor is level and square. If the
main frame is not level, the walls and oor will be out of square.
• After you complete installation, make sure every bolt, screw, and nut is tight, and every
board is secure. Wood will expand and contract with the seasons.
• Place the set on level ground, not less than 6 feet from any structure or obstruction
such as a fence, garage, house, overhanging branches, laundry lines, or electrical
wires.
8

Counter-Sunk Hole
Through Hole
This page is a list of denitions and explanations used throughout our
instructions to aid you in the assembly of your play set.
Offset Holes- Throughout the installation procedures we will refer to parts with offset
holes. This refers to the orientation of the holes on the board. An offset hole is one that
is closer to one side than it is the other or in other words, it is not centered on the board.
In the procedures you will be instructed to attach the boards with the holes offset up or
with the holes offset down. This refers to which side of the board the hole/holes should
be closer to. Offset holes up= hole/holes will be closer to the top of the board. Offset
holes down= hole/holes will be closer to the bottom of the board. Note: some parts do
not have offset holes, but instead the holes are on center. Therefore there will not be
any reference on how to offset these parts.
EXAMPLE OF OFFSET HOLES UP
EXAMPLE OF OFFSET HOLES DOWN
Counter-sunk holes - Many of the parts that will be used have counter-sunk holes. A
counter-sunk hole is one that surrounds one side of a through hole, but does not extend
through the wood it’s self. When using a counter-sunk hole the bolt will be inserted
through the through hole and either the head of the bolt and washer or nut and washer
will occupy the counter sunk hole.
Lag Screws- Lag screws are used in the construction of our play sets to enhance
the structural integrity of the unit. There will not be predrilled holes in the post for lag
screw installation. Lag screws are self-tapping, though if you are using a manual socket
wrench it may be advantageous to pre-drill a hole rst. Instructions for this are provided
on a separate page in the front of the manual. Be sure to tighten the lags completely
when driving them in by hand. Power tools such as a heavy duty impact driver or large
power drill should have enough torque to drive in the lag screws, but make sure not to
over tighten as this can cause the threads to “strip out” in the post.
9

Common Installation Practice Installing T-nuts
When installing T-nuts into the wood, use a smooth faced hammer to set the face of the
T-nut ush into the wood.
Insert the barrel of the T-nut into the
predrilled hole. Using a smooth faced
hammer, drive the T-nut until the face
of the T-nut is ush to the wood.
This picture shows the T-nut inserted
and installed ush to the wood.
This picture shows an end view of the T-nut
installed ush to the wood.
WARNING: DO NOT EMBED THE TOP
OF THE T-NUT INTO THE
FACE OF THE WOOD
Cross Section end view, you are looking at an X-ray view
of the post and T-nut. The barrel of the T-nut is in the
corner post the line is the face of the wood.
Corner Post
T-nut
Flush (Correct)
10