How to Build Swingsets

A swing set can be a great addition to a backyard that will provide your kids with years of entertainment. Building your own swing set instead of buying a pre-made set can be cheaper and allows you to customize it to your needs. In less than a day, you can see the kids happily playing on their new swing set.

Things You'll Need

• Four 4-by-4-inch posts
• One 4-by-6-inch beam
• Two 2-by-6-inch boards
• Four brackets
• Four braces
• Eight metal beam covers
• Six slotted beam clamps
• 16 galvanized deck screws
• 18 carriage bolts
• 24 washers
• 24 loc nuts
• 68 galvanized nails
• Six swing hangers
• Three swings
• Anchor kit
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Circular saw
• Electric drill
• Assorted drill bits
• Socket and wrench
• Ladder

Instructions

Preparation

1. Decide where to place the swing set in the yard. The back posts should be at least 3 feet from a fence or other obstruction so there's room for someone to stand and push a swing from behind. Most kids like to jump off swings, so there should be more than 3-feet clearance from the front posts.

2. Level the area under the swing set as much as possible. If the swing set is tilted forward or backward, it is more likely to tip when kids are swinging.

3. Remove the sod and replace it with a thick layer of mulch if you don't want the grass to appear unsightly once the kids start dragging their feet on the swings.

Assembly of Supports

1. Lay two of the 4-by-4-inch posts on the ground so they nearly touch at one end and the other ends are 82 inches apart.

2. Attach a bracket on either side where the posts meet and secure each with eight galvanized nails.

3. Measure 24 inches from the end without the bracket and place one of the 6-by-2 inch board across.

4. Screw each end of the cross member with four galvanized screws.

5. Cut the two ends of the cross member at an angle so they are flush with the posts.

6. Repeat with process with the other two posts to create the other A-frame support.

Drilling Holes in the Crossbeam

1. Measure and mark the spots where you need to drill holes. You need two holes for each swing and a hole at each end where the brackets will attach.

2. Drill holes through the beam, and then counterbore 5/8 inch into the top of each hole using a spade bit. The washer and loc nut will be placed inside the wider part of the hole.

3. Nail the slotted beam clamps (which look like metal plates) to the bottom of the beam over each hole for the swing hangers. The slotted hole on the clamp should line up with the hole you drilled.

4. Insert a swing hanger through the clamp and secure it with a washer and loc nut.

5. Cover the top of a hole with a beam cover and nail it in place.

Attaching the Crossbeam

1. Lay each A-frame support on the ground so one post is up in the air.

2. Attach the crossbeam to the bracket on each A-frame support with carriage bolts, washers, loc nuts and galvanized nails.

3. Position the metal braces so they connect the crossbeam and the posts. Drill two holes just in the crossbeam and attach the brace with bolts, washers and loc nuts.

4. Lift the swing set up and position it in place. Adjust the angle of the posts if necessary.

5. Stand on a ladder next to the first brace and drill through the two holes in the other end of the brace and attach it to the post with bolts, washers and loc nuts. Repeat with the other brace.

6. Move around to the other side of the swing set and add two more braces for a total of four.

7. Hook the swing chains on the swing hangers as the last finishing touch.

Tips & Warnings

• Use pressure-treated lumber so the swing set withstands the outdoor elements. Stabilize the swing set by anchoring the four posts to the ground with an anchor kit. Because of the sheer size and weight of the lumber required, you will need an assistant to help you with this project.

References

• Swing-N-Slide