How to Build an Arbor Swing With a Trellis Top

Let flowers vine over your trellis.

Placing a swing in your garden gives you a relaxing outdoor retreat. Having a swing with an arbor gives you the option of adding flowers to vine around your swing, further adding to the enjoyment of your garden. If you make your own arbor swing you can add the satisfaction of your own handiwork to the experience.

Things You'll Need

• 7 pieces of 2-by-4 treated lumber, 8 foot lengths
• 3 pieces 1-by-6 treated lumber, 8 foot lengths
• 2 pieces 2-by-6 treated lumber, 8 foot lengths
• 1 sheet 4-foot by 8-foot treated lattice
• Carriage bolts, ½ by 3 ½-inches
• 2-inch galvanized deck screws
• 4d galvanized nails
• Copper-pipe end caps
• 4 pieces ½-inch rebar, 3 feet long
• 2 screw hooks
• Circular saw
• Jig saw
• Power drill
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Step ladder
• Garden swing with chains for hanging

Instructions

Upright Assembly

1. Cut four 2-by-4 support posts 87 inches long each.

   Cut two 2-by-4 connector pieces 15 inches long each.

2. Position two 87-inch posts parallel. Lay a 15-inch connector across the posts aligning the top edge of the connector with the top of the posts. Make it flush with the outside edge of the posts.

   Drill two holes through each end of the connectors and posts. Countersink and install carriage bolts.

3. Cut two 48-inch pieces from a 2-by-4 for "feet".

   Mark the face of each foot board 16 ½ inches in from each end.

   Place a foot board flush with the bottom edge of the upright aligning the uprights with the marks on the foot board. The connector is at the top inside of the uprights and the foot board is on the bottom outside edge.

   Drill two holes through each upright and foot board. Countersink and secure with carriage bolts.

4. Cut four 16 ½-inch supports from a 2-by-4. Place them along the inside of the foot boards, flush with the bottom edge. Attach using 2-inch deck screws.

5. Cut two 8-inch supports from a 2-by-4.

   Fit an 8-inch support on each foot board between the uprights. Attach with deck screws.

6. Cut four 27-inch long braces from 1-by-6 boards.

   Cut a 45-degree angle at the ends of each brace, keeping the braces 27 inches at the long edge.

   Install two braces on each upright assembly with the angled cuts flush with the bottom of the foot board assembly and the inside edge of the uprights.

   Attach the braces with deck screws.

Top Connectors

1. Cut two 87-inch long connectors from 2-by-6 inch boards. Cut a 45-degree angle at each end of the boards.

   Place the connectors on the front face of the assembly with the top edges flush. Secure to the upright assembly with carriage bolts. Countersink the bolts. Repeat for the back of the assembly.

2. Stand the assembly upright.

   Using a step ladder to reach the top, center the third 87-inch connector between the two top connectors. Secure with deck screws.

3. Cut blocks from 2-by-4 boards to fit between the connectors to prevent twisting and warping. Attach the blocks using wood screws.

Trellises

1. Mark and cut the lattice into two lengths that are 15 ¾ inches wide. Clamp the lattice onto boards spaced 6 inches on either side of the cutline to prevent shifting.

   Cut the length to sit on the foot of your assembly and reach to the top of the frame.

2. Measure and cut the top lattice piece to fit flush on the top assembly.

3. Secure the lattice to the assembly using 4d galvanized nails.

Finishing

1. Stain the entire assembly in the color of your choice. Apply a second coat if desired.

   Mask the countersunk carriage bolts with copper end caps

2. Drill four 5/8-inch holes through the foot boards at 45-degree angles to secure the assembly to the ground.

   Hammer the rebar into the ground through the holes so that the rebar is not protruding.

3. Mark the positioning for the bench swing on the top connector.

   Bore holes in the top center connector for screw hooks. Attach the screw hooks.

   Hang the swing from the screw hooks.

Tips & Warnings

• Drill pilot holes to make installation of screws easier.

• Plant vines to grow over your trellis if desired.

• Wear protective eyewear and a dust mask when using the power saw and drill.

References

• Lowe's: Build a Swing Arbor
• Sunset: Garden Arbor Bench