Swing sets bring hours of backyard entertainment for your family, but may also bear visits to urgent care if accidents occur. Sixty-seven percent of playground injuries involve falls from equipment. These falls may result in fractures, concussions, or lacerations. You can eliminate potential accidents by having a safe “fall zone” under your swing set. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about rubber mulch safety.

Instead of installing your swing set right onto your grassy lot, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following process for adding a base surface to create a safe play space:

1. Start with the original surface (hard packed earth)
2. Add 3- to 6-inch base layer of loose-fill gravel (for drainage)
3. Cover with a Geotextile cloth
4. Finish with a loose-fill protective layer (rubber mulch, wood mulch, sand)

There are a lot of ground cover options for your backyard play set. We offer rubber mulch as a base surface for all of the swing sets we sell. Many people don’t understand the benefits of choosing rubber mulch as ground cover. However, there are a number of disadvantages when using wood mulch, grass, and other options. We hear many questions about rubber mulch safety and we’re sharing the answers below.

Is rubber mulch safe?

Federal agencies including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the U.S. Testing Company, as well as independent and accredited testing firms, have conducted many studies measuring the shock-absorption of numerous surfaces in relation to falling objects. Consistently, rubber mulch has proven to be the most shock-absorbent standard safety surface.

Before installing a rubber mulch base, our experts recommend clearing the ground completely of rocks, debris, and stumps. We also suggest completely removing any old surfacing material. When left on the ground, old materials may continue to rot or attract insects. Old surface materials may also reduce the shock-absorption level of rubber mulch as they make their way to the surface and mix with the rubber chips.

In addition, rubber mulch:

• is cleaner, reducing the dirt, mud, and insects in your backyard
• never rots or decomposes
• is 99.9% steel-free
• is non-toxic, non-abrasive, and non-staining

Is rubber mulch cost-effective?

In the long run, rubber mulch will save you money over other base surfaces. Although the initial investment may be slightly more costly, rubber mulch won’t need to be replaced for a lifetime.

Unlike wood mulch chips or sand which need to be replaced on a regular basis, strong winds and rain will not disturb or strip away rubber mulch. Rubber mulch is too heavy to be significantly impacted by the weather.

Additionally, the vulcanizing process that all tires undergo renders them basically indestructible. Rubber mulch is made of 100% tire rubber, so it cannot decompose.

Is rubber mulch toxic?

Rubber mulch is non-toxic. Although it is unlikely to be swallowed, if a child or pet should accidentally ingest it, studies have shown that the chips pass straight through the digestive systems of humans and animals. (Maryland Environmental Services, 1994)

Our colored rubber mulch chips are safe as well. Manufacturers use paint that is non-toxic and specially-formulated for rubber.

How much mulch will I need?

When determining how much rubber mulch to order for your new swingset, remember these general guidelines:

• For maximum safety, your base layer of rubber mulch should be 6 inches deep. (If using wood mulch, you would need a layer that’s 12 inches deep)
• Build out a “use” or “fall” zone with a protective base layer that expands an additional 6-8 feet in all directions around all your play equipment.

Our partners at Swing Kingdom have created a Rubber Mulch Calculator to help you determine how much rubber mulch is necessary for your play area.

Dogs are social pack animals that enjoy spending time with you and your family, after all, it’s why you chose a dog as your companion. However, there are some breeds of dogs that prefer to spend more of his time outdoors and become anxious or bored if left indoors for too long. If you live with a dog who enjoys plenty of time outdoors but you still want to offer a safe and warm environment, consider adding an enclosed dog kennel in your backyard.

Dogs that Thrive Outdoors

There are many types of dogs, mostly larger breeds, that have been bred and adapted for working and living outdoors. These breeds of dogs are better suited to spend time outdoors in all types of weather:

• German Shepard / Australian Shepard
• Great Pyrenees
• Mastiff
• Siberian Husky
• Rottweiler
• Irish Wolfhound
• Swiss Mountain Dog / Bernese Mountain Dog
• English Sheepdog
• Samoyed
• Keeshond
• Chow Chow
• American Foxhound / English Foxhound

What Your Enclosed Dog Kennel Must Provide

Even a dog that enjoys time outdoors will require the shelter that an enclosed dog kennel provides. Quality kennels are built with an insulated box where your dog can go to escape the outdoor elements. They should also include a dog door that allows your dog access to an attached dog run or your backyard (if your yard is fenced in) where he can run, play, and get his daily exercise.

