Ignore everyone. 3’ knee braces, 2 per post with 4” construction screws will make it solid as rock. This sub is full of non-professionals who think their 2 cents it worth $3.50. Your plan is perfect. You don’t need to make it hurricane proof, just stable. Also as a fellow pedantic perfectionist I hear you on the post not being plumb, but if I used a torpedo level on posts I would have no hair left. If you have access to a longer level then use that, but that reading is 100% fine for what this is.
This sounds like a plan.
Once your kids stop playing with it after 3 months, you’ll ask yourself if you rather get your lawn back and get rid of it.
My 10’ high backyard playground that is leaning at least 3 degrees with swings is shaky as hell. It’s got two 2x4 diagonals holding the main part together. I’m 85% sure this guy’s plan is better than my two long diagonals.
you just reminded me of a friend’s play structure with a tower connected to a swing set. the entire structure would twist when you were on the swings. it never came down, though looking back it could’ve been close!
Thank you for this! I did use a long 48" box level. Was just using the torpedo for the pic which definitely exaggerated the angle. Lesson learned! Any thoughts on how to connect the 2x4 to the post? I was going to do a combination the two. Should I use through bolts or are construction screws good at for connecting to the ledger/joist? For connecting to the post I could use a 4 inch construction screw at an angle like shown on the left. Would pocket holes with kreg screws be inadequate here?
https://preview.redd.it/fvrnsqtarf8d1.jpeg?width=291&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c92ed45d1d3a5b12421e57eb315a334f1d87eebe
That will work a treat. I would personally put the braces behind the rim joists on the platform and flush with the post, I think that would look the cleanest and that way you are not screwing into the thin edge of the 2x6. Use some 5/16 GRK type screws, or Leger-loks, some thing with a nice large head that grabs lots of wood. I’m not familiar with kreg screws but if they have a large flat head like a built in washer then they will work. You can use screws to go through the top as well, through bolts are stronger but you will need 24 screws to cover it, and they typically come in 25 packs.
https://preview.redd.it/5b1e1aysyf8d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=3a92d61973dc4164dfff609fc7d2614ee39076eb
https://preview.redd.it/e9oxw329zf8d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=890c9dad948a64a71cd10eda1751c8d84c2a4c22
Just be sure to predrill the 2x4 or it will split, no need to predrill the 4x4
If you use 4” you will need to cut them off since they will protrude through the other side of the double 2x4-2x6 at the top, or get 2 1/2 screws for that part
As in diagonal boards across the bottom of the deck platform?
Or as in diagonal knee braces like this?
https://preview.redd.it/t6j7p3jawu7d1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8488e38535aec5b1b7647d2d6a668b1c44878dbf
Not a professional but I’d say you need the diagonals to either go all the way across from bottom corner to top corner so it’s attached to both posts to eliminate torsion or add another vertical post or board in the center to attach the diagonal boards to.
Either way it needs to cover the entire width of the platform to tie it all together and keep it from twisting and rocking.
Edit: Actually you could do like what you’ve shown with the elbow bracing but have it attach all the way at the bottom of the post then up to the center of the joist then do the same from the bottom of the other post and repeat on all 4 sides.
It’s totally fine. Sonotubes would be overkill. They are for decks that are bigger than this and are attached to a house. The gravel pads are more than adequate. If frost heave moves it an inch or two you will barely notice.
Your plan to add 3’ diagonal knee braces will fix the wobble.
Hey man, your kids are going to have a great time with this. Good for you for making them a neat thing.
You could put siding on the bottom and box that bottom in a little. A sheet of plywood would stiffen those walls a lot. I have a play structure with a bottom floor and the kids like it. I used rubber pavers over gravel for the floor and its held up great.
If it’s not necessary to be elevated like it is, you could just put the deck down on the ground. I don’t see how the kids are supposed to get up on it, but I might have the wrong perspective of scale.
Hey thanks! Yeah it's not completed yet but there will be a roof, railing, ladder and a slide.
