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Play Structures

These are custom designs, perfect for challenging terrain and specific visions.
For budget-friendly options, check out our Play Forts

When is a custom design needed? A custom design is necessary if you have a steep hill or ravine, retaining walls, lots of trees to fit around, or a challenging space that just calls for something unique! Sometimes it is difficult to envision where a play structure should go. This is when we recommend having Barbara meet with you, look at your yard, and brainstorm ideas. Barbara and you will select the site, decide which play features on your family’s wish list are essential, and discuss the budget. You will also discuss if landscape changes will be involved. Barbara travels all over the world to design her unique play structures and treehouses. Once the design is finalized, we build the structure in our shop in modular pieces for easier shipping and installation. The images on this page depict different examples of custom designed play structures...

Ranger Station

Welcome to Ranger Station!

Nestled under the canopy of several majestic redwood trees, this rustic play structure is designed to have it all in a compact space.

Stained with a custom wash of BBAB’s Clear Tung Oil Solution and pigment, the warmth of the redwood lumber stands out and the structure blends in.

Plenty of places to play in the sun and the shade make this a favorite with all the kids in the neighborhood!

Ranger Station - Gallery

Lots of “loops of play” at the Ranger Station! Lots of ways up and down, all designed to keep kids running around and around.

The ship’s ladder welcomes kids & adults to come hang out under the dramatic single-slope roof nestled in the redwood canopy.

Tucked behind is a kids’ favorite: the spider swing. A great place to swing or lollygag with friends.

Angled rock climbing wall with a giant knotted rope climb adds significant challenges to this play structure!

The roof and deck are built to wrap around the redwood tree and the structure is designed to be trimmed back as the tree grows.

The hand-woven Rope Net Climb, tucked around the corner, offers another challenging way up to the treehouse.

Interior view of the semi-enclosed play space, with custom chalkboard. We love how the tree is half-in, half out of the fort!

A restful view across the bridge! Take note of the Pulley Bucket on the right - designed for safely hoisting up toys or lunch.

The live edge table and log seats are placed in the nearby shade for when the kids want to break for a snack or draw a picture.

Ranger Station

$80,385.00

This price is for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

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California Dreamin’

Complete with clubhouse, choc full of fun.

This dreamy place to play features an elevated club house, two swings, a bridge, a tunnel slide, a rope net climb, and a rock climbing wall. The natural colors integrate the structure into the surrounding scenery, while the multitude of opportunities to climb, jump, and run call out to the children.

California Dreamin - Gallery

Professional-grade rock climbing holds make for a challenging climb. Use the giant rope for a little extra help!

The underside of the deck has rings you can access by standing on the sturdy toy box bench.

Inside, a skylight provides natural light throughout, illuminating our signature drop-leaf table and benches.

The natural soothing colors blend into the scenery, while the play structure calls out to the children to climb and run.

Come join us for some California Dreamin’ - designed for serious play as well as day dreaming.

The upper bridge leading to the playhouse is additional play space, perfect for lollygagging.

Whitewash walls provide an inviting interior. The top secret safe features a real lock and doubles as extra seating.

Shelf with pegs provide a place to hang your jacket while you wait for a letter in the mailbox.

Check out the monkey bars and hanging rings for an upper-body workout. Balls & toys are stashed in the bench.

California Dreamin

$99,760.00

This price is for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

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Mar 5, 2018

California Dreamin

Mar 5, 2018

This dreamy place to play features a club house, two swings, a bridge, a tunnel slide, a rope net climb and a rock climbing wall. The natural colors integrate the structure into the surrounding scenery, while the multitude of opportunities to climb, jump and run call out to the children.

Mar 5, 2018

Specifications

Coral Gables Castle

A regal castle in a tropical setting, ready to spark any child’s imagination.

What does a Florida grandmother with a tropical backyard do to entice the grandchildren to visit often? Put in a Barbara Butler play structure, of course! Based on our standard Fort Mediterranean, Coral Gables Castle has been modified to fit into the lush greenery of its surroundings.

Coral Gables Castle - Gallery

The swinging bridge connects the tree fort to the castle. The cable bridge sways and bounces as you walk across it.

Barbara makes a final inspection of the octagon tower before turning over the completed play structure to the kids!

Coral Gables Castle stands regally in her tropical setting, ready to spark any child’s imagination.