When setting up a dog kennel in your backyard, remember to include these elements.

Proper Placement of a Kennel

Choosing the right placement for your dog kennel can create the best possible outdoor environment for your dog. Here are some things to consider when deciding where to place a new kennel:

• Place your dog kennel on a small platform that allows it to rest slightly off the ground. This keeps the floor of your kennel away from direct contact with the cold and wet ground and lets the structure to retain more heat.
• Position your kennel so the doggie door or entry to the insulated portion is blocked from strong winds.
• Choose a location that offers some shade so your pet is protected from the day’s strongest sunlight.

Enclosed Kennel Necessities

Once your kennel is properly placed, your next move is to make sure that it includes all the necessities your dog needs when spending time outdoors.

• Place water in the indoor portion of the dog kennel to protect it from pests, debris, and freezing. You can also provide food but it shouldn’t be left outdoors for too long as it can attract other critters.
• Create a bedding space for your dog using an insulating material like straw or cedar shavings. Sheets and towels may seem like a more comfortable option, but they can retain moisture and freeze in colder temperatures.

Comfortable Kennel Temperatures

There are several upgrades you can choose to customize your dog’s kennel and keep his outdoor area pleasant and climate controlled.

• Vents or fans can be strategically placed in your kennel design for increased air circulation.
• A weatherproof doggie door will keep rain, snow, and blasts of cold air out of your dog’s indoor space.
• You can even splurge on an attached heater/AC unit for complete climate control.

Although most dogs are happiest in your home, if your dog is a breed that prefers to spend more time outdoors, protecting your dog and providing a comfortable space should be your priority.

Backyard Chickens: A Growing Trend

Raising your own backyard chickens is a popular trend that only continues to grow year after year. Most chicken owners utilize their backyard flock for home use to collect their eggs for consumption. Hens have the potential to lay a single egg per day. Multiply this by the 12 hens in your backyard, and you could have a fresh dozen eggs every morning.

And, although you may be skeptical, chickens make great pets. Chickens are social animals who enjoy being picked up, pet, cuddled, and hugged. But there is a lot more that goes into raising chickens besides loving them and enjoying eggs.

Buying a Chicken Coop For Your Backyard

At the bare minimum, the coop you choose should be easy to clean, well ventilated, but draft-free, include clean watering and feeding stations and offer adequate roosts. Natural light is a plus with chicken coop sheds. Dirt floors can work if the soil is sandy and there is reasonable drainage. However, a wooden floor is vastly easier to clean and protect. We recommend our epoxy surface for ease of cleaning. Good bedding, such as sawdust (untreated wood only), wood shavings, or chopped straw is most ideal.

Size

Most coop guides suggest approximately 2 square feet of space per adult bird. Keeping the coop filled with the right amount of chickens helps keep the temperature at a comfortable setting for your pets.

Style

All of the following styles of chicken coops come with standard features: nesting boxes, roost, 5/8 LP flooring with a 10-year warranty, and Tech Shield Roofing which helps keep the coop at a comfortable temperature.

1. A-Frame: The A-Frame is a classic style and a fan favorite. It has simple, straight lines, and beautiful trim.
2. Dutch: The Dutch hen house has a quaint, hip style roof, which makes it look like a miniature barn. The roof also optimizes useable interior space.
3. Combination: The Combination series boasts a henhouse with an attached chicken run to allow the chickens a safe place to scratch.
4. Tractor: The tractor style is a moveable cage and run combo. This allows you to keep the chickens on fresh grass by easily moving it to different areas of your property.
5. Quaker: Quaker coops have a distinctive roofline overhang that is inspired by century-old barn styles. This style maximizes head space in the interior.
6.  Lean-To: The Lean-To is designed to save space by allowing you to place it up against a building or wall.

What Else to Know Before Buying a Chicken Coop

Easily clean your chicken coop by adding a removable litter tray or installing an Epoxy floor.

Adding an electrical package allows for added conveniences such as a heated water bowl. This relieves you from the task of constantly changing water in the freezing, winter months. An automatic door is also helpful since it provides extra safety. Nothing is quite as devastating as forgetting to close the door come nighttime and having a predator ruin your flock.

