This step by step diy woodworking project is about arbor swing plans. This is a simple arbor that you can build for your garden and then attach a swing to it. I have designed the structure to be sturdy and durable. However, if you like to swing high, this is not the project for you. 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
Cut and Shopping Lists
A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 84” long POSTS
B – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 60 “ long SUPPORT BEAMS
C – 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 96″ long RAFTERS
D – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 30 1/2″ long BRACES
E – 16 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 40” long, 8 pieces – 67” LATTICE
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
Related
How to build an arbor swing
Laying-out-the-posts—arbor
The first step of the project is to build the frame for the arbor swing. Build the components out of 4×4 lumber. Layout the posts for the arbor, as shown in the diagram.
Laying-out-the-posts
Dig 3 ft holes and set tube forms. Fit the forms with concrete and set the posts anchors (alternatively, you can set the posts directly into concrete). After the concrete dries out you can set the posts and lock it to the anchors with screws. Use temporarily braces till final assembly of the arbor. Plumb the posts with a spirit level.
After setting the posts, use a circular saw to make cuts to the posts so their top are at the same height.
Building the roof
Support-beams—cut-diagram
Build the support beams out of 2×6 lumber. Cut both ends in a decorative manner, by using a circular saw and a jig saw.
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. Notice the 10″ overhangs on both sides. Drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts. Insert 7″ carriage bolts to lock all the components together.
Rafters—arbor-swing
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. Mark the location for the notches and then use a circular saw to make parallel cuts inside the areas. Remove the excess with a chisel and smooth the area with sandpaper.
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 5 1/2″ screws into the support beams.
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 look.
Fitting-the-braces—arbor-swing
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. Use 2 screws for each joint. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.
Building the lattice panels
Side-panels-supports
In order to enhance the look of the arbor swing, we recommend you to fit 2×2 trims to the sides, as shown in the diagram. Cut the components at the right dimensions, drill poilot holes at both ends and secure them to the posts with 2 1/2″ screws.
Side-panels
Fit the cross lattice components to the inside of the panels. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to assemble them together.
Hanger for swing
The easiest way to secure the swing is to drill pilot holes through the rafters and then set the hanger kit. Therefore, the swing will be lock into place tightly.
Fitting the middle supports
This step is optional. If you want to enhance rigidity of the roof structure, you can add 2×6 beams between the rafters, as shown in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 2×6 pieces and set them to the middle of the roof. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the pieces into place. If you decide to add these elements, you need to add a 2×6 4 ft to the shopping list.
Finishing touches
Arbor swing plans
Arbor swing plans – front view
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. If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project, in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.
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