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Arbor Swing Plans

by Ovidiu

 

This step by step diy woodworking project is about arbor swing plans. This detailed article features instructions and complete diagrams about building a an exquisite arbor swing. Adjust the design of the simple gazebo to suit your needs and budget. This project requires basic tools and materials, so that any person with basic skills can get the job done in less than a week. See here how to build the swing bench.

Work with good judgement and don’t forget to take a look over the rest of the related plans, as there are many designs and woodworking projects to select from. Work with attention and don’t forget that a good planning will save you from many issues and it will keep the costs within the total budget. Invest in high quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar. Drill pocket holes before inserting the galvanized screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

 

 

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It’s that easy to build an arbor swing!

 

 

Arbor Swing Plans

Building an arbor swing

Building an arbor swing

 

Cut & Shopping Lists

  • A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89″ long, 7 pieces – 37″ long FRAME
  • B – 7 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 89″ long DECKING
  • C – 4 piece of 4×4 lumber – 86″ long POSTS
  • D – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 60″ long BEAMS
  • E – 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120″ long RAFTERS
  • F – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 30 1/2″ long BRACES
  • G – 3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 40″ long, 5 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 35 1/2″ long 2xRAILING

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

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How to build an arbor swing

Building the floor frame

Building the floor frame

The first step of the project is to build the frame for the arbor swing. Build the components out of 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the 37″ long beams. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Fitting the decking

Fitting the decking

Next, you need to attach the 2×6 decking to the floor frame. Align the edges with great care, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the joists. Place a nail between the decking boards to make sure the water will drain properly.

Attaching the posts

Attaching the posts

Continue the outdoor woodworking project by attaching the 4×4 posts to the frame. Drill pilot holes through the frame and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the posts. Plumb the posts with a spirit level before locking them to the floor frame. If you want to give your project extra-support, you should use anchors to secure the structure to a concrete slab.

Building the support beams

Building the support beams

Build the support beams out of 2×6 lumber. Cut both ends in a decorative manner, by using a circular saw.

Fitting the support beams

Fitting the support beams

Attach the beams to the top of the wooden posts and clamp them into place, after making sure the edges are aligned properly. Drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts. Insert 7″ carriage bolts to lock all the components together.

Building the rafters

Building the rafters

Build the shade elements out of 2×6 lumber using the information described in the diagram. Make the notches to the shade elements and cut both ends on a decorative manner.

Fittiong the rafters

Fitting the rafters

Attach the rafters to the support beams, making sure you place them as in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 4 1/2″ screws into the support beams.

Building the braces

Building the braces

Build the cross-braces for the arbor out of 4×4 lumber. Cut both ends at 45 degrees and make a curved notch, for a professional

Fitting the braces

Fitting the braces

Fit the braces to the arbor swing, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the braces and insert screws into the posts at one one and in the rafters at the opposite end.

Fitting the cleats

Fitting the cleats

Build the side railings starting with the 2×6 horizontal cleats. Drill pilot holes and secure the cleats to the posts using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the cleats are horizontal before inserting the screws. Use a spirit level to make sure the cleats are perfectly horizontal.

Fitting the balusters

Fitting the balusters

Next, attach the 2×2 balusters to the sides of the arbor swing. Drill pilot holes through the balusters and secure them to the cleats using 2 1/2″ screws. Place the balusters equally-spaced for a professional result.

Fitting the handrails

Fitting the handrails

Build the handrail out of 2×6 lumber. Cut notches to the slat and fit it to the cleats using 2 1/2′ screws. Leave no gaps between the components and round the exposed edges with a router.

Fitting the trims to the balusters

Fitting the trims to the balusters

In order to enhance the look of the arbor swing, we recommend you to fit 2×3 trims to the sides, as shown in the diagram. Cut the components at the right dimensions, drill pocket holes at both ends and secure them to the posts with 2 1/2″ screws.

Arbor swing plans

Arbor swing plans

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden garden swing stand from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain.

 

 

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12 comments

Heather -

I love this swing pergola! We made it for our backyard and just love it!!!

We love it so much we are going to build two more structures in our backyard! Basically, just bigger structures than this one!

Reply
Heather -

Just a suggestion:

Step E says to get 15 pieces of lumber. I do believe you meant to write “5”. 🙂

Reply
Julian -

Thanks for the feedback. I ve updated the cut list. I am glad to hear you like the plans and already have built the pergola swing. It would be lovely if you shared a few pics to inspire other DIY-ers around the word! Thank you.

Reply
John -

Quick question on how you attach chain/rope to the middle rafter? My bench came with screw in eyeballs, but I would prefer large bolts with a washer to spread the load on the top side of the board. Unfortunately, I am not sure about drilling through 5.5 inches of the rafter with a width of only 1.5 inches. Are you wrapping the chain around the rafter?

Reply
Julian -

I don’t think that’s a good idea. You could join together two rafters to make the middle rafter thicker or use 4×6 lumber. I would use something like this: http://amzn.to/2op0pwN

Reply
Fanucci -

What is the best way to connect the middle rafter to the support beam?

Reply
Julian -

Rafter ties and screws.

Reply
STEVE MCNITT -

Do you recommend pine or redwood?
Also, would a 4×4 be a better center beam for holding the swing?

Reply
Ovidiu -

Redwood is far superior in all areas except price. A 4×4 would ruin the design, I suggest gluing two 2×6 rafters together.

Reply
Aaron -

Have you noticed if the structure rocks at all when you get swinging…or is the base wide enough to keep it from moving. Also did you make the seat or did you buy it?

Reply
Ovidiu -

The base should be wide enough for proper support. However, this is not designed for high swinging. I have plenty of swing bench plans here: https://myoutdoorplans.com/category/swing/

Reply
Sadiq -

Hi may friend
How to calculate the load against the lumber dimension of rafters.

Many thanks in advance

Reply

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