How One Cool Dad Built the Ultimate Backyard Playground for $1K

Furniture designer Eric Trine, founder of Amigo Modern, transformed his family's Long Beach, California backyard into an ultimate playground for his two daughters, Evie and Ginny, for just $1,000. This project was spurred by the closure of parks during lockdown, emphasizing the need for a home-based play solution. The family had purchased their home two years prior, and the outdoor space was initially a dumping ground for construction materials. After investing nearly $19,000 in demolition and landscaping, Trine laid down fresh grass, creating a suitable foundation for the dream jungle gym. Trine opted to build a custom playground rather than buying a pre-made set, which typically cost around $2,500. He believed that store-bought sets were not necessarily easier to assemble or more durable. His DIY approach allowed for greater control over materials and design. The construction took approximately three weekends, totaling about 20 hours, with materials sourced from Lowe's and Amazon. The design was made to be straightforward, leading one of Trine's Instagram followers to successfully replicate it, a testament to the shareable nature of the project. For the structure's core, Trine chose inexpensive Douglas fir for the parts, rather than pricey redwood or cedar. To ensure durability and weather resistance, he meticulously painted, primed, and sealed each piece with three coats of Dunne-Edwards's exterior gloss. He minimized cuts using a chop saw, with uprights made from 8-foot-long 4-by-4s and cross braces from 12-foot-long 2-by-6s. Quick clamps were used to hold pieces in place during assembly when an extra hand was needed. Key features of the playground, non-negotiable for his daughters, included a slide, monkey bars, and swings. Trine found a yellow slide secondhand on Craigslist for $50, and other accessories like colorful swings, a rope ladder, and monkey bars were purchased from Amazon. The layout was designed logically to prevent collisions, with elements spaced either 8 or 12 feet apart. The structure is adaptable, allowing for future changes such as swapping swings for a trapeze set or adding a climbing wall, a request from his nephews. The posts are also strong enough to support an adult-sized hammock or a slackline. To ensure the structure's stability, Trine used Quikrete to create small concrete footings, costing around $5 per bag. This involved mixing the concrete with water in a bucket and pouring it into small ground holes. The crossbars of the structure also contributed to its overall bracing, allowing for lighter footings. Despite his background in furniture making, Trine emphasized that he learned this type of construction through self-teaching and careful adherence to instructions. He highlighted the personal benefit of the playground, describing it as a valuable break from work, allowing him to push his daughters on the swings between emails or during stressful moments. #DIYPlayground #BackyardDesign #KidsPlayArea #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLiving #FurnitureDesigner #BudgetDIY #FamilyProjects #DIYPlayground #BackyardDesign #KidsPlayArea #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLiving #FurnitureDesigner #BudgetDIY #FamilyProjects

85 months ago

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