- To attach the two frames together they would need to use six pieces of 2 X 6 beginning at the base of the structure. Again they drilled pilot holes and then drove the screws through the holes. They would later reinforce the temporary attachment with bolts.
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- They attached the first two boards to the sides of each frame, connecting them together on the bottom.
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- Then they attached two additional boards across the top of the frame and two final boards at the mid point.
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- To further strengthen the structure they installed two joists that ran through the center of the frames. These would support the deck boards that they would attach later on.
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- After they had attached each of the cross supports into position, the play set had become a substantially sturdier structure.
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5. Stabilize structure:
- Although sturdy, there is always a danger of a play set tipping. To prevent that from happening, they needed to stabilize the structure by driving in some heavy stakes around the bottom.
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- They secured the stakes to the frame with three-inch screws.
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- Next, Kim and Ron climbed up to the top to begin installing the decking. They attached the decking across all four supports and joists with galvanized deck screws.
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- Using a carpenters pencil as a spacer, they left just enough distance between the boards to allow water and small debris to fall through.
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- Once the deck was in place they could begin installing the walls or siding, again using galvanized screws.
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- The same siding needed to be installed on the lower level of the structure using exactly the same process.
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TIP: If you are working alone when installing siding and do not have someone to hold the board in position as you secure it into place, you can use an adjustable clamp to secure the board just where you want it. This way you can let go with both hands and go ahead and drive the screws in. |
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6. Accessories:
- With the play set frame, decking and walls complete, Dennis and Ron were ready to build and attach a small wooden frame that would serve as the landing for a pirate's ladder, one of the several accessories that came with the kit.
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- They attached the ladder to the top railing with a couple of "I" bolts.
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- The bottom of the rope ladder was attached to the frame with heavy-duty staples to make sure the tension was tight.
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- With the ladders attached, Dennis filled in the landing and then covered the frame with pea gravel.
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