The final color map for Coral Gables Castle, utilizing 11 different colors for a warm, vibrant palette.

Tucked into a corner is a “Top Secret” safe, perfect for storing the treasure map discovered on your last adventure.

The inside of the arched bridge sparkles with a vibrant stain palette of blue, yellow and red. Up and over!

The castle has an spiral staircase ensconced inside a second octagon tower with festive flagpoles.

Peek inside at the brilliantly-colored spiral staircase and climb on up!

Coral Gables

$162,380.00

This price is for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

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Hollywood Hideout

Tucked into a corner, Hollywood Hideout is a glamorous addition to this secret garden!

Such a steep yard in the Hollywood Hills! The family asked if anything could be built for the kids to play rough & tumble outside? Barbara found a fairly level spot for the swings and worked from there.

Hollywood Hideout - Gallery

A flat spot was dedicated for the swings & for the slide exit. Above the swing beam, Barbara added a bridge with railing - doubling the fun!

Two levels of fun make the most of this beautiful garden setting. Tucked in against the hillside, it makes great use of the small space.

Existing stairs built into the hillside became part of the play and provided another point of access to the upper level.

The towering rock wall has a soft landing spot in case of accidental falls and provides a challenging way up to the clubhouse.

With multiple entrances and exits, whichever way you climb, the clubhouse is the main destination.

Once in the clubhouse, the refreshing white and blue color palette and the drop-leaf table and benches invite everyone to chill & relax!

Past the Top Secret Safe, out the other door and up the stairs, more adventure awaits.

With our signature strong-enough-for-an-adult construction, kids can invite their favorite grown ups to join in the magic, too.

Inside, multiple windows with shutters create a light-filled space for kids to fill with their imaginations.

The play structure is so well-situated, it is only just visible above the hedge line in many places.

A giant rock climbing wall with stainless steel firepole is a great ending/beginning!

Hollywood Hideout

$112,000.00

This price is for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

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Atherton Cottage

A whimsical fairy-tale structure geared towards creativity and play.

Atherton Cottage is a two-story structure featuring multiple decks and interior spaces. With real windows and doors, this cottage is completely weatherproof, allowing for imaginative play in all seasons. These “real house” upgrades make the playhouse the perfect place for sleep-overs in any weather.

Atherton Cottage - Gallery

An underused corner of the family yard is transformed with the addition of this two-story playhouse that includes a stage, rock climbing and a tree perch.

The front deck can be transformed into a theater when the Sunbrella curtains are drawn. Let the show begin!

The first level of the playhouse is perfect for art projects or theater rehearsals. The whitewash stain “Chalk” makes the room clean and bright.

The upper level of the playhouse has plenty of room for sleepovers, club meetings or just hanging out with friends.

Barbara’s custom-made, kid-sized venting windows are made with laminated glass and let in plenty of fresh air and sunlight.

The view from the upper back door is enticing… Who wouldn’t want to run across the straight bridge and hug this gorgeous redwood tree?

The tree perch is built around the redwood tree and provides a quiet place to read a book or get lost in thought.

Looking from the tree perch, back to the upper playhouse. Check out the skylight - bringing abundant natural light to any playhouse.

There’s lots of physical play as well - climb the rock wall, swing on the monkey bars or try the giant rope climb.

A two-story rock climbing wall adds a note of adventure to this playhouse.

Atherton Cottage

Please inquire below for details and pricing.

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Playhouse:

2-Story Playhouse (7' x 9' x 16' high at 7’ deck height; 63 SQ FT) finished in our upgraded Level 2 Style:
- Roof: Double-layered, cedar-shingled, waterproof gable roof (8’ x 10’), with (1) porthole window with fixed, laminated glass:
  - Cedar shingled front Dormer (6.5' wide x 3' high) and (1) porthole window with fixed, laminated glass
  - Velux waterproof fixed Skylight (24” x 48”) with laminated glass
- Walls: Waterproof exterior walls, with caulked board & batten siding
- Doors: Custom waterproof doors, made from solid kiln-dried lumber, primed and finished with (2) coats of high quality exterior paint, with interior & exterior trim, weather stripping, door jambs, sill, hardware, doorknob & lockset with keys:
  - (3) upper-level solid doors with waterproof speakeasies, (1) with door knocker & mailbox
  - (1) upper-level double French door with fixed glass
  - (1) lower-level Dutch door with waterproof speakeasy, door knocker & mailbox
- Windows: Custom waterproof vented windows with laminated glass & divided light, made from solid kiln-dried lumber, primed and finished with (2) coats of high quality exterior paint, with interior & exterior trim, weather stripping, window jambs, sills, & hardware:
  - (3) single 24” x 30” windows: (1) upper and (2) lower level
  - (1) lower-level double 48" x 30" window
- Floor: Interior double-layered floor, with 15-lb felt paper and top layer of cedar or Douglas fir 1x6 T & G lumber
Faux Balcony (5' long x 3" to 6" wide) with metal railing

