Moving Outdoor Playground Equipment or Trampolines

Types of Backyard Play Equipment and Weights

Montreal backyards are full of play structures that families hate to leave behind. A basic metal swing set weighs 150-300 lbs and can often be moved assembled if it fits through the gate. A wooden play structure from brands like KidKraft, Backyard Discovery, or custom-built cedar sets weighs 300-800 lbs and always requires disassembly. Trampolines (12-15 foot models) weigh 200-350 lbs and must be fully broken down. Basketball hoops with in-ground posts require excavation.

Before deciding to move a play structure, evaluate its condition and age. Wooden sets over 8-10 years old may have rot, hardware corrosion, or structural weakening that makes disassembly risky — the set might not survive being taken apart and reassembled. In these cases, purchasing a new set at the new home is often more cost-effective than moving the old one.

Disassembling Play Structures and Trampolines

For wooden play structures, photograph every angle before starting disassembly. Number each board with a marker or painter's tape in a logical sequence. Remove accessories first: swings, slides, climbing walls, steering wheels. Then work from the top down — roof panels, platform boards, railing, then structural posts. Bag and label all hardware by section.

Trampolines disassemble in this order: remove the safety net and poles, then the jumping mat (disconnect the V-rings or hooks from the springs), then the springs (a spring puller tool, $15-$20, is essential — pulling springs by hand causes injuries), and finally disassemble the frame sections. The frame tubes are typically 6-8 feet long and fit easily in a moving truck.

In-ground basketball hoops require digging out the concrete footing — typically a 2 x 2 x 3 foot block weighing 300-500 lbs. For portable basketball systems, drain the base (water or sand), lower the pole, and transport assembled. Weight varies from 100-250 lbs when empty.

Playground Equipment Moving Costs

Here's what to budget for playground equipment moves in Montreal. Trampoline disassembly, transport, and reassembly: $200-$400. Metal swing set (move assembled if possible): $150-$300. Wooden play structure (full disassembly/reassembly): $400-$800. In-ground basketball hoop excavation and reinstallation: $300-$600. Portable basketball system: $100-$200.

These prices assume local moves within Montreal. If the play equipment is the only item being moved, a minimum service fee of $200-$300 typically applies. If it's part of a household move, the equipment can often be added to the truck for a reduced rate. We offer free assessments for play structure moves — our estimator checks the condition, measures gate access, and provides a firm quote.

Reinstallation at the New Home

At the new location, choose a level area with adequate fall zones — the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) recommends 6 feet of clearance on all sides of play equipment, with impact-absorbing surfacing (rubber mulch, pea gravel, or rubber tiles). This is especially important in Montreal where winter ice can make existing ground surfaces harder and more dangerous.

For wooden play structures, use new hardware if the original bolts show corrosion. Set the main posts in concrete footings ($5-$10 per bag of quick-set concrete, 2-4 bags per post) for maximum stability. Trampoline reassembly on level ground takes 2-3 hours. Test all connections, tighten all bolts, and do a weight test before letting kids play. If your play structure includes a manufactured slide, check the manufacturer's guidelines for proper anchoring at the new site.