Outdoor Swing Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about outdoor swing plans. Building an a-frame swing is easy, if the right plans, materials and techniques are used. Nevertheless, there are so many things that you should take into account, that we really recommend you to pay attention to the instructions highlighted in this project. Invest in quality lumber (pressure treated lumber, redwood, cedar, pine), if you want to build a durable structure.

There are several things that you could take into account before starting the actual construction of the a-frame swing. As you will see in the plans, you nee to adjust the size of the structure, as to suit your needs and budget. This project features a basic structure for one person, but you can make it slightly larger, if you want to fit a two-person bench. Don’t forget that it is essential to set the legs into concrete, as to provide support to the construction. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

 

 

Projects made from these plans

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[tabs tab1=”Materials” tab2=”Tools” tab3=”Time” tab4=”Related”]

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  • A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 94 1/2” long POSTS
  • B – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 33″ long, 2 pieces – 11 1/2″ long  SUPPORTS
  • – 1 piece of 4×4 – 72” long TOP BEAM
  • D – 8 piece of 1×6 – 30 1/2” long BRACES
  • E – 1 piece of 1×10 lumber, rope SWING

  • swing hanger
  • swing seat

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 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Post-hole digger

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

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 One weekend

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Building an a-frame swing

Building a simple swing

Building a simple swing

 

Top Tip: A small garden swing is one of the best investments you could make, if you want to build a simple but fun project. As you will see in the article, this woodworking project doesn’t require more than 100 dollars in lumber and other materials.

 

 

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Outdoor Swing Plans

Buidling the A-frames

Building the A-frames

The first step of the project is to build the A-frames for the outdoor swing. As you can see in the image, you need to to build the legs and the braces from 4×4 lumber. Cut both ends of the legs at 75º, by using a circular saw.

Drill pilot holes trough the legs and insert galvanized screws into the braces. In addition, add waterproof to the joints, in order to get a rigid structure.

Top Support Cuts

Top Support Cuts

Use the diagram for making the cuts for the top of the supports.

Laying out the supports

Laying out the supports

Lay out the components on a level surface and align the supports as shown in the diagram.

Installing the top beam

Installing the top beam

It is essential to align the components at both ends before locking them together. Next, you need to attach the 4×4 beam to the top of the A-frames and lock them into place with screws. Check if the beam is horizontal, drill pilot holes and drive in the screws.

We recommend you to lock the legs into concrete, if you want to create a rigid structure. Plumb the A-frames with a spirit level and let the concrete to dry out, before attaching the beam.

Fitting the braces

Fitting the braces

In order to add support to the A-frame swing, you need to install 4×4 braces, as in the plans. Cut both ends of the braces at 45º and lock them to the supports and to the top beam with galvanized screws.

Top Tip: Drill pilot holes before inserting the 3 1/2″ wood screws. Work with attention and with good judgement, to prevent costly mistakes and other issues.

Building the braces

Building the braces

Build the braces for the swing.

Installing the swing

Installing the swing

Building the actual swing is a straight forward. As you can notice in the image, you need to use a wooden plank and several pieces of rope. Adjust the size of the rope pieces according to your needs, making sure the wooden plank is perfectly horizontal.

Top Tip: Secure the swing to the top beam by using heavy-duty eye screws. Align everything before hanging the swing to the beam.

Outdoor Swing Plans

Outdoor Swing Plans

Last but not least, you have to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes and the cracks with wood filler and let it dry out for several hours, before sanding the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: Protect the wooden components from rot by applying several coats of paint. Choose colors that match the design of the rest of your property, as to enhance the look of the garden swing.

 

 

This woodworking project was about outdoor swing plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.




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