Side Deck:

Elevated Side Deck (4' x 4' at 7’ deck height; 16 SQ FT) with rope net railing
Angled Rung Ladder
Flagpole with (3) Flags
Swinging Bucket Chair

Rock Tower:

2-Story Rock Tower (5’ x 5’ x 15’ high at 7’ deck height; 25 SQ FT) with fortress & rope net upper railings & arched knee braces. Roof & lower-level finished in our upgraded Level 2 Style to match Playhouse:
- Roof: Double-layered, cedar shingled, waterproof gable roof (6’ x 6’)
- Walls: (3) Waterproof exterior walls with (1) board & batten and (2) 2x6 T&G rock walls (4th side open to playhouse interior)
- Window: (1) Waterproof 24"x 30" laminated glass, divided light window
- Floors: Double layered interior 1st floor and exterior 2nd floor
Rock Climbing Holds on (2) 10' high walls, for up & over climbing, with inward-swinging safety gate at deck level
Giant Rope, hung from extended roof beam with arched knee brace

Front Porch with Theater Stage:

Front Deck (3' wide x 14' long; 44.5 SQ FT) with picket railing
Cedar-shingled, single-slope Roof (3.75' wide x 15' long)
Theater Stage (9' x 4' x 7" high, with angled corners) with theater curtains
A-frame Chalkboard for announcements!

Straight Bridge:

Straight Bridge (8' long x 2' wide) with rope net railing, leading to Tree Pod
(8) Rings with multi-rotational swivel & chain, attached under bridge
Trapeze Bar, attached under bridge

3-Wedge Tree Pod:

(3) Wedges, ≈ 4' wide x 3' long each (total of 24 SQ FT) with rope net railing, attached to tree with knee braces and custom hardware

Prices listed are for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

L.A. FORTRESS

L.A. Fortress is meant for continuous play!

Pass through the Gateway Entrance and scramble up the 10' Swinging Bridge Ramp to the top of the Jailhouse Tower. Then across the 12' Straight Bridge (with 3 belt swings attached underneath) to the large Clubhouse on top of a Big Deck that has plenty of challenging up, down and underneath play features.

L.A. Fortress - Gallery

L.A. Fortress

Please inquire below for details and pricing.

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Entrance Tower #1:

Take-off Tower (5' x 5' x 10' high at 7' deck height; 25 SQ FT) with fortress railings, and single-layered T&G Pyramid Roof (6' x 6')
(2) Angled Rock Climbing Walls (5' x 7' x 7' high)
Giant Knotted Rope Climb, attached to Tower at corner between the (2) rock walls

Zipline Ride:

60' Long heavy-duty Zipline Ride with take-off from Entrance Tower #1, includes: galvanized cable, rescue-grade trolley (300 lb weight limit), disc seat with rope, high quality hardware, and steel ending post with redwood cover

Rope Tunnel:

Hand-woven Rope Net Tunnel (2.5' diameter x 10' long at 7' deck height) connecting Entrance Tower #1 to Big Deck

Big Deck:

Big Deck (10’ x 18’ at 8' deck height; 180 SQ FT) with fortress railings, built around and attached to a tree, and supported with combination of girders, footing posts, arched knee braces and custom TAB tree hardware
(4) Custom Castle Rook corners, each with window opening with single shutter
(8) Rings, attached underneath the deck
(1) Double Water Cannon
Pulley Box & Bucket
Tire Swing attached under 12' long beam with single footing post (4x4 steel tubes faced with redwood)

Double Clubhouse:

Upper Clubhouse (6' x 8' x 10' high at 8’ deck height; 48 SQ FT) on top of Big Deck, with double-layered, cedar-shingled Gable Roof (7' x 9'), front door with sliding "who-goes-there" peephole & door knocker, and (4) window openings with double shutters, and:
- (1) Double Water Cannon

Lower Jailhouse (5’ x 5’ x 7’ high; 25 SQ FT) below Big Deck, stained in black & white stripe pattern, with front door with jailbar "who-goes-there" peephole, lock & key set, and (3) jailbar windows, and:
- Secret escape door over bench, with carved “No Escape” message
- Turbo Tube Slide (behind sliding door) as escape route
- Drop Leaf Table and (2) drop bench seats
- Framed Chalkboard with eraser & chalk tray
- Hand-painted “Jail” sign over front door

Bridge over Swings:

Straight Bridge (2' wide x 12' long) with fortress railings, connecting Big Deck to Octagon Tower
(3) Belt Swings attached underneath bridge
(1) Double Water Cannon

Octagon Tower:

Octagon Deck (6' x 6' x 10' high at 7' deck height; 36 SQ FT) open below, with fortress railing and single-layered Octagon Roof (7' x 7')
Stainless Steel Firepole
Turbo Tube Slide
Hand-carved Shield
(1) Double Water Cannon

Swinging Bridge:

Angled Swinging Bridge (2' wide x 12' long) with rope net railings, connecting Octagon Tower to Entrance Tower #2

Entrance Tower #2:

Entrance Tower (5' x 5' x 10' high at 4' deck height; 25 SQ FT) open below, with rope net railings and single layered T&G Pyramid Roof (6’ x 6’)
Rope Net Ladder
Coil Climber
(1) Double Water Cannon

Hand-Over-Hand Bars:

Hand-over-Hand Bars with rock holds on footing posts: 8' long run to "T" intersection with 2nd 12' long run (connected to Entrance Tower #2)

Entrance Tower #3 to Super Slide:

Super Slide Take-off Tower (5' x 5' x 10' high at 7' deck height; 25 SQ FT), with rope net railings, open below
Angled Rung Ladder
22' Long Wave Super Slide (goes under Big Deck to exit on other side)
(1) Double Water Cannon

Prices listed are for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

Space Station #9

Hard to believe it was once a tennis court…

This family’s home is surrounded by steep cliffs but the tennis court - that no one used - had a wonderful flat & level space. Barbara transformed it into an out-of-this-world play area!

The kids race around between the three towers, climbing, swinging, sliding. Built for kids of all ages, this play station will accommodate the entire extended family and friends.

Space Station #9 - Gallery

Two levels of fun! On the ground level, there are all types of swings: tire swing, baby swing, belt swing. On a warm day, the towers provide a welcome shade.

Between space walks, relax on our rope net hang-out. Hit terra firma by climbing down the professional grade rock climbing holds or on the knotted rope!

The table and bench fold down to allow more floor space as needed, and a port hole above provides a view of the vast beyond. Open the secret door to make a quick escape!

Inside, a slide provides a quick getaway, while the “Top Secret” safe stores the keys to the universe.

Above, a wooden bridge leads to the Space Station’s main headquarters, a two-story playhouse complete with a peephole to check for hostile Martians.

10, 9, 8, 7… Space Station #9 is about to lift off any minute!

Space Station #9

Please inquire below for details and pricing.

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Connecticut Castle

Winter Wonderland...

The Connecticut Castle was the last play structure to be built entirely on site. It took 3 months for Barbara, husband Jeff and brother James to build the Connecticut Castle. As seen here, the team was just finishing the castle when an early winter snow storm moved in. Today, all of Barbara's play structures are built modularly in her shop in South San Francisco. However, Barbara often misses the fun of going to a different part of the country to hand- build a masterpiece on site!

Connecticut Castle - Gallery

Barbara designed Connecticut Castle to thrill two young brothers and to complement the family’s 1910 English-style stone castle/country home.

The back side of Connecticut Castle in springtime looks like an entirely different play structure - lots of climbing on all sides!

The family had an antique cannon that went very well with the look and feel of the play structure.

The entrance to the ramp is set on springs for a surprise wiggle for those who dare enter. The main house in the background provided ample inspiration for Barbara’s castle.

A ramp leads to the top of the octagon castle, complete with friendly hand-carved gargoyles perched on either side of the entrance to the upper deck.

