PlayNation Play Systems The Reserve Treehouse User manual

Copyright © 2017 PlayNation Play Systems, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
190 Etowah Industrial Court
Canton, GA 30114
www.playnation.com
The Reserve Treehouse
Model: 1500IWF
(BOXES: 1501, 1503N, 1504, 1506N,
1509N, 1509W, 1530, 1515, 1525, Rad
Ride 7 Tube Slide Box & Slide Box)
Amber Post Option
BOXES: 1519, 1520, 1521
1522
Timber Shield Post Option
BOXES: 1500 (120” box),
1500 (108”box), CB
*52-2061-W*
52-2061-W

***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 to
a 2 x 4 or a 4 x 4 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) The Roof Peak Support Triangle will need to be removed from the inside of the Roof Supports
located on the front of the play set. The Plastic Sunburst should be left off the front of the play
set. The “Treehouse Add On Kit” will be added to 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 on 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 use our “Quick
Response Center” located at:
www.playnation.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:
http://www.playnation.com/manuals.html

PLAYNATION WARRANTY 2017
MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
PlayNation Play Systems, Inc. warrants its Lifetime™ series of swing sets to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for the lifetime of the product for above
ground structural wood components and for two years for all other components (e.g., swings, hardware,
plastics, tarps, rope ladder, etc.) except PlayNation's Super Scoop Slides™ and Super Tube Spiral Slides™.
PlayNation warrants its Super Scoop Slides™ and Super Tube Spiral Slides™ to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for the lifetime of the product.
PlayNation warrants its Regal™, Imperial™, and Empire™ series swing sets to be free from defects in
workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for a period of 15 years for above ground
structural wood components and for two years for all other components (e.g., swings, hardware,
plastics, tarps, rope ladder, etc.).
PlayNation warrants all remaining products, including but not limited to its Free Standing Swing Set, Free
Standing Tire Swing, See-Saw, Children's Picnic Table with Umbrella, Play-Zee-Bo™ and spring riders to
be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and conditions, for a period of 1
year. All accessories purchased separate from those included with one of our swing set packages have a
one year limited warranty.
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 PlayNation's website. Imperfections or conditions that develop
because of a failure to properly maintain the swing set are not covered by this warranty.

PLAYNATION WARRANTY 2017
PlayNation 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
PlayNation's discretion, may be accomplished by submitting photographs or by delivery of the defective
part to PlayNation. PlayNation Play Systems, Inc. • 190 Etowah Industrial Ct. • Canton, GA 30114 •
770-704-9300 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,
PlayNation 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.
PLAYNATION 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. PLAYNATION 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. PlayNation 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.
PlayNation shall not be liable for incidental, indirect or consequential damages or injuries that result
from the building and/or playing on our play sets. Adult supervision is recommended anytime a play
set is being used.
WEIGHT LIMITS FOR PLAYNATION 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.
PlayNation 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
PlayNation™manufactures the
nest quality products that
are designed for outstanding
strength and durability. We back
our products with an unparalleled
warranty. In the unlikely event
that you will 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.playnation.com/register
option 2 Fax this completed form to:
[phone]
option 3
Mail this completed form to:
PlayNation Playsets
190 Etowah Industrial Court
Canton, GA 30114
Name:_______________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments:________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Please select
your age
How would
you rate the
quality of this
product?
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6-7
Yes
 Excellent
 Above Average
 Average
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- the reserve treehouse -

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. If
applicable state laws allow, an oil based product will penetrate and protect the lumber better than a water
based product. Because climate conditions can vary drastically from region to region, 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
your swing set to the store with you so they can color match the tint of the stain or sealant. Be sure to replace
the board when you get home.
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.playnation.com/safety-and-maintenance.html
http://www.playnation.com/manuals.html (Click on your specific model)
http://www.playnation.com/warranty.html
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.
PlayNation Play Systems, Inc.
190 Etowah Industrial Court
Canton, GA. 30114

