As owner-operators of two Play and Games-based businesses, we understand how satisfying it is to get behind the tools and create something that’s going to be loved and stand the test of time. Every day we have the privilege of working amidst the whir of a circular saw, and will forever get giddy seeing our products come off production and be shipped to their new homes.
Of course, there are schools and community groups who prefer to build their Gaga Pits from scratch, taking their DIY challenge to the next level. As a company that’s designed, built and installed hundreds of Gaga Pits, we’ve come to know what it takes for a Gaga Pit to stand the test of time.
Here we’re sharing some key Pit-falls to look out for when going down the DIY path with your own Gaga Pit.
Pit-fall #1 - Not designing for longevity
If there’s one thing we know for certain, it’s that the Gaga loving kids LOVE Gaga. Your pit will quickly become a fan favourite in your school. So when designing your pit, make sure it'll withstand hundreds (if not thousands) of children playing in it over time.
This includes making sure the size and height of the pit will suit the height and number of kids you expect to use it daily. Older kids will need taller sides to prevent the Gaga Ball flying over, while younger kids prefer shorter sides to make supporting from the sidelines easier.
From a structural standpoint, bracing/upright supports and capping will add extra durability. And depending on the type of timber you choose, annual staining or painting will also help see it through.
Note: if your Gaga Pit ever shows signs of damage such as splits, cracks or fungal growth, action this immediately by cleaning and reapplying sealers.
Pit-fall #2 - Not picking the right location
Most DIY pits we’ve seen are built as permanent structures. So picking where your Gaga Pit will be positioned is a decision you’ll want to get right from the start. While you might have an empty spot on the playground, consider whether in 2-3 years time there’ll be a portable classroom place there to facilitate growth demands.
Of course, we considered this when designing our range of Gaga’s and have developed a range that’s sturdy for daily game play but easy to move to accommodate school space requirements.
Pit-fall #3 - Using materials that aren’t rated as kid safe
When it comes to the safety of children, doing things right the first time is imperative. We recommend that you use locally sourced and sustainable Australian timbers appropriate for children’s spaces. For us at Gaga Games, that is Australian H3 Treated Pine. This structural grade timber is suitable for permanent outdoor use and will last. The treatment is LOSP, non arsenic based and rated kid safe by the EPA.
If you choose H3 Treated Pine to build your Gaga Pit, exposing it to the elements before it’s been installed can lead to damage, such as warping and spitting. To protect your wood before you build your Gaga, we recommend storing it off the ground, covered in a waterproof sheet, on a flat surface. Keeping it ventilated will help prevent mould.
Pit-fall #4 - Not Going ahead without the right install and design team
You might be one of the lucky schools to have a super skilled, experienced and mindful GA or Handyperson that can easily do a considered design for you. But not every school does – or they may have a full list of tasks to keep them busy.
An alternative is to approach an external contractor, but that can also throw up some unintended consequences:
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Some contracted carpenters/handymen will insist on your Gaga Pit being concreted into the ground.
This will mean seeking permission from councils etc, contacting dial before you dig, and will mean you can't easily move the item later if you need to.
We know from experience that a properly designed Gaga Pit doesn’t need to be concreted to the ground – so be wary of anyone telling you otherwise.
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The handyperson who tells you they can do it cheaper but with no plans.
Gaga Pits may look relatively simple to build, but getting it right takes planning and a well-thought design. We have discovered in our years of building Gaga Pits that many schools have regretted their decision to go cheaper as the end result was not a finished product, and in the end not a lot cheaper.
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Engaging a handyperson/builder who is not experienced in product design.
Likewise, we’ve encountered 'cheaper' built Gaga Pits where the design did not factor in the way that materials change over time and the impact to the longevity of the product, Swelling corners, bowing timbers – we've seen it all.
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Saving money, but spending much more of your time in the process
Whilst going cheaper might be enticing, with no product design to present to your stakeholder group you’ll likely spend a lot of time going forward and backward in meetings to get approvals and buy-in. While the end cost may be cheaper, you’ll likely have engaged a lot of time in the process.
Pit-fall #5 - An incorrectly prepared ground surface
Gaga Ball is for all, but you can’t play in a swamp! Like the old adage goes, poor preparation leads to a Gaga Pit no one wants to play in.
The best surface for your Gaga Pit is level. If you are installing on grass or dirt, we recommend hiring a small digger to get the job done right. To protect the knees of players, you will also need a layer of playground sand on top of your Gaga Pit. Consider how vehicles will access your chosen area for machinery and sand delivery.
DIY vs DIY with our Gaga Pits
Our Gaga Pits deliver the ideal balance between going totally DIY and getting a product that’s purpose-designed for schools. Each kit comes flat packed with easy-to-follow building instructions so you can put it together yourselves. And you’ll be backed by our expert team who can advise on placement, surface preparation and ongoing maintenance.