Creating a safe, fun, and lasting play area for kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune or involve commercial kits. We designed and built this DIY play structure from the ground up using simple tools, standard materials, and a whole lot of patience. Standing about 9 feet tall with a 6’6″ x 4′ platform, this project is a backyard game-changer.
Why This Plan Works
- Built for stability on sloped ground
- Frost-line post installation ensures long-term durability
- Custom size and design for unique yard dimensions
- Made with easily sourced materials
- Includes thoughtful finishing touches for safety and aesthetics
- Great opportunity to reuse or source secondhand items like the slide
What You Will Need
- Pressure-treated 4×4 and 2×6 lumber
- Pine deck boards
- Concrete mix (Quick-crete)
- Decking screws, structural screws, penny nails
- 1×2, 1×6, and 1×10 boards for railings
- Circular saw, post hole digger, sander, drill, level
- String lines and spacer blocks
- Used plastic slide (optional but fun!)
Step 1. Plan the Layout
We started by scoping out the backyard for the best positioning. With a steep slope toward the back corner, we chose to cement the posts directly into the ground.
After a few weeks of testing positions and checking how it aligned with the rest of the yard, we marked the location and were ready to break ground.
Step 2. Dig the Post Holes
Since frost heaving is a concern in Michigan, our post holes had to go at least 42 inches deep. We rented a 12″ post hole digger to speed up the process.
The soil, full of stubborn clay, made this step time-consuming. Once the holes were deep and straight, we placed 8′ 4x4s into position and poured around 15 lbs of Quick-crete into each. With two levels, a string frame, and an extra set of hands, we ensured everything stayed square and plumb.
Step 3. Frame the Deck
Using 2×6 construction lumber, we framed the deck on top of the installed posts. Once it was level and squared up, we trimmed off the excess length from both the posts and deck boards to clean it up.
Step 4. Add the Rail Posts
We installed vertical rail posts at each corner, at the center of the long side, and on either side of the access openings.
These were secured with decking screws and reinforced with blocking and structural screws using standard deck-building techniques.
Note: While not every piece of hardware is visible in the photos, most installation techniques were based on Fine Homebuilding’s YouTube series on installing and flashing deck ledgers.
Step 5. Install Decking and Slide
We laid pine deck boards across the platform using penny nails as spacers for even gaps. Since the structure was square, notching around the posts was straightforward.
For the slide, we scored a used plastic model from a local seller. Since our deck stood a bit higher than standard slides are made for, we built a wedge from scrap lumber to safely support the slide’s top edge and screwed it securely into place.
Step 6. Finish the Railings
To conceal screws along the lower edge of the deck, we used 1×10 boards. For the vertical railings, we alternated 1×2 and 1×6 boards, using spacers to maintain even gaps.
Predrilled holes helped prevent splitting, and everything was fastened to the rail posts. We topped the rails with more pine decking boards and used a circular saw to soften the corners.
The entire railing assembly was sanded thoroughly using a belt sander and palm sander, and screw holes were filled and sanded smooth for a polished finish.
Step 7. Build the Ladder
After some research and inspiration from YouTube, we built a freestanding ladder using simple butt joints and sturdy supports.
The ladder leans into the structure without needing attachment—it’s heavy enough to stay in place, but movable enough to make mowing around it easy. Just like the railings, we carefully sanded all surfaces and edges for safety and a clean look.
Note: After construction, we went over the entire structure with sanders to eliminate sharp edges, smooth rough spots, and give it a finished appearance. This is a great step to ensure kid safety.
Other Details Display
- Platform size: 6’6″ x 4′
- Structure height: ~9′ to top of rails
- Post depth: 42″ to reach below frost line
- Slide: Secondhand plastic slide with wedge support
- Railing design: Alternating 1×2 and 1×6 with uniform spacing
- Ladder: Lean-to design, not anchored
- Finishing: All screw holes filled and sanded, corners smoothed
Summary
This DIY play structure is a perfect backyard project that blends functionality, safety, and fun.
With careful planning and the right tools, we created a custom-built setup that our kids love—and yours will too. This backyard play structure is a rewarding build that’s worth every hour of effort.
This plan is a contribution by [TrestinB]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
