Startup cost
$25k–$250k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Custom Playsets Business
Decision Snapshot
Custom Playsets
Idea Score
49
Profit margin
8%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Rising
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Custom Playsets business - Background
Outdoor garden rooms, pools, and kitchens have become more popular and more grand in recent years, and this trend of suburban outdoor living has now reached the playset industry. An increasing number of parents are purchasing custom playsets for their children — and they’re paying significant sums for the playsets. For business owners, this trend represents both immediate and sustained opportunity.
Custom playset businesses are often included in the broader category of Outdoor and Sports Gear, which the Denver Post reports is a $2.9 billion industry that’s remained over the past couple years. Donald Hoffman, who owns a custom playset business, notes that his sales have slowed a little as the housing market has slowed down. The customers who are ordering swing sets from him are getting larger and pricier ones, though.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Custom Playsets business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a custom playsets business?
Opening a custom playset business that has an online design platform like CedarWorks requires a substantial investment, for the custom web design work is expensive. Business owners don’t need such a fancy website, though.
Business owners who have limited capital can get started for very little if they already have the necessary tools and a workshop (or garage). Business owners need:
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Tools for constructing and assembling playsets
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A vehicle for transporting playsets to installation sites
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A space for building individual parts
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Marketing materials
Those who don’t have these things can keep their costs minimal by purchasing used tools, renting a pickup truck when they need one, and working outside on fair-weather days. Marketing materials can be as simple as a few business cards and flyers when first starting out.
To make sure customers don’t cancel orders, business owners can require an upfront deposit. The deposit can be used to purchase any necessary building materials and features (e.g. slides).
What are the ongoing expenses for a custom playsets business?
The ongoing expenses for a custom playset business are minimal. They include rent (if leasing a workshop), utilities, vehicle costs, and any advertising expenses.
Who is the target market?
Parents are the target market for a custom playset business. Most customers are parents who have discretionary income and live in suburbia, where backyards afford space for swing sets.
How does a custom playsets business make money?
A custom playset business makes money by selling playsets. Sometimes an installation fee is charged as a separate cost, and sometimes it’s included in the price of a playset. In a few cases, customers may choose to install a playset themselves so that there is no installation fee.
How much can you charge customers?
John Lapp, an Amish custom playset business owner, sells basic playsets for $375 and fancy ones for as much as $3,000. Other businesses sell custom models for $5,000 or more. Barrett Brown, who owns CedarWorks, sold one playset for $40,000.
Installation usually runs between $200 and $700, although it can be more for larger playsets.
How much profit can a custom playsets business make?
The profit potential for a custom playset business is substantial. John Lapp sold around 700 playsets in a single year, which would have generated a revenue between $262,500 and $2.1 million depending on how fancy those playsets were.
How can you make your business more profitable?
A custom playset business can increase revenue by offering maintenance services for playsets and/or providing moving services for larger playsets. CedarWorks also makes indoor play spaces, which may appeal to some customers.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a custom playsets business?
Custom playset business owners and employees spend a lot of their time building playsets and installing those playsets. When not actively constructing or putting together a playset, business owners pick up supplies and help customers custom-design their playsets.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful custom playsets business?
While business owners should have some basic woodworking and handyman skills, an advanced knowledge of carpentry isn’t necessary to start a custom playset business. Businesses that don’t already have these skills can gain them by either enrolling at a local vocational school or working for a playset installation business in the area.
In order to ensure that custom-designed playsets are safe, business owners should familiarize themselves with the ASTM International standard F1148. This is a voluntary standard for home playground equipment. AAA State of Play makes ASTM-certified playsets and explains why this standard is so important.
For help with the actual designing of custom playsets, business owners can look at what other companies are offering and consult books like Backyards for Kids, Homesthetics.net, and Paul’s Playhouses have a number of design ideas that can be incorporated into designs.
What is the growth potential for a custom playsets business?
Most custom playset businesses have a single location where they make playsets. Some businesses offer installation only throughout the local area around their workshop or factory, while other businesses partner with playset installers so they can serve customers throughout the Continental U.S. (and occasionally Canada, Alaska and Hawaii). A few businesses grow to have their own stores throughout the U.S.
CNY Playsets in East Syracuse, NY is a typical small custom playset business that serves the surrounding community. Swingsets Lancaster offers delivery and installation throughout the Continental U.S., and Adventure World Playsets partners with dealers in several states.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a custom playsets business?
Parents who purchase custom playsets pay a premium price for durability, customization, and service. Businesses that focus on these will find that past customers frequently recommend them to other parents. Therefore, custom playset businesses should:
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Only offer playsets made from high-quality materials that’ll last
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Offer as many customization options as is possible
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Spend as much time with customers as is needed
How and when to build a team
Most custom playset businesses start out with at least one employee, for installation goes much faster when there are two people to handle large parts. Additional employees can be added as demand grows and the need arises.
Part 2 - Is a Custom Playsets business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Custom Playsets business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Custom Playsets Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Custom Playsets business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.