Why is anchoring my play equipment so important?
Even if your equipment looks stable, anchoring makes it much safer. Anchored posts prevent tipping or wobbling, and the structure can better withstand energetic play or strong winds. At Wickey, we require you to anchor all posts of the climbing frames and swing sets that touch the ground, with ladders and climbing walls requiring two anchors each for added stability. Slides need separate anchoring as well. To make sure you know what works for your specific frame, check the product page of the item you’re considering to see which anchors are recommended.
Anchor plan
Anchors are attached to the climbing frame posts, and depending on the type, they are installed in a way that makes them invisible from the outside. This keeps the equipment looking clean while staying secure.
Lastly, and importantly: anchoring your climbing frame or swing set also extends the guarantee. At Wickey, we offer a 10-year guarantee¹ on all wooden parts when you purchase our anchors together with your order. Otherwise, the standard statutory warranty applies.
What are the right anchors for my play equipment?
The right anchor depends on the type of equipment and the ground. Screw-in anchors are suitable for many posts, especially on firm soil, and are quick to install. For softer, sandy, or loose ground, concrete anchors are required to provide maximum stability. Even on solid ground, anchoring in concrete is required for extra security.
Wickey offers several anchor types for our products, from angle anchors to ground anchors, each designed for specific posts and soil types. For a quick and easy reference, see the overview in the table below.
| Beam/slide type | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square beams and slanted ladders | ++ | ++ | ++The size must match the size of the beams. | ++The size must match the size of the beams. | + | - |
| Swing beams | ++ | + | ++The size must match the size of the beams. | ++The size must match the size of the beams. | - | - |
| Round beams | - | ++ | - | - | + | - |
| Slides | - | - | - | - | - | ++ |
| Fitted for Series | ||||||
| Tiny Series | ++ | ++ | - | - | + | - |
| Flyer Series | ++ | ++ | - | - | + | ++ |
| Smart Series | ++ | ++ | ++ | - | + | ++ |
| Prime Series | ++ | ++ | - | ++ | + | ++ |
| Fit Series | - | - | - | ++ | + | - |
| My First Series | ++ | ++ | - | - | + | - |
| Ground type | ||||||
| Loose, sand-like ground | ||||||
| Firm, stony ground | ||||||
| Assembly and stability | ||||||
| Ease of assembly | Easy assembly | Easy assembly | Easy assembly | Easy assembly | Easiest assembly | Easy assembly |
| Twist in or set in concrete | Always set in concrete | Always set in concrete | Always set in concrete | Always set in concrete | Twist in | Always set in concrete |
To make sure you buy the right amount and type of anchors for your play equipment, always check the product page. There you will find the right anchor type and the amount you need to keep your play equipment safe and sturdy.
Good to know: our anchors are not included when you order a climbing frame or swing set, because every build up is different and the anchors have to be chosen according to the specific area and ground where the product will be placed. Therefore anchors should be added separately with your order.
Tools and materials you’ll need
Before you start anchoring your play equipment, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials ready. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother and ensure a safe, stable installation. Below you’ll find a list of recommended tools to help you get started:
- Shovel
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Pencil
- Concrete
- Sand/other soft material
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Ratchet
How do I anchor my play equipment?
Follow the steps below to securely anchor your play equipment and ensure maximum stability:
When you are using concrete
For maximum stability, we strongly recommend anchoring your play equipment in concrete. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and durable installation.
Begin by positioning the climbing frame or swing set in its final location and assembling the base frame. Make sure that the ground of the final location is even and that there is enough space around the equipment for safe play. Always observe the safety distances specified in the installation instructions.
Dig holes for the posts (around 70 cm deep and 30 cm wide).
Mount the anchors to the inside of the poles.
Put the base frame back on its final destination. Make sure the climbing frame is horizontally level. You can use stones or wooden wedges to achieve this.
Pour concrete around the anchors till it’s filled till about 60 cm, leaving the top part for topsoil.
Once the concrete has set, fill in the remaining soil.
After anchoring, check again that all posts are secure and level.
All secure and level? Then it is time to play!
When you are not using concrete
If concrete isn’t an option, follow the steps below for anchoring without it. Please note that we always recommend concrete for extra stability and that most of our anchors are designed exclusively for anchoring in concrete. When not using concrete, only screw-in anchors (like the QuickLock anchors by Wickey) can be used.
- Begin by positioning the climbing frame or swing set in its final location and assembling the base frame. Make sure that the ground of the final location is even and that there is enough space around the equipment for safe play. Always observe the safety distances specified in the installation instructions.
- If your underground allows it, the screw-in anchors can be twisted into the ground and attached to the posts.
- Put the base frame back on its final destination.
- Make sure that all posts are secure and the climbing frame is horizontally level. You can use stones or wooden wedges to achieve this.
- All set, time to play!
Extra tips for safety
- Always anchor all posts leading to the ground.
- Ladders and climbing walls should have two anchors each.
- Match anchor type to soil conditions and post type.
- If possible, mount anchors on the inside of posts to keep them hidden.
Anchoring your play equipment may seem like a small step, but it has a big impact. Don’t forget to periodically check your climbing frame or swing set to ensure that your anchors remain secure over time.
Summary
Properly anchoring your play equipment is essential for creating a safe and stable play environment for children. Even sturdy climbing frames and swing sets can tip or shift without the right anchors, especially during energetic play or challenging weather conditions.
Key takeaways
- Anchoring significantly increases stability and prevents tipping or wobbling.
- All posts of play towers that touch the ground should be anchored; ladders and climbing walls require two anchors each, and slides need separate anchoring.
- The correct anchor type depends on both the equipment and the ground conditions. Concrete anchoring offers the highest level of safety.
- Always check the product page of the specific model to find the recommended anchor type and required quantity.
- Using the correct anchors can extend the guarantee: we at Wickey offer a 10-year guarantee¹ on wooden parts when anchors are purchased together with the play equipment.
- Screw-in anchors can be used without concrete, but only where suitable and only for specific poles.
- Regularly inspect anchors over time to ensure continued safety and stability.
Taking the time to anchor your play equipment correctly ensures worry-free play for children and peace of mind for parents, making outdoor play both fun and safe for years to come.
