Parent Guide

Awesome guides for awesome parents

  • Sleeping Time
  • Changing Time
  • Play Time
  • Baby Proofing
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

Home » A Complete Guide on How to Build a Swing Set

A Complete Guide on How to Build a Swing Set

November 26, 2019 By Parent Guide Team Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

  • How to Build a Swing Set the Easy Way and the Hard Way
    • How to build a swing set the easy way
      • Before you get started
    • Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10″ Compound Miter Saw
      • How to put it together
    • How to build a swing set the hard way
      • What you’ll need
    • Swing N Slide Summit Slide
      • On to the project
  • That’s the Swing
Gray swing

Of course, it may be easier to buy a pre-fabricated swing set, but it feels quite a bit more satisfying to learn how to build a swing set yourself.

When we were kids, we all loved to go to the backyard and swing on the swing set. We watched our dads pull a load of lumber out to the yard and were amazed when it became a beautiful new swing set to play on. Although, the question remains: How did dad know how to build a swing set all by himself?

How to Build a Swing Set the Easy Way and the Hard Way

Well, there are a few ways to accomplish this task. The decision rests on how much work you’d like to do and how much fun your children demand. It boils down to two ways: the easy way and the hard way.

Both methods are just as viable as each other. They simply differ in their beginnings. As in, what materials you use and how close they are to the final product, what tools you own, and whether you prefer to spend less or more time on the project.

How to build a swing set the easy way

child Swing
Image source: pexels

These are important questions to answer before you start drawing up your plans. If you can answer simply, and you would just like the normal swing set with two seats, then the easy way is the way for you.

Before you get started

Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10″ Compound Miter Saw

Metabo HPT 10-Inch Miter Saw | Single Bevel | Compound | 15-Amp Motor...
Metabo HPT 10-Inch Miter Saw | Single Bevel | Compound | 15-Amp Motor...
  • MOTOR: 15 Amp motor delivers high power for the toughest of cuts generating a no-load speed of up to 5,000 RPM
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: Only 24.2 lbs. to facilitate maneuverability and portability
  • MITER ANGLE RANGE: 0-52 degrees, to the right and left for increased flexibility
Buy on Amazon

You’ll need a set of tools, hardware, and lumber. A circular saw will do the job, but a table saw will make better cuts. With this, the choice is yours. You will also need a screw gun that can run both drill bits and screws.

As for hardware, you will need four to six angle iron brackets, two or three lag bolts, and a box of screws. The lumber you will need may vary, but you will need a 4×4 for the cross beam and a few 2×4 boards for the A-frames.

If your area isn’t level, you may want to level it out with some sand. Using a board and a 4-foot level, smooth out the sand in the area by pushing the sand with the leveled board. After your area is level and you have your items ready, it is time to get to the build.

How to put it together

First, build your A-frames. Use 2×4 boards cut at 60-degree angles. They should fit together into a triangle with a 4-inch space at the peak for the cross beam to fit into. At the center of the triangle, use another 2×4 board to support the A-frame.

Drill through the top of the boards so you can bolt them to the beam. Follow this process for the other A-frames and set them aside. Cut your crossbeam to the size you prefer and bolt on the swings.

Keep a good distance between them, so the children don’t bump each other as they swing. Drill through the beam in the places where the A-frame will meet.

Now, stand one of the A-frames up and fit the crossbeam into place. Run the bolt through the pilot holes and secure it with a nut. Finally, secure the other A-frames to the beam the same way you did the other. Now that your swing set is standing, use the angle iron brackets to support the structure.

The legs of the swing set now need to be pegged to the ground, so it doesn’t fall over. There are a few different methods you could use for this, but the easiest way is to use stakes. Attach the stakes to the legs of the swing set and sink them into the ground.

How to build a swing set the hard way

child Swing
Image source: pexels

What you’ll need

Swing N Slide Summit Slide

Swing N Slide Summit Slide - Green ,84' x 21' x7.5'
Swing N Slide Summit Slide - Green ,84" x 21" x7.5"
  • Constructed of durable plastic
  • Mounts to a 4' Platform
  • Lifetime against cracking or fading under normal use
Buy on Amazon

Other than the items listed previously, you will need a slide and some climbing stones. For this build, a third A-frame is necessary to support the slide. And some extra brackets will be needed to support the underside of the platform.

A small pre-cut piece of plywood will become your platform. If you prefer not to buy extra lumber, you can also use a couple of 2×4 boards set side by side.

A can of paint or stain will make the build look great when it’s finished. This will also prevent wear and tear as the years go by.

On to the project

Now that you have everything in order, it’s time to start building. Build your A-frames and set your crossbeam. The third A-frame will fit into the build off-center. It will be the support for the slide platform. Attach 2×4 boards horizontally to the legs of this frame. That will be where you attach the climbing stones.

Frame the platform at the height of your slide using 2×4 boards. At this point, you can screw in the cap to the platform. If you are using a piece of plywood, put a screw in every 4 inches. If you are using 2×4 boards then, use 2 screws on either side. Now, attach the climbing stones.

Ensure that they are not too far apart so that the children can reach up to them. Finally, attach the slide to the platform and lay on your paint or stain.

And if you’re a visual person, check out this quick video for more instruction:

That’s the Swing

Image source: pexels

Did we help you learn how to build a swing set? Let us know in the comments!

Featured image source: pexels

Last update on 2022-05-28 at 13:09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Internet Guide and Quiz - Get Started

Most Popular

best jogging stroller guide The ultimate jogging stroller guide

baby climbing stairsSimply and effectively baby proof your stairs

how to choose the best infant pillowHow to choose the best toddler pillow

how to choose the best baby jumperHow to choose the best baby jumper

how to choose the best baby gateHow to choose the best baby gate

best-baby-thermometer-guide-How to choose the best baby thermometer

best menstrual cup guideThe ultimate guide to menstrual cups

baby in a bath tubHow to choose the best baby bath tub

Links

  • About This Blog
  • About Me
  • Privacy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact

Disclaimer

The information found on parent.guide is for general informational purposes only. Parent.Guide does not diagnose or prescribe. If in doubt, give your doc a shout!

Words to live by…

No one knows more about your child than you.

Copyright 2021 parent.guide All Rights Reserved