While the weather's still hot, why not put up a jungle gym in your garden for the children ?

This jungle gym is simple to construct and because of its rustic look, it won't make the garden look messy, but will enhance it. But this doesn't compare with how much the kids will love it.

CONSTRUCTION

SET OUT

1) Find a suitable piece of ground approximately 20m²
2) Measure out four holes for columns A, B, C and D with centre lines 1,5m apart. Hole to be 500 x 500 mm wide and 700mm deep.
3) Compact bases for all holes.

COLUMNS

1) Put Column A in first hole, in centre, secure plumb and put soil back, and compact in layers of 150mm. Make sure that the column is plumb at all times.
2) Repeat step 1 for column B making sure that the centre lines are 1,5m apart.
3) Repeat steps 1 and 2 for columns C and D.
4) Trim ends to secure same level height.

RAILS

1) Secure rail in position as shown on plan to columns A and D. Drill holes and fasten with 300mm threaded rod and nuts. Fasten tight.
2) Repeat step 1 for rail F against columns B and C.
3) Secure rail E in position against columns A and D and under rails H and F. Secure with bolts and nuts.
4) Repeat step 3 for rail G against column D and C.

RING BEAM

1) Secure the ring beams L and N to columns A and D, and B and C respectively to height 950mm from the top of the columns, with 2 x 75mm nails per column. Make sure beams are level.
2) Repeat step 1 for beams M and O to columns A and B, and D and C. Trim end.
3) Secure joist beam I in the centre between ring beams M and O as shown, and headnail fix it with 2 x 75mm nails through beam M and O.

DECKING

1) Nail decking strips with 75mm nails to ring beams and joists as shown, using one nail per joint.
2) Trim ends of decking strips to fit where necessary.

STAIR / STRINGERS

1) Secure stair strings I and J to columns D and C respectively directly under ring beam O, using one bolt and nut per joint.

LATHS

1) Nail fix laths, as shown on plan, on stringers I and J with 1 x 75mm nail per joint.
2) Allow for +70mm openings between laths.

PAINT

1) The structure should be protected with any good quality wood coating containing a water repellent, recommended for external use.

SUNDRIES (OPTIONAL)

1) Swing - a nylon rope with seat from formed materials.
2) Sliding pole - 25mm diameter. Galvanised pole through 25 diameter. Hole in rail E and other end sunk in ground.
3) Climbing net - nylon ropes tied together to form blocks as shown, and net tied to rail G.

This article was compiled by the South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) Contact SAWPA toll free on 0800 113 630.

YOU WILL NEED

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