Being able to easily move the chicken coop shed keeps your grass healthier and provides your chickens with fresh scratching areas. The wheel system is easy to use and allows you to quickly crank the wheels up and down. Wheels also give you the ability to fertilize your entire yard without sacrificing your grass.

Breeds of Chickens to Consider

Picking out your breed, or breeds, of chickens is an important decision. Here are some ideas to consider when making the choice:

• Think about the average climate where you live. Do you experience extreme temperatures? Your chickens will need to be able to handle the weather.
• Decide what type of eggs you prefer: White? Brown? Blue?
• Look into the disposition of the bird. Will you be treating them as pets? Will your children be around them?
• Another factor is their appearance. Do you want small or large chickens? Do you want a rare or unusual look to them? Or, do you prefer a classic looking chicken?
• Consider where you live and the space that you have available. Are you in an urban, suburban, or rural setting?

At the end of the day, it usually comes down to personal preference. You should enjoy the breed that you’re raising. Create a list of your wants when it comes to raising backyard chickens.

Common Chicken Problems and Predators

Of course, by adding chickens to your backyard, you also add a few risks as well. The problems could lie with the chickens themselves, although many of these problems are preventable or easily treatable. Something else to look out for is the predators that the chickens may inevitably attract.

Problems

Stubborn Hens- Occasionally, you’ll experience broody hens who refuse to leave the nest. To avoid this, try to break the habit by removing the eggs as soon as they are laid. Then, keep the hens away from the nesting boxes for a week. Nesting inserts can also be used which causes the eggs to roll away immediately after being laid.

Blocked/Sour Crop- Keep poultry grit available in order to help with digestion. Another option is feeding the hen some oil and massaging the throat area several times a day to help loosen the blockage. Garlic and natural yogurt can also be used to alleviate the problem.

Hen Pecking– One of the main reasons hens will peck is because of boredom. Add items for distraction such as a head of cabbage, greens, or acquiring a Peck-a-Block for the run. Space overcrowding is another reason for pecking. Make sure to stay at the recommended number for the size of chicken coop shed you have.

If pecking gets to the point where blood is being drawn, the injured hen must be removed since blood only encourages the behavior. Anti-peck products can be applied to the injured hen in order to stop the problem.

Feeding problems– Believe it or not, there’s an incorrect way to feed your chickens. Table scraps or an all-grass diet does not provide the necessary nutrition for chickens, which impacts their egg-laying. Make sure that wild birds don’t have access to the water and feed as it could expose your chickens to diseases.

Chickens need twice as much water as they do feed. An automatic waterer is recommended, but if you do not use one, make sure to change the water daily, and always ensure that there is plenty of freshwater available. Not enough water will cause health problems as they need water to digest their food.

Chickens need extra grain in colder months to keep them warm and also to compensate for the lack of grass and insects. Make sure the birds have plenty of fresh, clean water — not ice!

Predators

Raccoons prey on chickens at night and occasionally during the day. Their small hands can reach through the wire and remove limbs. Easy latches can also be unlocked by raccoons.

Dogs are natural predators and will find chickens hard to resist, even if they are well trained and well behaved. Even your own family pet can be tempted by your backyard chickens. Some dogs will chase/play with the chickens, but this has the possibility of traumatizing the hens which could keep them from laying eggs for months. However, dogs can be trained to guard the chickens or to leave them alone completely.

Snakes have the ability to kill full-size hens if they are venomous, but are more likely to go for the eggs. Keep the chicken coop shed away from compost piles, wood piles, or rock piles since these are snakes’ favorite hiding spots. Be sure to keep the henhouse secure with no cracks or holes, and keep tall grass cut.

Other predators to be aware of:

• Skunks
• Hawks
• Opossum
• Bobcat, Coyote, or Fox

We get it, we’re all guilty of having too much “stuff.”  Although the practical decision would be to downsize or donate, you may decide one day that you want to ride that mountain bike you haven’t touched in two years. You’re definitely going to ride it again one day, right? In the meantime, where can you store that bike and the other items that are taking up valuable space in your garage?  Two popular options are purchasing a storage shed for your backyard or renting an off-site storage unit. The real question is which one makes more sense for your needs? Find out which one suits you better — a shed vs. storage unit.

