Is a taller backyard swing set tower always better? Is there such a thing as too tall? How do you choose a height that your kids will love now and still grow into over time?
As someone who is 5′ 9″ and once relied on “a lot of heart” to block much taller basketball players, I know how much height can matter. But unlike basketball, where taller is sometimes simply better, choosing the right swing set height requires balance.
At King Swings, we offer four main deck heights: 5’, 6’, 7’, and 9’, along with double-deck towers that combine multiple heights into one structure. Below is your guide to finding the best height for your children and your backyard.
Pros
The 5’ tower is the best all-around swing set height for most families. Our best-seller, the Sea King, stands 5’ tall. This height is ubiquitous with swing sets because it is the perfect middle ground between being tall enough but not too tall. Little ones won’t be afraid to climb to the top and slide down, and the height will keep it relative for many years.
Why would you go taller? Let’s explore the next deck height.
Pros
Many of our most popular playhouse sets such as the Palace Playhouse are 6’ tall. This additional height, when coupled with a playhouse, allows you to attach a high beam and use taller climbers and faster slides.
Another important 6’ deck height feature is the headspace below the tower. Picnic tables, ball pits, and all the other fun features under the swing set tower feel more spacious, especially for taller kids and parents who use the set.
A 6’ tall tower grows better with your kids. While it is only one additional foot taller, this makes a big difference for climbers and slides. The set feels more impressive, more “big kid,” and will stay relevant longer. This deck height is a great compromise for those who want something taller than 5’ but don’t want to go as high as 7’.
Backyard playsets like the Wave Rider or the Chateau utilize this height to great effect. The slides are fast, the climbers a challenge, and the set is visually appealing and screams fun. It is perfect for a family with multiple children in the range of 3-12 who need the set to be as exciting as possible. This is the height for adventurous kids: it will stay relevant for a very long time. Growing well with your children and being fun for older kids are the strongest features of 7’ tall towers.
With so much head space under the tower, you can add all kinds of fun, from clubhouses to lemonade stands to tire swings. Underneath the tower, it feels great even to an adult or tall child. Swing playsets like the
Younger children may find the 7’ deck height intimidating. We do not recommend most 7’ tall swing sets for children under 3 years of age.
The 9’ deck height is for the genuinely epic among us who want to be the tallest, go the fastest, and have the best. Swing sets like the Galaxy Swing Set make a statement, and there are a few more fun things than going down a slide that originates at 9’s height: they are fast, they are fun, they zip!
One of the big cautions about the 9’ deck height is that it is really tall. Make sure you researched your township's or local ordinances or what your HOA allows. There is no hiding this thing! It will draw eyes.
Because of the height, no climbers can attach to the 9’ deck height. We have great slide options, but when you reach that height, our chief concern is safe fun. We don’t allow the open spaces in the railing that climbers inherently create.
9’ deck heights must be combined with other towers to ensure stability.
Let’s define a double-deck tower. Simply put, it is one swing set tower with two different heights. Check out the Captain's Castle; it has a lower section at 5’ and a taller section at 7’.
This split height is perfect for families with older and younger children. The lower deck can be designed for the younger ones with age-appropriate slides and climbers, while the taller deck has faster slides and more challenging climbers.
For more examples of double-deck backyard playgrounds, explore the Overlook, the Launching Pad, and the Treasure Cove. Each does something uniquely different, and a combination of their designs may be perfect for your family.
Which segways beautifully into the next section.
With our customization services (which are free, BTW), you can raise and lower deck heights on any standard set. For example, let’s say you love the Wave Rider but think it's a bit higher than you are comfortable with. That is no problem. We can lower it down to a 6’ height. Or, if the [cottage playhouse] feels a bit stubby, we can bump it up a foot or two.
Our customization options are endless, and we encourage you to work with our team to design the swing set that best fits your space, budget, and family needs.
King Swings has been building swing sets, playgrounds, and playhouses for 30+ years. We understand that we craft a premium product, and with that comes the responsibility of creating a premium customer experience.
Go ahead and read through our 500-plus five-star reviews. Our dedicated team has set the bar high for a customer journey, and our install crews are loved by all who meet them.
So what are you waiting for? Get started by checking what is New for 2025 or explore our Family Favorites as well as our 2025 Guide to Customizing. Email us, call us, or even send a carrier pigeon. If you got questions, we would love to get them answered so you can bring the playground home!
The 5’ deck height is the most popular swing set, offering the best combination of confidence for young kids and longevity as they grow. 6' deck height is the most popular for playhouses as it makes the space under the tower more accessible for taller children.
Not necessarily. Taller decks offer faster slides and more challenge, but younger children may find them intimidating. Consider your children’s ages and comfort levels.
Yes. Double-deck towers combine heights like 5’ and 7’, making them great for families with mixed ages.
Some neighborhoods do have height restrictions. Always check HOA or township guidelines before choosing 7’ or 9’ towers.
Yes. King Swings can raise or lower deck heights on most standard sets.
The 9’ deck delivers the fastest and most exhilarating slides in our lineup.