Models: 1500IW
1500IWF
(BOXES: 1501, 1503N, 1504, 1506N,
1509N, 1509W, 1530, 1515, 1525*,
Rad Ride 7 Tube Slide Box & Slide
Box)
*1525 only included with 1500IWF
Treehouse model
REV: 1.31.2017
Amber Post Option
BOXES: 1519, 1520, 1521
1522
Timber Shield Post Option
BOXES: 1500 (120” box),
1500 (108”box), CB
Model 1500IW shown.
See cover of manual for
the image of your model
when it is completed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Guidelines……………………………………….......……...........................Pages 4-7
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, Required Tool List and Kit Contents...............................................Pages 15-16
Hardware, Lumber and Accessory Checklists.………………………………....Pages 17-49
Adding T-Nuts to Lower Level Corner Posts....…………………..………...…........... Step 1
Framing Lower Level Fort……………………..…………………………..……..... Steps 2-12
Mounting Deck…………………………....……………….…………...…................... Step 13
Rock Wall Assembly/Installation…………………...…..……..……...….…….... Steps 14-18
Ladder Assembly/Installation………………..……........................................... Steps 19-20
Adding T-Nuts to Upper Level Corner Posts......................................................... Step 21
Framing Upper Level Deck............................................................................. Steps 22-31
Mounting Upper Level Deck........................................................................... Steps 32-37
Assembling and attaching Rad Ride Tube Slide................................................... Step 38
Rear Bottom Panel Board, Rear Center Post................................................. Steps 39-40
Upper Level Panel Slats........................................................................................ Step 41
Lower Level Front Center Post.............................................................................. Step 42
Upper Level Steps................................................................................................. Step 43
Lower Level Panel Slats........................................................................................ Step 44
Swing Beam Assembly…………….……………………..……........….............. Steps 45-52
Wood Roof Assemblies...................................…….....……………………..…. Steps 53-64
Safety Boards……………………………………………........................................... Step 65
Picnic Table Assembly and Installation..…………………………......….…....... Steps 66-68
Sandbox Seats/Name Plate.................................................................................. Step 69
Tic Tac Toe Assembly/Installation………………………………..……............... Steps 70-71
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Rope Ladder.......................................................................................................... Step 72
Rock Wall Rope..................................................................................................... Step 73
Safety Handles (Lower Level) and Safety Handles (Upper Level)................. Steps 74-75
Flag Kit.................................................................................................................. Step 76
Telescope.............................................................................................................. Step 77
Steering Wheel...................................................................................................... Step 78
Hanging the Swings............................................................................................... Step 79
Ground Stakes....................................................................................................... Step 80
Part II Clatter Bridge and Tower
Attaching T-Nuts to the Corner Posts...................................................................... Step 1
Framing the Tower.............................................................................................. Steps 2-7
Deck Spacers, Front Face Board and Deck Boards......................................... Steps 8-10
Rear Bottom Panel Board...................................................................................... Step 11
Panel Slats............................................................................................................ Step 12
Bridge Rails and Slats.................................................................................... Steps 13-15
Bridge Deck Assembly and Installation.......................................................... Steps 16-20
Wood Roof Assembly..................................................................................... Steps 21-27
Wave Slide Installation.......................................................................................... Step 28
Leftover Parts List............................................................................................... Page 159
Appendix:
Chimney and Dormer Instructions, Clatter bridge mesh Instructions, etcetera...Page 160
PLEASE READ OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE STARTING ASSEMBLY!
3

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. Loose
clothing such as scarves and ponchos 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 around an adult hand.
• 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.
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.
4

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.
• Missing or damaged equipment components, such as handholds, guardrails, swing seats.
• Check all nuts and bolts twice monthly during the usage season and tighten as required.
(But not so tight that you crack the wood) We recommend you check the swing beam and
hardware often due to wood expansion and contraction. It is particularly important that this
procedure be followed at the beginning of each season.
• Remove plastic swing seats and take indoors or do not use when the temperature drops below
32°F. Reinstall swings and other swing equipment at the beginning of the usage season.
• Oil all metallic moving parts monthly during the usage period.
• Check all coverings for bolts and sharp edges twice monthly during usage season to be certain
they are in place. Replace when necessary. It is especially important to do this at the beginning
of each new season.
• Check swing seats, ropes, cables and chains monthly during usage season for evidence of
deterioration. Replacement should be made of any swing seat that has developed cracks in the
plastic seats. Ropes, cables and chains should be removed and replaced if excessive wear is
found. Contact us for warranted replacement parts.
• 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.
• For rusted areas on metallic members such as monkey bars, hand supports brackets, etc.;
sand and repaint, using a non lead-based paint meeting the requirements of Title 16 C.F.R. Part
1303. These requirements are available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/
• Inspect wood parts monthly. The grain of the wood sometimes will lift in the dry season
causing splinters to appear. Light sanding may be necessary to maintain a safe playing
environment. If you are treating your play set with stain regularly, it will help prevent severe
checking/splitting and other weather damage.
• Once or twice a year, depending on your climate conditions, you must apply some type of
protection (sealant) to the wood of your unit. Prior to the application of sealant, lightly sand any
“rough” spots on your set. Please note this is a requirement of your warranty.
• 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 once each year or at the beginning of each play
season.
• Twice a month during the usage season rake the playground protective surfacing materials to
prevent compaction and maintain appropriate depths. Replace the protective surfacing materials
as required.
• Disposal Instructions: When the play set is no longer desired, it should be disassembled and
disposed of in such away that no unreasonable hazards will exist at the time the play set is
discarded.
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 https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/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