How to Build an Easy DIY Swing Set

The swing set in the backyard is an enduring babyhood memory for many of us. This sturdy and easy-to-get together swing set up will let yous create those aforementioned memories for your kids.

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Introduction

A backyard swing set offers a terrific incentive for your kids to go exterior and play. This DIY friendly swing gear up projection requires materials easily found online or at your local home store. Assembly takes a couple of hours, and it will provide years of gravity defying fun for anybody.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • 4x4 x 8 ft. Cedar-tone treated pine (4)
  • 4x6 x ten ft. Cedar-tone treated pine (1)
  • 5/16 x ii-1/ii-in. screw optics (4)
  • 5/8 x 12-in. J bolts (4)
  • Pairs of swing hangers (three)
  • Swingset frame brackets (2)

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Editors note: We used pre-made frame brackets for this project. For the corporeality of time and skill information technology would take to build a sturdier swing set, they are totally worth the buy. Besides, this project does not include the actual swings. We encourage y'all to create your own or purchase separately.

Project step-past-step (half-dozen)

Step ane

Attach Brackets to Beam

  • Install the brackets on either finish of the 4x6x10-ft. beam;
    • If they are tight, apply a hammer with a wood block to knock them on.
  • Using the 1/four in. drill chip, pre-drill the iii holes either side of each bracket. Make the holes about iii inches deep;
  • Utilise a 1/ii-in. wrench or socket to install the 12 three-inch lag bolts supplied with the brackets;
    • Pro Tip: Using a socket adaptor for your drill/driver will make this task fast and like shooting fish in a barrel.

Step 2

Lay-out and Install Swing Hanger Hardware

Note: This swing prepare will allow for three swings. The optimal safe distance between each swing is 18 inches. For near swing attachments you desire a spacing of xvi inches between each pair of hangers.

  • With the lesser of the beam facing upwardly, mark the centre of the beam (five feet from either cease);
  • Mensurate and marking eight inches to either side of that eye to go the 16-in. spacing for a swing attachment;
  • To place the other ii pairs of hangers, measure and mark 18-in. from either side of the center pair and lay out your sixteen-in. spacing again.

  • Center each mark on the width of the axle, 1-three/4-in. from edge;
  • Using 1/4-in. drill bit, pre-drill at each marker about two inches deep;
  • Use an adaptable wrench to thread in all six swing hangers.

Pace iii

Attach Legs

  • With the beam on the footing, insert the 8-ft. 4x4's into the brackets. Be sure they are all fully inserted.
  • Using 1/4-in. drill bit, drill iv airplane pilot holes for each leg about iii inches deep.
  • Using ane/2-in. wrench or socket, install the xvi three-inch lag bolts.

Pace iv

Situate and Stand Upwardly Frame

  • Find a level plot of yard to let for a safe play area. Roughly twenty ft. x 18 ft. is ideal.
    • Nosotros recommend a clear six feet for the front end and back of the legs and 4 feet of walk-around clearance to either side.
  • It will have two adults to lift and move the frame into place.

Step 5

Install Safety Stakes

  • Using 1/4-in. drill fleck, pre-drill a hole two inches upwardly from the lesser on the outside of each leg. Keep the pigsty centered on the width of the leg and make it most two inches deep.
  • Thread in the 5/sixteen x two-i/2 in. screw eyes. It helps to insert the J-commodities into the heart to help spin in the threads.
  • Hammer in the 12-in. J-bolts through the screw centre on each leg into the footing.

Stride 6

Final Thoughts

We assembled a saucepan swing and trapeze bar out of materials we had on hand. If yous become the DIY route nosotros recommend quality nylon climbing rope that will knot and weather well merely won't stretch.

Take extra care to ensure your swings are securely fastened. There are likewise many options you tin can shop for, and then find the swing that your child will enjoy the most and get them swinging!

Originally Published: May 15, 2022