What Is BERG PlayBase?
The BERG PlayBase is a modular outdoor play system designed and engineered in the Netherlands. Unlike traditional climbing frames, PlayBase is built from galvanised, powder-coated steel — no painting, no wood treatment and no rot. It's a single frame that serves three purposes: Play (swings, climbing walls, slides), Sport (pull-up bars, boxing bags, fitness ropes), and Lounge (hammock, nest swing).
What makes PlayBase truly unique is its modular design. Accessories clip onto the frame's carabiner points and come off again just as easily. Most fit any frame size; the climbing nets and soccer target nets come in a size for each frame, the Platform + Slide does not fit the Wall, and the hammock needs the Large. Start with a swing and a climbing wall for your toddlers, then swap to a pull-up bar and boxing bag as they become teenagers. One frame, bought once, that grows with your family. BERG backs it with a 10-year frame warranty (13 years when registered), and every frame is CE marked, takes a 400kg maximum load and is rated for ages 3 and up.
Choosing Your Frame Size
BERG PlayBase comes in four sizes. The main difference is the number of carabiner points — more points means more accessories can hang at once. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Wall | Medium | Large | Extra Large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | €999 | €1,499 | €1,749 | €1,999 |
| Carabiner points | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Swing-type accessories at once | 1–2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Dimensions (cm) | 240×100×245 | 285×100×245 | 380×100×245 | 490×100×245 |
| Best for | Small gardens, single child | 1–3 kids, suburban gardens | 3+ kids, larger gardens | Maximum options, big gardens |
| Clear space needed | 4m × 3m (in front of the wall) | 6m × 4m | 7m × 5m | 8.5m × 6m |
| Colours | Black, Green | Black, Green | Black, Green | Black, Green |
🏡 Smaller garden? Start with the Wall or Medium. Both deliver the full PlayBase experience in a compact footprint.
👨👩👧👦 Most Irish families choose the Medium or Large — enough room for multiple accessories without dominating the garden.
🏆 Want it all? The Extra Large is ideal if you want play, sport and lounge accessories running simultaneously. It's the ultimate outdoor activity centre.
Choosing Accessories by Age
One of PlayBase's biggest advantages is that accessories can be swapped as your children grow. Here's what we recommend for each age group:
Ages 0–3 — Babies & Toddlers
Best accessories: Baby seat (from 9 months, up to 30kg) and nest swing. Gentle, secure options for little ones; the swing seat, trapeze and gym rings are for ages 3 and up.
Recommended: Medium + Swing Set (€1,577) or Wall + Swing Set (€1,038)
Ages 3–8 — Young Kids
Best accessories: Swing seat, climbing wall, climbing net, trapeze, gym rings, basketball hoop. This is the golden age for climbing frames — kids want adventure.
Recommended: Medium + Active Set (€1,567) or Extra Large + Family Set (€2,186)
Ages 8–12 — Older Kids
Best accessories: Climbing wall, climbing net, trapeze, gym rings, platform + slide. Bigger challenges, more physical activity.
Recommended: Large + Peak Set (€2,216) or Medium + Ultimate Set (€2,165)
Ages 14+ — Teens & Adults
Best accessories: Pull-up bar, dip bar, boxing bag, fitness rope and resistance bands (all rated 14+ and up to 100kg), plus the hammock on the Large frame. PlayBase becomes a home gym and relaxation space that the whole family uses.
Recommended: Extra Large + Sports Set (€2,424) or Wall + Sports Set (€1,227)
PlayBase vs Wooden Climbing Frames
If you're comparing BERG PlayBase to a traditional wooden climbing frame, here are the key differences:
| Feature | BERG PlayBase | Wooden Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Galvanised, powder-coated steel | Timber |
| Maintenance | No treating or staining | Annual wood treatment required |
| Warranty | 10 years on the frame, 13 when registered | Varies (typically 2–5 years) |
| Customisation | Modular — swap accessories anytime | Fixed once built |
| Grows with kids | Yes — toddler to teen accessories | Limited — fixed design |
| Weather resistance | Zinc layer under a powder coating | Susceptible to rot, warping, moss |
| Safety certification | CE marked; TÜV SÜD Mark P on Wall, Large and XL | Varies by manufacturer |
| Installation | Underground base anchors, no concrete | Often needs professional installation |
| Aesthetics | Modern, sleek, minimal | Traditional, rustic |
Wooden climbing frames have their charm — they look beautiful in traditional garden settings and offer a classic play experience. However, for families looking for a long-term, low-maintenance investment that adapts as children grow, BERG PlayBase is the smarter choice. The modular design means you'll never outgrow it, the galvanised, powder-coated steel means you won't need to treat or repaint it, and the 10-year frame warranty (13 when registered) gives genuine peace of mind.
Installation
No concrete foundations are required. The free-standing Medium, Large and Extra Large are held by underground base anchors, set with a spade and a spirit level; the Wall fixes to a solid house or garden wall.
- Surface: Flat, level ground.
- Clear space: 4m × 3m in front of the Wall, 6m × 4m for the Medium, 7m × 5m for the Large and 8.5m × 6m for the Extra Large. The space is for the swings, not just the frame.
- Base anchors: Supplied with the free-standing frames and set into the ground — no concrete to mix or cure.
Full illustrated instructions are included with every PlayBase. We don't offer an assembly service, but if you'd prefer a professional, call us on 01 960 1641 and we can put you in touch with an independent installer.
Pricing Overview
Every PlayBase frame and set qualifies for free delivery (orders over €300). Here's a quick summary of starting prices and our most popular bundles:
| Frame | Frame Only | Popular Bundle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayBase Wall | €999 | Wall + Sports Set €1,227 | View range |
| PlayBase Medium | €1,499 | Medium + Swing Set €1,577 | View range |
| PlayBase Large | €1,749 | Large + Peak Set €2,216 | View range |
| PlayBase Extra Large | €1,999 | XL + Ultimate Set €2,765 | View range |
Individual accessories start from €29, so you can always add more later. Browse the full accessories range.