How to Build a Playground Slide
A slide is probably the most favorite piece of playground equipment for any child. Slides come in all sizes and shapes with edges along the sides to keep the child from falling off. Most public playground slides are made of molded plastic or fiberglass, but you can easily build one yourself with the right materials.
How to Build a Playground Slide
Things You Will Need:
- Power saw
- 4 - 4x4 posts
- 2 -1x4's
- 2 - 2x4's
- Paint
- Post hole digger
- Shovel
- Concrete
- Gravel
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Plastic slide
- Ladder
- Paintbrush
- Screws and drill
- Spray paint
Steps
Decide how tall you want the slide and measure the height from the ground allowing 3ft. for the foundation.
Use a power saw and cut the four 4x4 posts. Make sure all are cut the exact same length for the platform.
Mark 4 spots on the ground with spray paint where you want the posts to be located.
Using the post hole digger, dig four holes where you marked the location of the slide. Each hole should be 3 foot deep and three to four inches wide.
Pour loose gravel into the four holes about two to three inches.
Place the four posts into the holes.
Cut the 2x4's in half and make two braces for each post.
Attach braces with screws to each of the post.
Mix concrete by the directions on the package. Pour concrete around each post. Use the level to make sure the posts are straight and center of each hole.
Let the posts set until the concrete hardens, which usually takes about 6 hours.
Build the platform on the top of the post by using 2x4's to build the frame and attach to the post with screws.
Use the 1x4 for the deck of the platform. Lay the 1x4 across the 2x4 frame and fasten with screws.
Attach rails made from 2x4's around the deck.
Attach ladder to the deck.
Attach the plastic slide which can be found at a garden supply store.
Paint all wooden material to protect from the elements.