Play Sets and Accessories

How to Buy a Replacement Play Set Canopy

Posted on by Larry Lewis
 

Custom Swing Set Tarp Colors

Maintaining a backyard wooden play set means many things: tightening bolts, sanding and re-staining the wood after a few years of wear and tear, ensuring that any damaged components are removed and replaced. One of the most frequently overlooked features of wooden play sets is the canopy tarp that is most often found providing shelter over the clubhouse portion of the equipment. A play set canopy can last many years, but over time and when harsh weather conditions come into play, it can become damaged and require replacement. Wooden play sets come in all shapes and sizes, so obtaining the right replacement play set canopy can be a challenge. There are more features to consider than simply color and size. With a little guidance and preparation, though, you will know exactly what information is needed when it’s time to purchase a replacement play set canopy. Here’s what to know:

Canopy Dimensions

What size canopy do you need? Measure the length and width of your existing canopy in inches. Then, calculate the required square footage for the new play set canopy. To calculate square footage, use the following equation: length in inches x width in inches divided by 144. Knowing square footage is essential so that the manufacturer can produce a product that fits your play set exactly.

Stock Canopy or Custom Canopy

Many commercially produced play sets use standard size canopies. For convenience, stock canopies are available in four industry standard sizes:
  • 38in x 79in
  • 48in x 86in
  • 58in x 94in
  • 86in x 134in
Stock play set canopies are more affordable than custom canopies. The downside, though, is that stock canopies are usually only available in two solid colors — blue and green. Custom play set canopies can be made to any size specifications. Additionally, there are many more colors available, and you can control design features, such as requesting two color divides or multi-colored stripes. Custom canopies, however, cannot be returned if measured incorrectly because they are custom designed for the individual. If you decide to choose a custom play set canopy, be sure to double check all measurements and specifications before placing your order.

Choosing a Material

Vinyl or canvas? The material that you choose depends on what features are most important to you in a play set canopy. Vinyl is heavy duty, resists mold and mildew, and will stand up to harsh weather. The vinyl should be marine grade, which offers superior strength and durability. Alternatively, a play set canopy can be purchased in canvas. High quality canvas, such as that produced by Sunbrella, repels water, resists mold and mildew, and creates a drier environment underneath. Sunbrella canvas canopies are available in many more colors than vinyl, and they do not fade or lose their color over time. Additionally, they offer more protection than vinyl canopies from ultraviolet rays. While the cost of a Sunbrella play set canopy is higher, so is the quality.

Fasteners

How will you fasten the canopy to the play set structure? If you are purchasing a replacement canopy, make note of how the existing canopy is fastened. Is it attached using snaps? Grommets? These are the two most common fasteners used on play set canopies. The manufacturer should be able to provide you with either option. Be sure to measure the distance between each fastener on your existing structure so that the manufacturer can provide you with a canopy that has fasteners spaced at the same intervals. Purchasing a replacement play set canopy is not a difficult process, but it involves a bit more preparation than many homeowners realize. Once you know exactly what kind of replacement canopy you need — considering size, color, material, custom versus stock, and fasteners — you should feel confident that you will receive exactly the product that you require.

59 thoughts on “How to Buy a Replacement Play Set Canopy”

  1. Lee Cope says:

    On 27 Mar I purchased 2 86 x 134 in tarps for a swingset canopy.

    How far apart are the grommet holes? I will be attaching to the 86″ sides.
    How big is the hole and what bolt or screw do you suggest using to attach to a 2×8?

    Thanks.
    Lee

  2. Larry Lewis says:

    Normally there is a grommet on each end in the corners and then the other grommets are equally placed between the corner grommets approximately 12 to 18 inches apart. The hole in the grommets are 3/8 inch and you can use a screw or lag bolt that the head is larger than 3/8 inch and the threaded part is smaller than 3/8 inch and the lengths of the screw or lag bolts should be no longer than 1 1/2 inches long.

  3. charlie wade says:

    I am looking for a quote to replace a canopy for a Rainbow Play Systems Canopy. I would like a single color (forest green) with snaps on the short side. The following are measurements.
    58″wide X 180″ (15 feet) long and I believe that measures out at 72.5 square feet. Thanks for your help.