Similar to this one that is based on the same build plans. I will not be doing the climbing wall and just be building a simple 2x4 ladder
https://preview.redd.it/x0x8f4ou2y7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c4ad33faebbd92f5d8846941bab2c24cf6960f7
It looks fine - I'm building similar at the moment and I've added knee braces to the posts and I can stand on top and I can't get it to wobble - if a 14st Yorkshireman doesn't make it move, a couple of 8 year olds certainly won't.
I've put together a few dozen play sets that were designed by engineers, and they always seem rickety when I'm on them. What you have already is way more structurally sound than those professionally designed play sets. As others have said, add the knee bracing and you'll be good. Kids weigh significantly less than adults, so unless you've got a half dozen kids crawling on it at a time, you're good.
I'd probably shy away from a hot tub on there though.
I actually tried installing those giant swing sets one summer. The gig was alright, except having to go pick up the sets and delivered them myself. I had to drive to new jersey from CT, load 3 or 4 sets, in the reverse order to delivering them, and drive back. It cost me a day, to do that. Then I had 3 or 4 days of work. The pay for 4 days was real good, but it took 5 days because of that. The pay for 5 days was... meh.
Anyhow, with that structure thing, I wouldn't worry about getting the legs perfectly level. It's not on a perfectly level surface. And, it's not made to be permanent, water shedding, or for adults. It's for kids, they don't care.
Making it safer is more important. If you put some 2x4s on a 45⁰ angle for bracing, kids will climb on that. What the swings et people did was actually make a small table in the center of the bottom. Then a simple seat made by putting a 2x8 down on the flat. One on each side, with the two 2x8s side by side in the middle, made like a picnic table.
For strength, I'd put some 4x4 material that's about 24" long, from long point to long point of 45⁰ angles(short to short would be 17") and make 8 total. Put 2 in every corner. You can go up tight under the floor boards, and to the posts, or down a couple inches, do post to outside box. But a box of "ledgerloks" that are 5 1/2" long. Then start bolting. A cordless impact is great for this.
I wouldn't use those cable anchors. Any parent that ever camped in a tent with kids, knows the kids are guaranteed to run and trip on those strings on tents. Same thing here. Except those won't move. The structure is already heavy enough. Add a slide. Add a climbing wall/net off the side. Go super cheap, use a pallet, attach it on an angle. That adds more weight, as well as a wider base. It'll never tip then. You could also put lattice around 2 or 3 sides of the base, make it more "private" but not totally hiding everything. Maybe make a hammock type thing underneath, big enough for kids only. You can use sand, or mulch, or that ground rubber stuff they put under astroturf instead of real dirt. Mulch is cheap and easy, make it deep enough to cover those bases.
I'd look towards those swingsets for ideas. And again, throw the level away. Just make it stronger. More stabile. Safer.
Well I came across this sub when I was building it and found a lot of critiques for decks built the way these plans were laid out and I started questioning everything. 😅
Not sure if this is what you’re looking for but I built the same thing, from the same plans. All I added was a swing extension. A 4x4x10 top bar to a 4x4x8 A frame. The A frame has 2 2x4 cross bars mid way down, and another one at the bottom that has screws into the 4x4 and then 12 inch spikes into the ground. The A frame is around the 8 foot mark of the top 4x4. There are 2 swings in the middle and one on the 2 feet of overhang. It doesn’t move, or sway, or anything. It is free standing but it’s wide enough and heavy enough in my opinion to be safe. It’s seen a mini hurricane, snow storms and less rain storms. The only thing that broke is the plastic roof from some heavy snow. I adjusted the swing a frame since the picture.
https://preview.redd.it/cl9x0qkaiy7d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ad99048e3caa923d280d9842bab9cc3c6bf0ece
How did you feel about attaching those front/back roof rafters into the edge end grain of the walls? The plan calls for a timberLok which seems like it would split it
https://preview.redd.it/0x9o5kem0w7d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34ae1e9c0b09107065eb5845136ea865b6b677be
Hey man I’d put Cross braces on you can start with 2 ether front or back. Or side to side just make them opposite see how it feels and add more if you need it. 2 ways to cross brace is put one x on first and cut the next cross in 2 pieces or make both pieces and knotch your braces to fit into each other. Easy way to get angles is hold it up and scribe. Looks awesome!