Are Storage Units a Better Deal?

The first factor to consider is cost. A storage unit is paid for monthly, just like rent, while a storage shed you pay for up front, in full. Additionally, some storage units require a security deposit, administration fees, and require you to purchase a specific lock. Close to one-third of storage unit renters will rent for several years. In five years’ time, you would have spent close to $4,315 on a 5′ x 10’ storage unit, and that’s for rent only. Meanwhile, the average cost of a larger 8′ x 10′ storage shed is about $2,175, and you own it for a lifetime.

However, if you aren’t ready to pay for a brand new shed in-full at the time of purchase, you do have an option beyond leasing out a storage unit.  For example, Penn Dutch Structures offer a rent-to-own program on their selection. Using the rent-to-own option, you can add an 8′ x 10′ shed to your backyard, paying just $101 per month, and take ownership after just three years.

Are Sheds More Convenient?

To fill your storage unit with all your extra stuff, you might need to rent a truck (which will cost you even more money) or borrow a friend’s vehicle. It may even take multiple trips to haul everything to your new unit. Going to retrieve items from your unit will take even more time and expense.

Not all storage units are available 24 hours a day, but your backyard storage shed is. With your backyard shed, there’s no need to rent/borrow a truck or set aside a specific day to drop items off or pick things up. Simply walk out your back door, and it’s all there any time you need it.

Do I Have to Insure My Shed?

With a storage shed, items in the structure, and the structure itself are covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Meanwhile, items in a storage unit are not covered and many storage unit locations do not offer independent property insurance. This means, if items in your storage shed are damaged, you’re covered, but a storage unit

Can Sheds Hurt My Property Value?

Lastly, adding a storage shed in your backyard can increase your home’s property value. By adding extra storage, which is attractive to potential homebuyers, your property has an advantage if you ever sell your home. A storage unit does nothing to add to the value of your current home.

Shed vs Storage Unit: Who Wins?

Due to their affordability, convenience, and ability to add value to your existing property, sheds are the better option.

Need tips on how to make the most of your shed space? We’ve got you covered, discover our best practices for keeping your shed organized for optimal storage space.

As a homeowner, every home improvement project you tackle has the goal of increasing the property value of your home. The same can be said when you purchase a backyard shed to add more storage on your property. Whether you plan on selling your home, or you plan to stay for years to come, permanent sheds add real value to your property — if you make the right choices.

Add Value with Quality Materials

The first thing you’ll want to take notice of when shopping for a new shed is the aesthetics or looks of the shed. Quality materials play a big role in an attractive shed. Two of the most popular materials for shed construction are wood and vinyl.  Both materials are durable and can be used in the construction of a variety of shed styles. However, wood sheds will require more routine upkeep, while vinyl sheds require less maintenance.

While sheds add real value to your property, metal sheds may not be the best choice. The possibility of rust could mean a great deal more upkeep down the line and could quickly turn your shed into an eyesore in your backyard.

Match the Style of Your Home

Consider the style of your home when adding a shed to your backyard. A rustic, barn-inspired shed will look cohesive with a farmhouse-style home. On the other hand, a sleek, modern shed will look out of place with a classic, traditional home. Mismatched styles will do very little to add real value to your property.

You can also include small details on your shed, such as window boxes, French doors, or shutters, to help tie your shed design in with your home design. You can also add these accessories to an existing shed to update the entire look.

Think Functionality First

Next, you will want to take into account the functionality and storage capability of a new shed. Primarily, these outdoor structures are used as extra storage for tools, lawn equipment, or your children’s playthings. Make sure the shed you choose is an adequate size to house all the necessary items, but not too big that it overwhelms a small backyard.

Add Further Value with Landscaping

Make sure to consider your current landscaping when buying a new shed, which should flow with its surroundings. This ensures that the structure blends in and doesn’t look like an afterthought to your property. Plant additional landscaping around your new shed to help with the blending process.

Create Less Hassle for Homebuyers

If you are selling your home, permanent sheds add real value to your property because they mean less work in the eyes of a new homeowner. Adequate storage space is something that’s on many house hunting wish lists and an outdoor shed is a good sign that your property has the space they need. Replacing an existing worn-out shed before selling your home ensures less maintenance on the part of the new homeowners, which is an attractive aspect to buyers.