  4. Larry Lewis says:

    Charlie, go to our site at: https://mightycovers.com/swing-set-tarp-canopy/3L-Custom-Vinyl-Tarp-Canopy-CTP.htm and fill out the online form at the bottom of the web page, Be sure to mark your square footage on the online form as 65 to 75 square feet. Once completed, click the add to cart button and it will ask you for your zip code and then it will calculate the cost of the tarp. You then have the choice to continue to checkout or not. thanks for your interest in MightyCovers.com.

  7. destiny says:

    Im looking for a rainbow castle II tarp, and flags.. this is the info i found on its measurements
    RED, YELLOW, BLUE, Canopy Tarp
    4 Flag Toppers (poles not included)
    Snap Screw Hardware Kit
    Fits Play Set 58 1/2′ x 159″
    Castle type playhouse
    can i have a quote please=) thanks

  10. bj w. says:

    I am looking for a replacement canopy for a rainbow playset that was given to me by a friend. When he gave it to me, he’d had it up almost ten years and has no canopy for me to measure. How woul dyou suggest I accurately measure for size?
    Thnaks

  11. Larry Lewis says:

    Usually, most playset canopy tarps are rectangle shaped and to measure for us, you would measure from the screw holes or snaps in the corners for length and width and then add one inch to your length and width measurements, since we place the snaps or grommets 1/2 inch from the edge of the canopy.

  13. Steve says:

    Hi, I’m looking for a replacement roof tarp for a creative playthings Durango playset. The set does not use snaps or fasteners for the roof but rather the edges of the tarp slide over a metal pole approx 1.5″ in diameter. Do you sell such a product and if not could you indicate where I may be able to purchase? The manufacturer was not able to assist in my request.

  15. Pete Barone says:

    Hi, we are looking to replace a canopy roof for a custom made treehouse. It is 85″ x 60″.

    What would be the approx. cost and do you offer different colors?

    thank you

  17. Ev says:

    Hi – just wondering if you went through with the purchase. I also have the Durango playset and need to replace the canopy. I would be interested in your experience. And if you were happy, then maybe the company can just use your measurements again for my order. Thanks!

  18. bob says:

    looking for a replacement canopy 75″ x 104″ green belongs to an older swing set. can you steer me in some kind of direction?

  20. Addiction-Usa says:

    I loved this post.I read your blog fairly often and you’re always cpming out with some great stuff.
    I shared this on my Facebook and my followers loved it!
    Keeep upp the good work!!! 🙂

  22. Martha Niswanger says:

    Looking for canopy for swing set measuring 123 x 51 would like price quote please. The brand is Rainbow castle.

  23. Larry Lewis says:

    Hello Martha,
    Thank you for allowing us to provide you a quote for your replacement swing set tarp. In a single color with your measurements your cost would be $104.95 plus shipping. If you would like to place an order please call us at 1-888-246-6909 and we will be glad to take that order over the phone for you.

  24. Jenna says:

    Hello! I’m looking for a replacement cover for my Andover Creative Playthings swingset. I have no idea what size I need because we bought the set from someone online and it didn’t come with the cover. Can you help?? Thanks!

  25. Larry Lewis says:

    Hello and thank you for contacting MightyCovers.com. Unfortunately we are not affiliated with any swing set manufacturer so we do not have any idea what the size of your tarp could have been but I have attached a link below to our quote form that should help you in measuring the area so you get the tarp size you need. https://mightycovers.com/Images/MCC/MCC-Custom-Canopy-Tarp-Measuring-Form.pdf Please contact us at 1-888-246-6909 if you have any other questions or would like to place an order.

  26. Lynn Propp says:

    I am looking for a solid green vinal tarp for an outdoor player measuring 48 x 132(4ft x 11ft). I did not remove the old one…someone else did, the holes are 15in apart to fasten it, with no grommets.

  28. Lisa says:

    After I initially commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment
    is added I get four emails with the exact same comment.
    Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service?
    Thank you!

  30. Larry Lewis says:

    Hello Jennifer, We do offer custom swing set tarps. Your cost would be $115.95 plus shipping. If you would like to place an order please give us a call and we will be glad to take the order for you, 1-888-246-6909.

  33. Didi says:

    Hi,

    I am looking for a replacement of the old tarp on my kid’s playset and the size are 42”(W) x 100”(L) with grommet. Can you please give me a quote?

