How to Use a Beam Instead of a Branch for a Tire Swing

Use a large truck tire for stability.

Tire swings are wonderful for children play on. They are easily assembled using a tire and a long chain or thick rope. The tire hangs from the chain or rope, where a child sits on the rim of the tire -- looping her legs through the tire hole -- and sways back and forth. Using a beam instead of a tree branch to hang a tire swing is often an effective idea to keep children safe.

Things You'll Need

• Chain
• Rope
• Pressure treatment
• Drill
• Screws
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Layer a 4-by-4-by-36-inch beam with one thick layer of pressure treatment. Treating the beam protects the wood from weakening due to inclement weather.

2. Triple loop the rope or chain over the beam. Snugly fit the beam perpendicular between two evenly high branches. Push the beam into the pivot points where the branches meet the tree trunk. Ensure the branches are high enough off of the ground for the swing to safely sway. Additionally, be sure the branches are healthy and at least 4 inches thick.

3. Screw the beam into the branches and tree trunk. Use at least two screws on each end of the beam to ensure the beam is unmovable.

Tips & Warnings

• Triple loop the rope or chain of the tire swing over the center point of a ceiling beam in a stabilized barn if a beam cannot be fitted into a tree. Be sure the swing cannot come into contact with rails, walls, tools, animals or other harmful devices or objects.

References

• Rope Swings: Tree Swing Ideas