Don’t Let Your Shed Drive Down Your Property Value

But beware, a backyard shed does have the potential to decrease the value of your property. If you fail to perform upkeep on your shed, and the structure begins to deteriorate, your entire backyard can look sloppy and unkempt. This certainly gives the wrong impression to neighbors and/or potential homebuyers.

School’s out for the summer! If keeping your kids active (and away from the TV and video games) over their summer vacation is going to be a struggle, consider adding a swing set in your backyard for hours of outdoor fun. With so many models to choose from, a seemingly endless combination of different bases, swings, slides, climbers, and fun accessories, here’s our advice on choosing the right swing set for your kids.

Choosing the Right Swing Set Materials

While you may have grown up playing on an aluminum swing set, vinyl and wood are the most popular construction materials for swing sets currently on the market. Both are quality materials that are durable and will last for years. When choosing the right swing set for your kids, start with choosing the right material.

Benefits of Vinyl

Vinyl swing sets use treated wood components that are inserted into thick, vinyl posts. Outside of an annual cleaning, there is very little maintenance necessary for a vinyl swing set. With vinyl, you avoid the need for annual staining, painting, or sealing. Vinyl is slightly more expensive because it is a premium material.

Benefits of Wood

Other manufacturers generally craft wooden swing sets from pine. Wood offers a natural aesthetic that can blend in seamlessly with your backyard. Wooden swing sets can also be stained or painted after purchase with any color of your choosing, ensuring a perfect match to your home. Wooden swing sets require some upkeep to avoid looking dull, so they will need to be cleaned and repainted or re-stained periodically.

Choosing the Right Swing Set Equipment

Choosing the right swing set for your kids means adding activities and accessories that are suited for the age they are now, not where they’ll be in several years. Modern swing sets are adaptable and can expand and change as your children grow. You can expand with new elements at any time, replacing those that they have outgrown. When customizing a new swing set, follow these guidelines to create a stimulating play experience for children at every age.

Under 2-Years-Old

• Infant swings
• Dual or Uni rider swings
• Tunnels with bubble panels
• Open slides
• Ground-level playhouses

2- to 5-Years-Old

• Belt swings
• Tire swings
• Smaller rock-climbing ramps
• Cargo net climbers
• Enclosed slides
• Tower-level playhouses

Older than 5-Years-Old

• Larger rock-climbing ramps
• Trapeze bars or rings
• Monkey bars
• Fire poles
• Buoy ball swings
• Disc swings
• Spring swings
• Water cannons

Choosing the Right Safety Materials

The majority of playground injuries, almost 70%, occur because of falls from equipment or equipment failure. In addition to purchasing a safe swing set or playset, you can create a safe play area with the materials you place underneath.

Choosing the right materials as the base for your new swing set can minimize any playground injuries in your backyard. Most people may think that grass offers a good cushion to break a fall, but rubber mulch is a much better material to choose for soft flooring. Rubber is more effective as a shock absorber and reduces the after-effects of a fall. A safer summer is a more fun summer!

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If you’ve been cramming lawnmowers, snowblowers, bikes, basketballs, lawn chairs, and boxes galore in your garage until it’s practically bulging, let’s face it, you need a shed! That’s the easy part. The hard part is looking at all your items and determining what size shed you’ll need to hold it all.

Is an 8’ x 8’ space enough? Would a 10’ x 16’ be more comfortable? Use the tips below to help you determine the best shed size.

How Big is Your Yard?

Your first step in determining what size shed you will need is to take a realistic look at your backyard. If your home sits on a lot of property, size probably won’t matter. But, if you have a smaller yard, you don’t want to choose a shed that will overwhelm your outdoor space.

Let’s say that, based on the size of your yard, you’re considering a 10’ x 12’ shed. Now, you need to consider all the additional space that needs to surround your shed. In addition to the 10’ x 12’ shed space, you’ll also need to account for:

• Additional “setback” from property lines, roads, or floodplains; every municipality has different setback regulations
• Shed foundations should be placed at least three feet away from fencing, trees, etc.
• Your shed foundation should be one foot larger than your shed on all sides
• Ensure you leave room to open the doors

What Are You Storing In The Shed?

