How to Build Your Own Swings

Build a tree swing for your children to enjoy.

A tree swing is one of the most basic playthings. You can make one for your kids to enjoy whenever they want. The only tools required for this basic project are a saw and a drill, making the project doable even if you don't have a lot of building experience. Once the neighborhood kids see the swing, you may be getting requests to build more swings in other yards.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-12-inch board
• Saw
• Drill
• 1/4-inch drill bit
• 15-foot pieces of rope (2)
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Select a strong tree that has a branch extending straight out 10 feet above the ground. Walnut, mulberry, oak and beech work well. Avoid fruit trees, which are not strong enough.

2. Cut a 20-inch piece of 2-by-12-inch wood with a saw.

3. Drill a 1/2-inch hole through each corner of the board, positioned 2 inches in from the edges.

4. Sand the entire board with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any splinters or burrs.

5. Thread a 15-foot piece of rope down through one hole on the right side of the board and then up through the other hole on the right side. Pull the end of the rope up 16 inches from the surface of the board.

6. Tie a knot 12 inches up from the board in the longer side of the rope, and then tie the shorter end above the first knot. This step will create a triangle of rope with the board on the bottom.

7. Tie a second piece of rope to the other two holes, following the same procedure described above.

8. Tie the other ends of the rope to the tree branch. Unless the branch is perfectly horizontal, each rope will likely have to be a slightly different length. Set a level on the swing seat and make sure that it is even before tightening the knots on the branch.

9. Wrap the excess rope around the branch several times, and then tie the end of the rope back onto the rope going to the swing. This will spread the tension out over several loops of rope, reducing damage to the tree.

References

• Outdoor Swing Sets