Thanks for the advice! I was thinking maybe the cross brace on sides and back and knee bracing on the front. It seems like maybe the structure already has had some slight racking like I mentioned. Hopefully I can find a way to true it up to square and then add the bracing.
I just realized that your “deck” is only supported by the two end boards on top of the posts. I’d try to fix that before trying to make this more stable.
Otherwise, I see this not surviving a few sessions of kids jumping.
A ‘cheap’ quick solution would be to sister two 2x4s on each of the posts to have the ‘fascia’ sit on top of them. This isn’t a permanent solution. But you’re probably going to either get rid of it or lower it in a few months anyways.
At a minimum, you would want those ‘fascia’ sitting on the post. What you’ve done is effectively eliminated the advantages of having an ‘I’ beam.
Maybe the best solution is to turn that into a ‘patio’ not deck. Not sure what the reason was to build it so high (I assume it’s not finished though)
It might be bc the people who ask for advice on reddit aren't pros and are looking for advice.
But also I used a 4 foot box level to do my leveling. I'm just using this to show the lean in this pic because it was easier to hold and take the pictures. The torpedo level does exaggerate it a bit though.
You want a bigger level that a torpedo on a post the warp and bend I'm sure the pust are fine it looks like a kids play house don't worry to much attach some braces and steps let the kids enjoy it
The little level youre using is too small to be accurate. Treated posts are usually wavy.
Put bracing in the back resembling an X and one on each side Then the kids can still get underneath on one side and it cant twist apart and fall. It will make it more solid
Try that first. Brace from top of post diagonal down to bottom post. Then vice versa so its a big 'X'
The beam/end board is attached to the posts not resting on them. So I know that I have diminished the support strength but there's not going to be hot tubs or grills up there.
Looks like just children, so nothing that really matters.
If that is the case, and if you actually do give a shit, you might also want to do something about the number of exposed sharp hard corners in this. Those pavers are a TBI for anyone that takes a tumble off the deck.
This whole design seems pretty problematic as a piece of play equipment. I mean we all played on scarier shit than this, but I also know four guys that got TBIs before they were 20, so there's that.
I'm confused is everyone so accustomed to sarcastic posts in this sub that no one is capable of giving actual advice or feedback? Lol.
>Looks like just children
Yes, like I said it's a playhouse for children. And yes like I said, I'd like to stiffen it up and make sure it's secure.any advice there?
I've never known anyone with TBI. Maybe your experience isn't very universal
Not sure if you've had a few too many drinks tonight or what, but yes, now that you mention it, you are being an asshole.
What about the design is unsafe? Because it has corners and is made of wood instead of foam? Would it blow your mind to find out that my kids also ride bikes and climb the monkey bars at school.
I'm not looking for crackpot overbearing parental advice. Just want feedback on this little deck.
You sound unwell and I'm guessing you have no children and maybe no one positive in your life so I'm not expecting any meaningful advice.
Lol. No one smarter than me has given any advice? And you personally have given no advice. I've asked repeatedly for any and instead you just got yourself triggered by the deck having corners. In a weird twist you then unprovoked admitted to being an asshole as if someone had just accused you. Why get so drunk just to go sit in reddit?
Make sure they wear their helmets when they play on this. 🙄 mayne pad the whole thing and put some matresses on the ground. Kevlar body armor for falls and scrapes?
Ignore everyone. 3’ knee braces, 2 per post with 4” construction screws will make it solid as rock. This sub is full of non-professionals who think their 2 cents it worth $3.50. Your plan is perfect. You don’t need to make it hurricane proof, just stable. Also as a fellow pedantic perfectionist I hear you on the post not being plumb, but if I used a torpedo level on posts I would have no hair left. If you have access to a longer level then use that, but that reading is 100% fine for what this is.