    Thanks in advance

  35. Ryan Henrichsen says:

    I need a 58.25 X 182.5” forest green tarp for a Rainbow Play System. It had four grommets on each side.

  36. Larry Lewis says:

    Hello Ryan, We do offer custom swing set tarps. Your cost minus shipping would be $122.95. If you would like to place the order please call 1-888-246-6909 and we will be glad to take the order over the phone for you.

  37. Ryan says:

    Hi, I was wondering if you guys can do custom playset roof tarps. I wanted something simple like a blue tarp with the NY Giants logo on each side (just a lower case ny in their font). Is this something you guys do? Thanks in advance.

  40. Larry Lewis says:

    Hello Tabitha, We do offer custom swing set canopies. Your cost would be $127.95 plus shipping for a single color vinyl tarp. Please call the office at 888-246-6909 if you would like to place an order

  43. Thomas Ferko says:

    I need a swing set canopy top that measures 48 inch wide and 84 inches long.
    How much would a beige canvas canopy top cost that would have snaps that would allow the canvas to snap to itself around a 1 inch simple tubular frame?? My shipping zip is 48187 Canton, Michigan. Need a grand total price for a plain beige color.
    Thanks, Tom

  45. John hicks says:

    I have a old swing set I got back in the 90s and it had a back to it and the small part on type around 70 x 27 not including the flaps is there a place I can order the top

  46. Nick Legros says:

    Larry I just built a swing set, looking for a custom top. How would I measure? Do you need the square footage of the deck or do I need to take into count the pitch of the roof in the measurements? Thanks

  47. Brad Stanley says:

    I built a custom playset which includes framing to attach a cover like the ones you provide. Lot of mentions about measuring existing tarp for replacement not so much new. I’d imagine you need to know the height from the play deck surface as well as the width and length square ft.

  48. Holly Yielding says:

    Hello Brad, To get an accurate measurement it may be helpful to use our custom quote form in the link provided. Please make sure when you get your measurements they will allow the tarp to be tight so there is no sag or flapping in the wind. If you have any other questions please feel free to send us an email to support@mightycovers.com. Here is the link for your review https://mightycovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MCC-Custom-Canopy-Tarp-Measuring-Form.pdf

  49. Holly Yielding says:

    Hello Nick, To get an accurate measurement it may be helpful to use our custom quote form in the link provided. Please make sure when you get your measurements they will allow the tarp to be tight so there is no sag or flapping in the wind. If you have any other questions please feel free to send us an email to support@mightycovers.com. Here is the link for your review https://mightycovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MCC-Custom-Canopy-Tarp-Measuring-Form.pdf

  50. Kristi Schira says:

    Looking to replace our swing set canopy that measures 65″ x 96″ . Our cover has 4 snaps on each side of the width about 16 inches apart. Our snaps are on the outside of the bar, not underneath or inside. Is this possible to make? And how much would it cost?

  52. Anonymous says:

    Do you have a replacement for a rainbow fiesta swing set? I am not sure if the length dimensions should include the wrap around dimensions.

  53. Cara says:

    Hi we are looking to replace an old Green creative playthings tarp that is 9 by 4 feet and has 2 pockets at the ends for metal poles about 1.5inches in diameter and doesn’t use snaps or grommets. Could you replace this for us?

  54. kunja patel says:

    Hi, I am looking patio swing roof, the size is wide 75 1/2 and deep 45 1/2 please let me know. thanks

  56. UG says:

    hi, I am looking to buy the canopy tarp for my playset, its for MN weather (snow) which one will be the good choice vinyl or canvas. please let me know with both pros/cons and your recommendation. thanks

  57. Holly Yielding says:

    We normally recommend removing the swing set tarp in the winter months so that it is not exposed to the elements of the weather 365 days a year but if you are willing to spend the extra money the Sunbrella material may last you longer with proper installation.

  58. Leah says:

    My playset is an OLDY… It didn’t have wood going up & across. Ours originally had tarp attached 2 PVC like pipes I think, they slipped through on inside of tarp and arched over and set inside metal grommets. I think that’s what called. I can’t find anything anywhere. So I may need 2 attached 2×4’s going up and 1 across right? Or do you know where I can find canopy with pockets for PVC to slip into?

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