Soft play area?

[shagster]

I'd love to hear from anyone who's attempted to make a 'Snakes-and-Ladders' style soft play area in their house. It seems as though a lot of the parts are readily available, but when it comes to making up a frame itself there seems to be a design element and most suppliers want to do that part for you. I guess they are geared towards much larger constructions than what I'm considering.

Any help or advice gratefully received.
S.

 

[foxhole]

What is a ''Snakes-and-Ladders style soft play area''

 

[shagster]

What is a ''Snakes-and-Ladders style soft play area''

Sorry, didn't realise Snakes and ladders is only in certain regions. This kind of thing:
https://www.cheltenhamrocks.co.uk/guides/recommended/soft-play-in-and-near-cheltenham/

 

[foxhole]

So what exactly is the problem? ''what I'm considering'' so what is it a secret?

 

[Tigercubrider]

You could build it out of keyklamp and use scaffold safety tubes to cushion them - probably a bit ott for domestic use.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Why posh it with key Clamp? I'd just go with scaffolding!

 

[Tigercubrider]

Scaff clamps have sticky out bits

 

[shagster]

So what exactly is the problem? ''what I'm considering'' so what is it a secret?

I'm looking for advice from someone who's done this before. No offence intended, but it sounds like that won't be you. I'm planning about 2m high structure, 4m wide, 2m deep, maybe 1m cubes. I am interested in finding cheap suppliers, whether to go for square box section tubes or the round tubes (I've seen frames made from both, what are the pros and cons), whether I may need diagonal bracing or if there are systems that will be stable without that, just advice that may save me from doing things the wrong way or buying the wrong kit. I've been to a few of the soft-play places with my kids, unfortunately none of the staff know much about how the things are put together although a lot of frames have missing padding here and there so you can make some guesses.

 

[foxhole]

https://quadroplay.co.uk/

Cheap it won’t be as it needs to meet safety standards .

 

[shagster]

https://quadroplay.co.uk/

Cheap it won’t be as it needs to meet safety standards .

Impressive stuff. I suppose if it's plastic you save money lagging it? It does look like it's for younger children though.

 

[foxhole]

Suitable for all ages , the design dictates how safe/suitable it is.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Keyklamp would certainly work, and has been used for all sorts in the past.
2m high inside would create an issue with normal ceiling heights

I'd worry a bit about weight if on a suspended floor. Use Ali scaff- £7 a metre last time I bought some ready cut. But galvanised steel is a LOT cheaper