How to Build a Playground Children's Slide

A slide is one the most popular features of any playground. There should be a ladder, a sloped piece of metal or plastic and a soft surface for landing.  Slides, while the idea is relatively easy, may also have more elaborate components like curves. A backyard playground slide can easily be made from wood and metal.

1. Cut pieces of three-by-four wood into four posts. These posts will be the slide's supporting structure. The
   pieces should be measured and marked, from the height of the posts
   (to the ground) to platform, to the top of the slide. Remember to
   add 3-feet to the height measurement, for the foundation.


2. Use a power saw and cute the four
   identical wooden posts for the platform.


3. Mark the four posts on the ground
   with spray paint, where you are building the slide.


4. Remove any items like plants or
   rocks that will be in the way of the slide. Since it will dip
   into the ground, it will be semi-permanent and you will the ground
   free of any and all distractions.


5. Dig four holes in the ground where
   you marked the places with spray paint. Use a hole digger, the
   process will be easier and quicker. The holes should be about three
   feet deep and two to three feet deep.


6. Pour about 5-inches of gravel
   into the hole. Place the post into the hole, screw in wooden braces
   to support the post. Pour concrete over the gravel, around the base
   of the post. Leave four to five inches of space to add soil later.


7. Use the level to ensure that
   the posts are vertical. Repeat this step with all four posts.


8. Construct the platform on top of
   the four posts. Use deck boards (one-by-fours and two-by-fours) to assemble a deck
   board. Make a frame with the two-by-four and then add the one-by-fours for the
   floor going across the frame.


9. Attach the elements with screws
   and then mount the whole deck onto the wooden ring.


10. Add rails around the deck and the
    posts, using more lumber.


11. Add a ladder on the opposite side
    of where the sloped metal will be. You can build your own ladder, or
    purchase one at a hardware store.


12. Treat the wooden platform with
    wood primer and your wood paint of choice.


13. Attach the slide or sloped
    metal/plastic to the platform, opposite the ladder.