How to Build a Wooden A-Frame Swing Set

You can build a wooden swing for your children in less than a day.

Children love swing sets and can spend hours playing on them at parks and playgrounds. While metal sets can rust, get hot and cause burns, or even tip over, wooden sets can last for years and are considered safer. Having a wooden A-frame swing set in your backyard keeps your children active and lets them enjoy the outdoors without having to leave your house. With some basic tools, you can build your own beautiful wooden swing set in your backyard for your children to enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• 1 2-inch by 4-inch by 12-inch pressure-treated board
• 1 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot pressure-treated board
• 4 4-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot pressure-treated boards
• 1 4-inch by 4-inch by 16-foot pressure-treated board
• Hand saw
• Drill
• Screws
• 8 6-inch lag bolts with washers and nuts
• 4 8-inch lag bolts with washers and nuts
• 6 5-inch eye bolts with washers and nuts
• 4 metal A-frame brackets
• 2 metal angle brackets
• 3 plastic swing seats and chains
• 2 trapeze bars
• Step ladder
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Clear a level, rectangular area in your backyard that will be big enough to fit the swing set.

2. Cut the 2-inch by 4-inch by 12-inch board in half crosswise; you will use the halves later as support beams for the swing set's A-frame. Begin constructing the A-frame by cutting the 2-inch by 4-inch boards into two 36-inch-long side braces and four 12-inch-long top support braces with your hand saw.

3. Cut the 8-foot board into four pieces: two 3-foot pieces and two 1-foot pieces. The 3-foot pieces will form the angle braces that connect the A-frame to its crossbeam, and the 1-foot pieces will brace the top of the A-frame.

4. Arrange the four 4-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot boards into two A shapes, and use the lag bolts to join them together. Drill one of the 3-foot boards lengthwise at the bottom of the A-frame, so that it crosses the two legs and gives support. Drill one of the 1-foot boards lengthwise onto middle of the A-frame for support as well. Repeat on the other side.

5. Have someone help you raise the frames so they are nine feet apart. Raise the 4-inch by 4-inch by 16-foot board up so that rests on top of the two A-frames and forms the crossbeam. Secure the board to the frames using metal A-frame brackets.

6. Attach the braces using metal angle brackets positioned on the opposite side of the crossbeam and angled downwards so they connect with the top brace of the A-frame.

7. Drill a hole 2 inches from the end of the crossbeam and a second hole 18 inches from that hole for the trapeze bars. Drill another hole six inches from each angle brace, and drill another two holes 18 inches from those. Finally, drill two holes 18 inches apart in the center of the other two.

8. Install the eye bolts and attach the trapeze bar and plastic swings to the crossbeam. You can adjust the height of the swings if desired. You can also apply wood varnish to protect your swing set from water damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Old tires can be bolted to the legs of the swing set to anchor it more securely to the ground.

• Remember to use safety equipment like gloves and eye protection when working with tools.

References

• IQIO: How to Build a Swing Set
• BYO Swingset
• HGTV: How to Build a Custom A-Frame Children's Swing Set