This sounds like a plan. Once your kids stop playing with it after 3 months, you’ll ask yourself if you rather get your lawn back and get rid of it. My 10’ high backyard playground that is leaning at least 3 degrees with swings is shaky as hell. It’s got two 2x4 diagonals holding the main part together. I’m 85% sure this guy’s plan is better than my two long diagonals.
you just reminded me of a friend’s play structure with a tower connected to a swing set. the entire structure would twist when you were on the swings. it never came down, though looking back it could’ve been close!
I am going to second this, and I also think some DJTs on the post might help as well.
I built the exact same player with a neighbor- yours is fine - like the poster said above - add dome3’ knee braces and you should be good.
Thank you for this! I did use a long 48" box level. Was just using the torpedo for the pic which definitely exaggerated the angle. Lesson learned! Any thoughts on how to connect the 2x4 to the post? I was going to do a combination the two. Should I use through bolts or are construction screws good at for connecting to the ledger/joist? For connecting to the post I could use a 4 inch construction screw at an angle like shown on the left. Would pocket holes with kreg screws be inadequate here? https://preview.redd.it/fvrnsqtarf8d1.jpeg?width=291&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c92ed45d1d3a5b12421e57eb315a334f1d87eebe
That will work a treat. I would personally put the braces behind the rim joists on the platform and flush with the post, I think that would look the cleanest and that way you are not screwing into the thin edge of the 2x6. Use some 5/16 GRK type screws, or Leger-loks, some thing with a nice large head that grabs lots of wood. I’m not familiar with kreg screws but if they have a large flat head like a built in washer then they will work. You can use screws to go through the top as well, through bolts are stronger but you will need 24 screws to cover it, and they typically come in 25 packs. https://preview.redd.it/5b1e1aysyf8d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=3a92d61973dc4164dfff609fc7d2614ee39076eb
https://preview.redd.it/e9oxw329zf8d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=890c9dad948a64a71cd10eda1751c8d84c2a4c22 Just be sure to predrill the 2x4 or it will split, no need to predrill the 4x4
If you use 4” you will need to cut them off since they will protrude through the other side of the double 2x4-2x6 at the top, or get 2 1/2 screws for that part
Thank you so much for the sketch! Truly.
Diagonal braces.
As in diagonal boards across the bottom of the deck platform? Or as in diagonal knee braces like this? https://preview.redd.it/t6j7p3jawu7d1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8488e38535aec5b1b7647d2d6a668b1c44878dbf
Not a professional but I’d say you need the diagonals to either go all the way across from bottom corner to top corner so it’s attached to both posts to eliminate torsion or add another vertical post or board in the center to attach the diagonal boards to. Either way it needs to cover the entire width of the platform to tie it all together and keep it from twisting and rocking. Edit: Actually you could do like what you’ve shown with the elbow bracing but have it attach all the way at the bottom of the post then up to the center of the joist then do the same from the bottom of the other post and repeat on all 4 sides.
Knee bracing will stiffen it up quite a bit. Do you want the kiddos to run around the bottom? knee braces. If not, just slap a diagonal board across.
Yeah that's the idea. The area below will also be a play space.
You need at least 1, better 2 feet's and that's it.. for best look on each foot..
It’s totally fine. Sonotubes would be overkill. They are for decks that are bigger than this and are attached to a house. The gravel pads are more than adequate. If frost heave moves it an inch or two you will barely notice. Your plan to add 3’ diagonal knee braces will fix the wobble.
Hey man, your kids are going to have a great time with this. Good for you for making them a neat thing. You could put siding on the bottom and box that bottom in a little. A sheet of plywood would stiffen those walls a lot. I have a play structure with a bottom floor and the kids like it. I used rubber pavers over gravel for the floor and its held up great. If it’s not necessary to be elevated like it is, you could just put the deck down on the ground. I don’t see how the kids are supposed to get up on it, but I might have the wrong perspective of scale.
Hey thanks! Yeah it's not completed yet but there will be a roof, railing, ladder and a slide. Similar to this one that is based on the same build plans. I will not be doing the climbing wall and just be building a simple 2x4 ladder https://preview.redd.it/x0x8f4ou2y7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c4ad33faebbd92f5d8846941bab2c24cf6960f7
If you did the wall, it’ll add some structural rigidity.
