The Backyard 'Upgrade' You Might End Up Regretting (& What To Do Instead)

Installing a playset for your kids may seem like a good idea, but the truth is, it may end up being a costly mistake you'll come to regret down the road. Your kids may be begging you for swings, monkey bars, and a slide today, but they are sure to outgrow them in a matter of years, if not months. Not to mention, putting in large permanent play features is among the backyard design choices that make it harder for you to sell your home down the road. 

Of course, if the playset is installed well and you keep up with maintenance, you might be able to market your home toward families with young kids. That being said, it also means you are limited to a narrow market. Even if you don't plan to sell your home, there are many other more affordable (and safer) options that can adapt to your child's interests as they grow up.

While there are some affordable playsets on the market that may only be a few hundred dollars upfront, some playsets can end up costing you thousands in the end. Depending on the type of equipment and the materials it is made from, prices can range from around $350 to upwards of $3,000 for standard models or $6,000 to $7,000 for deluxe models. If you opt to have the set delivered and installed professionally, you could be looking at adding anywhere from $150 to $900 to your costs. Additionally, if you decide you want to remove it later on, you could be facing even more costs or arduous manual labor, adding up to $600. If you choose not to go with a professional, the costs could be even higher if the set is not installed correctly.

And price isn't the only thing to consider. According to Johns Hopkins, over 220,000 children are injured on playsets annually. At-home playsets need regular maintenance to keep them safe and in working condition. In addition, you may find that your child loses interest in playing on the equipment sooner than you expect. Children change their interests rapidly for a variety of reasons. In the end, you could be left with a costly lawn ornament that doesn't get much use.

So does that mean you shouldn't put any equipment in your yard for your kids? Absolutely not! But there are other things you can do that won't leave a lasting impact on your home's aesthetics or your pocket. Start by creating a dedicated play area in your yard. Then, look for equipment that is both affordable and movable. As a bonus, you could look for items that have resale value for when your kids decide it's time for a change.

There are plenty of DIY options, like using items from IKEA to create a perfect backyard play station for kids that can grow and evolve with their interests. Another cool idea is to add a living playhouse that you can make entirely out of plants. That way, your kids will feel like they are playing in a magical garden when they are young, but they still have a quiet place to read or relax in nature as they grow.