The true test of what size shed you’ll need to purchase comes from how much you want it to hold. There are two ways we suggest estimating the amount of floor space you’ll need in your shed.

#1: Plot it Out on Graph Paper

Using a sheet of graph paper, measure out a rectangle or square that represents the size of your desired shed. Use a conversion system where each square on the graph paper represents 1/2’ (ex: 14’ equals 28 squares and 10’ equals 20 squares). From there, take measurements of the large equipment, boxes, lawn furniture, etc. you’ll want to store and place them on the graph. Remember to leave the surrounding space so you can eventually maneuver items out of the shed to use them!

#2: Physical Arrangement

Some people need a more realistic visualization of the space. If this is you, your best bet may be to physically arrange your items in an open space (start in your driveway). Just like with the graph paper, arrange your items as you would inside your shed, leaving a buffer of space around each item. Once everything is arranged, measure the total square footage around these items.

When plotting out storage for your large items, don’t forget you’ll need placement for the small stuff too. Take into account what items you can hang on the walls using a pegboard system. This is great for organizing shovels, weed whackers, folding beach chairs, small tools, etc. Many sheds designs can be built with loft space, providing a lot of extra storage space for smaller items.

Explore additional methods for organizing your shed by reading our blog post with additional organization tips.

A final piece of advice: When in doubt, always opt for a shed a little larger than you think you will need. This will help you account for any items you didn’t factor into your measurements or for any items you may purchase in the future.

Don’t Forget Permit Restrictions

Before you make your final purchase, be sure to check with your township or municipality. They may have set limitations on what size shed or building you can add to your property.

Creating the backyard of your dreams can include anything from a shed for additional storage, a pergola for afternoon shade, a decorative gazebo, or barn space to house animals big and small. Whatever you’re in the market to buy, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you buy an outdoor structure, saving you a lot of headaches and money in the end.

Know Your Local Zoning and Building Permit Regulations

Do you need a zoning permit or building permit to add a shed to your backyard? What about for a new swing set? Or a chicken coop? Does it depend on the square footage? Does it depend on the purpose of the structure? Sadly, there is no blanket answer, and it’s going to come down to the rules for the municipality you live in. Contact your city, borough, or township office and inquire about the necessary permits you’ll need before you buy.

So what is the difference between a zoning and building permits? Zoning regulation governs the placement of objects such as driveways, fences, swimming pools, and structures like garages, sheds, or barns on your property. Building permits regulate the structure itself and specify the quality and safety standards, ensuring your structure meets local code.

Review Your HOA Regulations

In addition to local ordinances, if you live in a housing development that is governed by a Home Owner’s Association, you’ll need to work within their covenant, conditions & restrictions (CC&R) when purchasing and installing an outdoor structure. Regulation of detached structures, including storage sheds, garages, and swing sets, is a common issue homeowners have with their HOA.

Your HOA may have set limitations on the size, placement, materials, or colors of the shed or structure you plan on purchasing. So review your CC&R to avoid the costly mistake of choosing an “unapproved” structure.

Choose the Right Location

You may already have the perfect corner of your yard chosen for your gardening shed or gazebo, but before you buy you should probably double check that this location is the most suitable.

The most important thing to determine is if your chosen location has the proper setback.  This is the distance between your structure and your property line, street/road, or river/stream. To determine the specific setback rules for your property, consult with your municipality office.

In addition to a setback, you’ll want to also choose a location that has:

1. Clearance from any fences, trees, brush, or other structures of at least 3 feet around the perimeter
2. Land grade that is less than a 6-inch slope (highest to lowest point)
3. No large rocks or stumps
4. Proper drainage

Ensure Easy Access

Before you buy, you should think beyond just your backyard. Take a stroll around your entire property and imagine the installation of your structure. Is there anything in your front yard or side yard that would encumber the delivery and installation processes?

Access to the final installation site must be clear of:

1. Narrow walkways or stairs
2. Fences
3. Shrubs or elaborate landscaping
4. Carports
5. Arbors

Additionally, a larger, pre-built structure will need to be delivered on a trailer. Talk to your dealer about the exact dimensions of space needed for a trailer to fit onto your property.