How to Build an Easy DIY Swing Set

The swing ready in the backyard is an indelible childhood memory for many of us. This sturdy and like shooting fish in a barrel-to-get together swing set will permit you create those same memories for your kids.

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an chapter commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock every bit of time of publication.

Introduction

A backyard swing set offers a terrific incentive for your kids to become outside and play. This DIY friendly swing set project requires materials hands found online or at your local home store. Associates takes a couple of hours, and it will provide years of gravity defying fun for everyone.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • 4x4 x eight ft. Cedar-tone treated pine (4)
  • 4x6 ten 10 ft. Cedar-tone treated pine (1)
  • 5/sixteen x 2-1/2-in. screw eyes (4)
  • 5/eight x 12-in. J bolts (4)
  • Pairs of swing hangers (iii)
  • Swingset frame brackets (2)

ⓘ

Editors note: Nosotros used pre-fabricated frame brackets for this project. For the amount of fourth dimension and skill it would take to build a sturdier swing prepare, they are totally worth the buy. Too, this project does not include the actual swings. We encourage you to create your own or purchase separately.

Project pace-past-pace (6)

Pace ane

Attach Brackets to Beam

  • Install the brackets on either end of the 4x6x10-ft. beam;
    • If they are tight, utilise a hammer with a wood block to knock them on.
  • Using the 1/4 in. drill flake, pre-drill the iii holes either side of each bracket. Make the holes about three inches deep;
  • Use a 1/2-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 brand this task fast and easy.

Footstep two

Lay-out and Install Swing Hanger Hardware

Note: This swing set volition allow for three swings. The optimal safe distance between each swing is eighteen inches. For most swing attachments yous want a spacing of 16 inches between each pair of hangers.

  • With the bottom of the beam facing up, marker the center of the beam (five feet from either cease);
  • Measure and marker eight inches to either side of that middle to go the xvi-in. spacing for a swing attachment;
  • To place the other ii pairs of hangers, mensurate and mark eighteen-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, 1-3/iv-in. from edge;
  • Using ane/4-in. drill bit, pre-drill at each mark about ii inches deep;
  • Utilise an adjustable wrench to thread in all six swing hangers.

Step 3

Attach Legs

  • With the axle on the basis, insert the eight-ft. 4x4's into the brackets. Be sure they are all fully inserted.
  • Using 1/4-in. drill bit, drill four airplane pilot holes for each leg about three inches deep.
  • Using ane/ii-in. wrench or socket, install the 16 iii-inch lag bolts.

Step 4

Situate and Stand Up Frame

  • Observe a level plot of yard to permit for a condom play expanse. Roughly 20 ft. 10 18 ft. is ideal.
    • Nosotros recommend a clear 6 feet for the front end and dorsum of the legs and four feet of walk-around clearance to either side.
  • It will take two adults to lift and move the frame into place.

Step 5

Install Safety Stakes

  • Using ane/four-in. drill bit, pre-drill a hole two inches up from the bottom on the exterior of each leg. Continue the pigsty centered on the width of the leg and make information technology about two inches deep.
  • Thread in the 5/16 x two-1/2 in. screw optics. It helps to insert the J-bolt into the eye to help spin in the threads.
  • Hammer in the 12-in. J-bolts through the screw eye on each leg into the ground.

Step half dozen

Final Thoughts

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

Take extra care to ensure your swings are securely fastened. At that place are also many options y'all tin shop for, and then find the swing that your child will enjoy the most and get them swinging!

Originally Published: May 15, 2022