Kids slide

[Klingon Bastard]

We took our daughter to Ikea this weekend, and they had a slide in the kids ares that she just couldn't get enough of, so I've decided to try to build her one this weekend.

Anyone have a site where I can buy/download a good set of plans? I've looked at one or two that are good, but they all contain a fort type structure along with it, but she's not ready for that, (18 months old), and we're renting, so I dont want anything too big.

Basically, I'm looking for a one that's 30"-40" off the ground, about a 70"-75" slide: a decent sized platform at the top (3' square), preferably with walls of somesore, with 8" steps leading to it.

Of course, if I find something close I can modify it.

Thanks for all your help.

[T]

I would just bastardize a playset plan, or just bite the bullet and do up a small playset. You are probably going to have to purchase one of the yellow playset slides anyhow. Pretty much every slide I found was part of a play set.

The other option is dump a bunch of money into one of those Step 1 or First Act plastic things. They are shorter in length and cost much $$, but should keep the kid happy.

T

[Klingon Bastard]

We've got her a 1st step one, but it's too small. (She likes the long slides and goes down backward on her belly.)

I'm not opposed to bastardizing a bigger plan, I just haven't found one that looks like it has what I want...... I guess I'm looking in the wrong place.

As for the slide itself, I'm steering clear of the plastic ones. They're not fast enough! I'm using a piece of laminate.

i've got an idea in my head. If I cant find a plan i like, I'll sketch it out and show it to a buddy who's a carpenter.

[T]

What I would do, but then again I'm no carpenter.

Build a base like the size of a wooden pallet, or just use a pallet. Then build a frame out of 2x6 the same size. Use some 4x4's for your posts to attach the base to the platform. Throw up a simple border so she doesn't do a header off the platform.

I'd also build a ladder at an angle so she can climb up, or do up a rock wall with the hand grips.

T

[T]

This is my son's "clubhouse". I didn't want it, my wife didn't want it, but my parents said he needed one, so they paid for it and it took the better part of 2 days to put this somebitch together.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c23/TrumpTables/random%20stuff/IMG_0218sm.jpg

This is the rock wall side to climb up into it. I found it easier to go every other board and make a ladder for him than a flat wall with the hand grips. I did put 2 of the hand grips on the floor of the clubhouse so he had something to grap onto when climbing up the ladder.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c23/TrumpTables/random%20stuff/DSC06536.jpg

You could do pretty much the same design. Square base, 4x4 posts, platform with railing around it with openings on the 2 ends.

T

[Klingon Bastard]

T,
that's my basic idea too. I'm thinking build a 3' square cube out of 4X4's and brace it up for the platform. Use deck boards on top and build a ladder/stairs on one side, and a railing of some sort on the 2 sides.

for the slide, I was going to build a plywood base, 16"X75" that braced underneath by 2X8's, with 2x6's as sides, and laminate as the sliding surface.

There'll be a few tweaks from that plan, but that's the basics.

[sunsetpizza]

Take a look at my thread of the playset I built. I think you could do something simliar to the left side of mine. I built large platform steps (I think they're 24" square) and the rise 16" IIRC. I'll measure these for you later.
You could do the steps and then a slide coming off the top.
My daughter was 18mos when I built it as well. I like the large steps that turn as they rise - if the kids fall, they can only fall 16" or so. And my kids had no problem with the rise of over a foot each. They also grow very quickly as I'm sure you're aware. :).

That footprint would only be 48" square before the slide, and you could always expand it later. The slide we bought is very fast BTW. I think it was a couple $100's though.

I'd highly discourage pressure treated pine. It splinters too easily. And even our cedar deck causes a shitload of splinters in my kids hands and feet. The redwood, once sanded is smooth as a baby's bottom after 3 years. :)

If you want, I could scan my original plans I drew and email it. It may be readable. ;)

[Klingon Bastard]

Sunset,
I really like your set up. The project has been put on hold for now, but I got pretty much the same advice from a friend in the know about a bought slide and whatnot.

I'll post again when it's a go.