About Otterworks USA

OtterWorks USA is the workshop and supply side of Jack's Backyard, created to make it easier for DIY builders to turn Jack's plans and ideas into finished projects.
For more than 30 years, Jack has designed and built playsets, treehouses and backyard projects. Today, those years of hands-on experience are being turned into detailed DIY plans through Jack's Backyard, while OtterWorks USA provides the companion hardware kits, specialty parts and project kits that make those plans easier to build.
Our playset hardware kits are assembled specifically around Jack's Backyard DIY playset plans, taking much of the guesswork out of finding the right fasteners and specialty hardware. As new plans and projects are developed—including swing set accessory arms, rock walls and other backyard and workshop projects—OtterWorks USA will continue to offer selected kits and parts designed to support them.

Our playset hardware kits are assembled specifically around Jack's Backyard DIY playset plans, taking much of the guesswork out of finding the right fasteners and specialty hardware. As new plans and projects are developed—including swing set accessory arms, rock walls and other backyard and workshop projects—OtterWorks USA will continue to offer selected kits and parts designed to support them.
We're not trying to be a giant playground-parts store. The goal is much simpler: provide the right parts for the projects we know, based on designs we've actually built and experience earned in the shop and in the field.

If you found your project at Jack's Backyard, OtterWorks USA is here to help you build it.

Meet the Otter family:

THE JACK OTTER:
​Jack is the designer and builder behind the DIY plans found at Jack’s Backyard and the ideas that eventually become the kits and parts offered here at OtterWorks USA.
After more than 30 years of designing and building playsets, treehouses and backyard projects, Jack still spends plenty of time in the shop—with the music turned up and a freshly sharpened wooden pencil nearby—working through new ideas and figuring out better ways to build them.
Today, his focus is on creating practical DIY plans, sharing what he has learned, and developing projects that other people can build for themselves. OtterWorks USA supports that work by providing kits, hardware and specialty parts designed to work with plans from Jack’s Backyard.
The projects may have changed over the years, but the Jack Otter is still happiest when he’s designing, experimenting and making sawdust.

---

---

THE SPENCER OTTER:
​Spencer grew up building things alongside Jack, so it probably isn't surprising that he became the team's Outdoor Otter. From playsets and installations to custom treehouses high in the branches of Texas oaks, Spencer has spent years turning Jack's designs and ideas into finished projects.
Today, Spencer leads the hands-on construction side of the family business through Playset Services, where he and his crew handle professional playset installation, repair and custom treehouse construction.
While OtterWorks USA has shifted its focus toward supporting DIY builders with kits and parts for Jack's Backyard plans, Spencer continues doing what he has always done best—taking those ideas out of the shop and figuring out how to build them in the real world.
When he's not building, climbing or repairing something, Spencer is usually happiest outdoors, preferably near a campfire or with a fishing line in the water.

---

---

THE CARLY BELLE OTTER:
​Carly Belle is the Fun-Loving Otter and longtime shop companion. She may not design plans, pack kits or build treehouses, but she's been there for an awful lot of them.
Most days, Carly Belle can be found somewhere close to Jack—wandering around the shop, inspecting whatever is going on outside, taking an unauthorized break in the wildflower field or keeping a close eye on the local population of mice, rabbits and anything else that happens to move.
Known by more nicknames than any respectable dog probably needs—including Carly Booper, Bellikins and Carly Belly—she has spent years providing supervision, distractions and the occasional reminder that there are more important things in life than working all day.
She may not be much help around OtterWorks USA, but it wouldn't quite be the same place without her.

---

---

​THE GEORGE OTTER:
​George, better known around the shop as the Loudest Otter, George E. Claws and occasionally Captain Death Kitty, was part of the OtterWorks family for 19 years.
For years, his unmistakable yowl could be heard throughout the shop and studio, usually followed by someone saying, “George, get out of the office!” He had a remarkable ability to insert himself into whatever was happening and make sure everyone knew exactly how he felt about it.
George passed away at 19 years old, here at home in the studio where he had spent so much of his life. He was loved, he is missed, and after all those years as part of this place, we think the old Loudest Otter deserves to keep his spot on the page.

---

---

DIY Playset Plans

Shop

Playset Kits and Parts

Shop