FAQ: Slides

  1. How do you connect a slide to the platform?
  2. What is the length of the slide?
  3. How far out will the slide stick out from the deck?
  4. I have a tall deck (greater than 7 ft), what are my options for slides?

How do you connect a slide to the platform?

Slide mounting will vary depending on the type of slide you purchase, but it is usually a relatively simple procedure. If your slide includes instructions (many do not), please refer to the specific mounting instructions provided in the manual. In general, most slides are mounted in one of the following ways:

  • Most residential slides come with a lip that rests on the deck and pilot holes where you would drill through and use carriage bolts to bolt through the deck.
  • Most commercial slides require either a Slide Mounting Kit (for metal decks) or L-Bracket (for wood decks) to be mounted.

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What is the length of the slide?

Generally for slides the length is about twice the deck height it is made to fit. For example, a slide that is meant for a 5 ft deck height will be approximately 10 ft long.

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How far out will the slide stick out from the deck?

Again, in general for a slide that sticks straight out you can determine the Slide Reach (distance the slide sticks out from the deck) by multiplying the slide length by 0.866. For example, if your slide is 10 ft long, the Slide Reach will be approximately 8 ft 8 in.

Some exceptions to this rule include spiral slides, which have a different type of footprint, and slides that mount to shorter and taller deck heights which may reduce the steepness of the slide angle for safety reasons.

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I have a tall deck (greater than 7 ft), what are my options for slides?

The slide that is most versatile for height and a very popular option for residential backyard playsets is our Super Open Spiral Slide. This can be ordered for up to an 11 ft deck height!

A second option that many of our customers have had success with is adding an extra elbow to the Super Tube Slide. Each elbow raises the deck height by approximately 18". However, please note the disclaimer about doing this as it goes against the manufacturer's recommendation and voids the warranty.

We also have commercial slides available for taller deck heights and for those projects that require a more custom solution. Add a slide to your indoor playroom, or your custom treehouse, inside your school or church -- the possibilities are limitless! Check out our Custom Tube Slides page for more information and contact us for pricing and availability.

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