FAQ's, Help and Advice
General
General | Delivery | Assembly | Maintenance Questions | Warranty and Parts
General
Q: Your items vary in price so much, why?
A: This is a common question. The bigger the playset, the larger the dimensions of wood and the more wood is used. This is reflected in the price of the playset. Larger sets also have more accessories, including items such as wooden roofs, 2-child gliders and bigger slides which all make a difference to price.
Q: Do your sets include wood?
A: Yes. All our products come with all the wood and hardware you need to build the product. All you need is the tools and your favorite beverage.
Q: What kind of wood do you use?
A: Our Swingsets (Timo, Matis and Jana) and Sunshine Sandbox are all constructed from Pine. This wood is pressure treated to ensure it is protected from the elements and long lasting. Our home build play sets are made from Cedar and Pine. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, rot and infestation so there is not need for these components to be pressure treated. They are pre-treated with a water-based stain that is both environmentally safe and child-friendly. For full information on the construction of each set please refer to our product pages.
Q: For what age range are your play sets suitable for?
A: The age range from 3-10 years old.
Q: Do you have a catalog you can send me?
A: Our playsets are all shown on our website including a product description, specification, dimensions and a selection of pictures. Tesco also provide this information in their Catalogue and online.
Q: Can I purchase direct from Selwood Products?
A: No. These products are supplied exclusively in the UK through Tesco.
Q: Will I find the same product cheaper elsewhere?
A: No. these products are supplied exclusively to Tesco. No other retailer in the UK has access to these items.
Delivery
Q: Does your price include shipping?
A: Yes*. All items include delivery to your door. For full information please see our Delivery Service page. (*Please note delivery to offshore locations will incur a surcharge)
Q: How long will it take to get my playset?
A: You will be contacted within 48 hours of placing your order to arrange a day of delivery. Your play sets will normally be delivered between 7 and 14 days. In extreme situations delivery times can take up to 21 days, but you will be informed if this is the case.
Q: What is the delivery process?
A: We operate a thorough and cohesive delivery solution. The process is detailed below:
- After placing your order you will be contacted prior to delivery by our shipping department.
- You will be offered a selection of delivery days by our customer services advisor, who will then confirm you selected day by email.
- You will receive a reminder text message the day before delivery is due to take place.
- You will receive a phone call on the morning of delivery to confirm delivery will be taking place and supply an approximate time.
- You will receive a phone call approximately 1 hour before delivery
- Our delivery team will then place your items in a place of your choice and remove any unnecessary packaging.
Q: How big are the boxes?
A: It depends on the playset or product, but most playset boxes are big and heavy. They are as long as the longest pieces of wood in the set, which is normally the slide, swing beam and uprights (legs). Most play sets are at least 2m long and 50cm wide.
Assembly
Q: Can I install the slide and ladder in different positions?
A: With our boxed sets in many cases the positions at which you install the slides and ladders are interchangeable, but not always. If you would like to do this then please refer to the product description or contact our customer services team.
Q: Can I leave off the monkey bars or switch the position of them and the swing beam?
A: We do not recommend changing the way in which the playsets major components are assembled. This includes attachment of swing beams and monkey bars. Any modifications such as these are at your own risk and may adversely affect the warranty provided.
Q: Can I use sand or mulch for the base of the playset?
A: Sand, mulch, rubber bark, and other soft materials are great for the ground under the playset area. However, the playset should NOT rest on these materials. You should make sure the ground is level and solid, if necessary use paving stones or other solid materials as the footers for the playset. You must also secure the set with stakes provided. Once the playset is securely resting on these solid footings, then you can surround it with your favorite soft material.
Q: How much area is required for the playset?
A: We recommend a 6 foot perimeter around the set and above it for maximum protection against interference with other garden items.
Q: How do I get started assembling the set?
A: We STRONGLY recommend taking out all the parts and laying them on the ground or garage floor before you assemble anything. Match the parts with the parts list in the manual and mark them. This will also help you identify any parts that might be missing. Once everything is laid out, then begin assembling step by step from the manual.
Q: Do you offer an installation service?
A: Yes. Our play sets range are designed for home build and all come with comprehensive picture based instructions, however, if you are pushed for time or don't feel up to the build then we have a national network of installers ready to help you out.
Click here for further information.
Maintenance Questions
Q: How should I maintain my set?
A: A playset is a large wooden structure that requires maintenance. There are many customers whose playsets last for years as a result of simple steps taken to ensure the wood's longevity. The wood on your playset comes with a thin coat of stain that provides uniform coloration. Stain does not protect wood, however. Most customers have the best results when they sand and stain their wood then seal it with an oil-based sealant. In order to maintain your warranty you must maintain the wood and inspect it monthly. Remember, stain is for color and sealant is for protection. Your play set should be re-stained annually.
Q: Do I need to stain the playset after I get it?
A: It depends on the set you purchase. Our sandbox and swingsets (Timo, Matis & Jana) are all pressure treated and do not require re-staining or sealant. Our other sets require re-staining/sealing which we suggest you do once each year. Not only will this keep it looking nice but will also help it last as long as possible. You can view full information on the instructions manuals shown on our product pages or supplied with your set.
Q: What kind of stain should I use?
A: We used a water-based treatment when we made the products. You can use a water-based or oil-based stain at your discretion. However, once you switch to oil you will not be able to return to water-based from that point forward. Your local home improvement, hardware or DIY store will have plenty of options and suggestions for you.
Q: What else should I do?
A: We suggest you check bolt tightness and all hardware periodically to ensure everything is in proper order.
Q: How can I best prepare for our new playset so it stays sturdy and firm for years to come?
A: The best way to ensure your playset stays sturdy and firm is to make sure that it has a sturdy base from day one. Take some time to make sure the base is as solid and secure as possible, and ensure you lay any soft material around the set after construction.
Warranty and Parts
Q: What if a part is missing or damaged?
A: If you just got your playset and there are damages or missing parts, please use our parts request form www.selwoodproducts.com/tesco/partsCentre/
Q: What is the warranty on your playsets?
A: The warranty period varies from 5 to10 years depending on the playset. Each playset detail page shows the warranty link for that product. You can open the warranty document and read about it for that set.
Q: Some of the wood is cracked. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Wood is a natural product and will check, crack or warp as climatic conditions change. Wood absorbs moisture and looses it during hot and dry conditions. As this process takes place different parts of the wood absorb and looses this at different rates checks, cracks and warps will be more/less prominent. It does not affect the strength or structural integrity of the wood.
The Selwood Products Tesco Range 2010
