Swingset Deck Sizes Guide

When you’re customizing your dream swing set, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the deck size. The deck is the “heart” of the playset — it’s where kids gather, plan adventures, and decide whether today’s mission is to become a pirate, a space explorer, or a castle guard.

If you’re looking for information on deck heights, we’ve covered that in detail in another blog post [here]. For this article, we’ll focus on the footprint — the size and shape of the play tower’s platform, so you can choose what works best for your yard, your kids, and your play style.

We offer a variety of deck sizes, and nearly every swing set we build uses some version of these. If you’re more of a visual learner, we also have a video walking through each option. View it here!

2×2 Deck
Our smallest deck size — think of it as a quick pass-through platform rather than a hang-out spot. There’s room for one accessory on each side, but it’s not large enough for multiple kids to comfortably play on at once. Perfect for very small yards or younger children who don’t need a lot of tower space. Example: Star 1.

 

3×5 Deck
A bit longer, giving space for two accessories on the longer side. Its narrow profile is handy if you’re squeezing your swing set into a tighter backyard layout. While still compact, it feels less “pass-through” and more like a fun little base for play. Example: Space Ship.

 

4×4 Deck
A nice balance between compact and roomy. You can attach one accessory per side, and it’s large enough for several kids to be on the tower together. Great if you want to encourage group play without taking up too much yard space. Example: Star Cluster.

 

4x6 play deck on a vinyl swingset

4×6 Deck
The extra length makes a big difference — there’s ample room for two accessories on the six-foot side, and plenty of standing space for kids to plan their next adventure. Example: Silver Star.

 

5×5 Deck
Our most popular “smaller” tower. With 25 square feet of space, this deck offers plenty of room for activities up top without feeling overwhelming for little ones. It’s a great all-around choice for families with multiple kids. Example: Starburst.

 

6×8 Deck
This is our giant tower — perfect for all-out backyard fun. There’s room for multiple accessories, lots of friends, and endless pretend play. This deck is like having a treehouse without the tree! Example: Bright Star.

 

Playhouse Deck Sizes

Playhouse decks are a little different, as they combine the enclosed “house” area with an attached porch. Here’s how the main options break down:

5×8 Deck
A 5×5 playhouse paired with a 3×5 porch. This is our standard size — roomy enough for tea parties, pretend kitchens, or quiet reading time on the porch. Example: Playstation.

6×8 Deck
A slightly bigger footprint with a 5×6 playhouse and a 3×6 porch. The extra space gives kids a bit more breathing room for indoor games or furniture. Example: Star Gazer.

8×8 Deck
A 5×5 playhouse with two 3×5 wraparound porches. The wraparound design is a kid favorite — they can walk all the way around, peek over different sides, and stage all kinds of imaginative scenarios. Example: Orion’s Hideout.

Large playhouse on a vinyl swingset with a wraparound porch

 

8×11 Deck

Our largest playhouse option. It features an 8×8 enclosed playhouse with a 3×8 porch — big enough for full-blown sleepovers, group gatherings, or turning it into a mini clubhouse.

Example: Super Nova

How to Choose

When selecting your deck size, think about:

  • How many kids will play at once — bigger decks make group play easier.
  • Available yard space — compact decks fit into small yards, while large decks become backyard centerpieces.
  • Type of play your kids enjoy — active climbing and sliding may need more room for accessories, while pretend play may benefit from larger porches or enclosed spaces.
  • How many climbers, slides, etc. — the more activities you want, the larger a deck you need to fit it all on.

No matter which deck size you choose, our goal is to help you create a safe, durable, and imaginative outdoor play space your kids will love for years to come! Contact us today to get started!