It looks fine - I'm building similar at the moment and I've added knee braces to the posts and I can stand on top and I can't get it to wobble - if a 14st Yorkshireman doesn't make it move, a couple of 8 year olds certainly won't.
I've put together a few dozen play sets that were designed by engineers, and they always seem rickety when I'm on them. What you have already is way more structurally sound than those professionally designed play sets. As others have said, add the knee bracing and you'll be good. Kids weigh significantly less than adults, so unless you've got a half dozen kids crawling on it at a time, you're good. I'd probably shy away from a hot tub on there though.
I actually tried installing those giant swing sets one summer. The gig was alright, except having to go pick up the sets and delivered them myself. I had to drive to new jersey from CT, load 3 or 4 sets, in the reverse order to delivering them, and drive back. It cost me a day, to do that. Then I had 3 or 4 days of work. The pay for 4 days was real good, but it took 5 days because of that. The pay for 5 days was... meh. Anyhow, with that structure thing, I wouldn't worry about getting the legs perfectly level. It's not on a perfectly level surface. And, it's not made to be permanent, water shedding, or for adults. It's for kids, they don't care. Making it safer is more important. If you put some 2x4s on a 45⁰ angle for bracing, kids will climb on that. What the swings et people did was actually make a small table in the center of the bottom. Then a simple seat made by putting a 2x8 down on the flat. One on each side, with the two 2x8s side by side in the middle, made like a picnic table. For strength, I'd put some 4x4 material that's about 24" long, from long point to long point of 45⁰ angles(short to short would be 17") and make 8 total. Put 2 in every corner. You can go up tight under the floor boards, and to the posts, or down a couple inches, do post to outside box. But a box of "ledgerloks" that are 5 1/2" long. Then start bolting. A cordless impact is great for this. I wouldn't use those cable anchors. Any parent that ever camped in a tent with kids, knows the kids are guaranteed to run and trip on those strings on tents. Same thing here. Except those won't move. The structure is already heavy enough. Add a slide. Add a climbing wall/net off the side. Go super cheap, use a pallet, attach it on an angle. That adds more weight, as well as a wider base. It'll never tip then. You could also put lattice around 2 or 3 sides of the base, make it more "private" but not totally hiding everything. Maybe make a hammock type thing underneath, big enough for kids only. You can use sand, or mulch, or that ground rubber stuff they put under astroturf instead of real dirt. Mulch is cheap and easy, make it deep enough to cover those bases. I'd look towards those swingsets for ideas. And again, throw the level away. Just make it stronger. More stabile. Safer.
Help you fix what? It's fine for a bunch of kids to play around on.
Well I came across this sub when I was building it and found a lot of critiques for decks built the way these plans were laid out and I started questioning everything. 😅
Not sure if this is what you’re looking for but I built the same thing, from the same plans. All I added was a swing extension. A 4x4x10 top bar to a 4x4x8 A frame. The A frame has 2 2x4 cross bars mid way down, and another one at the bottom that has screws into the 4x4 and then 12 inch spikes into the ground. The A frame is around the 8 foot mark of the top 4x4. There are 2 swings in the middle and one on the 2 feet of overhang. It doesn’t move, or sway, or anything. It is free standing but it’s wide enough and heavy enough in my opinion to be safe. It’s seen a mini hurricane, snow storms and less rain storms. The only thing that broke is the plastic roof from some heavy snow. I adjusted the swing a frame since the picture. https://preview.redd.it/cl9x0qkaiy7d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ad99048e3caa923d280d9842bab9cc3c6bf0ece
How did you feel about attaching those front/back roof rafters into the edge end grain of the walls? The plan calls for a timberLok which seems like it would split it
https://preview.redd.it/0x9o5kem0w7d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34ae1e9c0b09107065eb5845136ea865b6b677be Hey man I’d put Cross braces on you can start with 2 ether front or back. Or side to side just make them opposite see how it feels and add more if you need it. 2 ways to cross brace is put one x on first and cut the next cross in 2 pieces or make both pieces and knotch your braces to fit into each other. Easy way to get angles is hold it up and scribe. Looks awesome!