The 36 foot long wavy slide takes off from the tower behind the castle, runs underneath the deck and down the natural slope. What a ride!

The boys wanted Barbara to create a jail. Barbara agreed but only if there was a secret escape! The jailhouse door has iron hinges, stone block carvings, a jail bars on the windows.

The backside of the play structure shows the secret escape from the jail - the blue slide! This sturdy castle is built for the family and friends to play on, kids and adults alike.

The bumped out balcony is the take-off for the zip-line ride.

Rock climbing all around the octagon lets the kids boulder around the tower or scale the walls.

Connecticut Castle

Please inquire below for details and pricing.

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Napa Valley Twin chalets

Napa Valley Twin Chalets is the perfect sibling set-up: distinct but complementary towers allow for separation or easy visits by the connecting bridge.

There’s even enough room for each sister to host play dates at the same time. Each tower has a dedicated staircase entrance with storage and a bathroom underneath.

Napa Twin Chalets Gallery

These two unique, multi-level playhouses are connected by a bridge over two swings. On one side, steps lead to the second story entrance or to the thrilling turbo tube slide.

The turbo tube slide chalet has a bay window and a paned glass door on the lower level, while the firepole chalet has a roof over the balcony and a solid wood door on the lower level.

The rich colors of Barbara's custom stains are both inviting and durable. The hues add to the charming feel of the scalloped trim, and brighten up the double-layered, waterproof roof of cedar shingles.

Charming, carved brackets support the cantilevered second stories. Scalloped trim adorns the doors, windows, staircases and more, adding to the chalet motif.

In addition to real windows and doors, the Napa Twin Chalets also boast a charming balcony, and assorted indoor spaces.

Using this blank color map of Napa Valley Chalets and color pencils, clients can explore potential color schemes with the whole family.

Napa Valley Twin Chalets

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Castle Court

Lower the portcullis!

Friends enter the Castle Court through the twin tower Gatehouse with matching "Fleur de Lis" coat of arms. First they must cross the drawbridge and gain access through the portcullis gate. Once inside, there’s a swinging bridge over to the Dodecagon Tower, a 10-sided clubhouse. Hidden by a grove of trees, this fortress provides hours of imaginative and physical play.

Castle Court - Gallery

The 9-year old requested a “bailey” - an outer wall around the castle that creates a private courtyard. The tree-filled courtyard is entered through the gatehouse or there’s a secret entrance in the fence.

From this angle, you can just make out the swinging bridge extending from the back of the gatehouse on its way across the courtyard to the dodecagon tower.

The dodecagon tower is a 10-sided clubhouse with 2 stories. It offers views in every direction which kids appreciate when on the lookout for enemy attacks.

Inside the dodecagon tower are two built-in bunk beds beside a door with a "who-goes-there" peephole to keep unwanted guests out of the royal chambers.

A sketch is a good place to test out different color combinations until the perfect palette reveals itself. Shown here are gray brown, moss and black olive.

Castle Court

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Play Structures

Ranger Station

Welcome to Ranger Station!

Ranger Station

Featured Blog Post

California Dreamin’

Complete with clubhouse, choc full of fun.

California Dreamin

Featured Blog Post

Wood Stains used in Construction

Coral Gables Castle

A regal castle in a tropical setting, ready to spark any child’s imagination.

Coral Gables

Featured Blog Posts

Wood Stains used in Construction

Hollywood Hideout

Tucked into a corner, Hollywood Hideout is a glamorous addition to this secret garden!

Hollywood Hideout

Featured Blog Post

Wood Stains used in Construction

Atherton Cottage

A whimsical fairy-tale structure geared towards creativity and play.

Atherton Cottage

Featured Blog Post

Wood Stains used in Construction

L.A. FORTRESS

L.A. Fortress is meant for continuous play!

L.A. Fortress

Space Station #9

Hard to believe it was once a tennis court…

Space Station #9

Featured Blog Post

Wood Stains used in Construction

Connecticut Castle

Winter Wonderland...

Connecticut Castle

Napa Valley Twin chalets

Napa Valley Twin Chalets is the perfect sibling set-up: distinct but complementary towers allow for separation or easy visits by the connecting bridge.

Napa Valley Twin Chalets

Castle Court

Lower the portcullis!

Castle Court