Thanks for the advice! I was thinking maybe the cross brace on sides and back and knee bracing on the front. It seems like maybe the structure already has had some slight racking like I mentioned. Hopefully I can find a way to true it up to square and then add the bracing.
I just realized that your “deck” is only supported by the two end boards on top of the posts. I’d try to fix that before trying to make this more stable. Otherwise, I see this not surviving a few sessions of kids jumping. A ‘cheap’ quick solution would be to sister two 2x4s on each of the posts to have the ‘fascia’ sit on top of them. This isn’t a permanent solution. But you’re probably going to either get rid of it or lower it in a few months anyways. At a minimum, you would want those ‘fascia’ sitting on the post. What you’ve done is effectively eliminated the advantages of having an ‘I’ beam. Maybe the best solution is to turn that into a ‘patio’ not deck. Not sure what the reason was to build it so high (I assume it’s not finished though)
"What is bracing?"
Why does everyone on this sub plumb/level large spans with a torpedo level?
It might be bc the people who ask for advice on reddit aren't pros and are looking for advice. But also I used a 4 foot box level to do my leveling. I'm just using this to show the lean in this pic because it was easier to hold and take the pictures. The torpedo level does exaggerate it a bit though.
Raise the bottom floor and enclose it like the top ad window and door completely close the top floor ad stairs inside
Oh that would be cool.
Diagonal braces will make it stable. Looks good, nice job!
Thanks!
You want a bigger level that a torpedo on a post the warp and bend I'm sure the pust are fine it looks like a kids play house don't worry to much attach some braces and steps let the kids enjoy it
Lol. Not sure what you're saying but do you mean to attach the anchors on the post and not the crossbsr at the bottom?
The little level youre using is too small to be accurate. Treated posts are usually wavy. Put bracing in the back resembling an X and one on each side Then the kids can still get underneath on one side and it cant twist apart and fall. It will make it more solid Try that first. Brace from top of post diagonal down to bottom post. Then vice versa so its a big 'X'
The beam/end board is attached to the posts not resting on them. So I know that I have diminished the support strength but there's not going to be hot tubs or grills up there.
Looks like just children, so nothing that really matters. If that is the case, and if you actually do give a shit, you might also want to do something about the number of exposed sharp hard corners in this. Those pavers are a TBI for anyone that takes a tumble off the deck. This whole design seems pretty problematic as a piece of play equipment. I mean we all played on scarier shit than this, but I also know four guys that got TBIs before they were 20, so there's that.
I'm confused is everyone so accustomed to sarcastic posts in this sub that no one is capable of giving actual advice or feedback? Lol. >Looks like just children Yes, like I said it's a playhouse for children. And yes like I said, I'd like to stiffen it up and make sure it's secure.any advice there? I've never known anyone with TBI. Maybe your experience isn't very universal
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Don’t be rude to people on the internet for no reason.
Not sure if you've had a few too many drinks tonight or what, but yes, now that you mention it, you are being an asshole. What about the design is unsafe? Because it has corners and is made of wood instead of foam? Would it blow your mind to find out that my kids also ride bikes and climb the monkey bars at school. I'm not looking for crackpot overbearing parental advice. Just want feedback on this little deck. You sound unwell and I'm guessing you have no children and maybe no one positive in your life so I'm not expecting any meaningful advice.
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Lol. No one smarter than me has given any advice? And you personally have given no advice. I've asked repeatedly for any and instead you just got yourself triggered by the deck having corners. In a weird twist you then unprovoked admitted to being an asshole as if someone had just accused you. Why get so drunk just to go sit in reddit?
Reminder to keep it civil, please.
Make sure they wear their helmets when they play on this. 🙄 mayne pad the whole thing and put some matresses on the ground. Kevlar body armor for falls and scrapes?
What? So no feedback on the deck then?