How to Build Wood Framed Swing Sets
- 1). Choose between a package or a plan. The first thing you need to decide is do you want a package deal (where you buy a plan and the lumber, hardware and accessories that come along with it) or do you just buy the plan. The package makes the purchase easier, but you also pay more for having all the legwork done for you and you get inferior lumber. The plan makes the most sense. It's less expensive, comes with the essential accessories and a list of the specific lumber you'll need to build your swing set.
- 2). Pick the appropriate materials. The materials you select will have a direct impact on how much and how long your kids are going to be able to enjoy the swing set you built. Start with the wood. Purchase lumber that will hold up to the extremes of being outdoors year round. Green treated or redwood are the two types of lumber that hold up best to the rigors of outdoor extremes.
- 3). Create the main beam. Your plan (if you chose a plan) should have a preselected list of all the materials you need to buy. But if you're doing it on your own, the above referenced materials will work fine for a basic swing set. Take your two 2-by-6-by-12-foot boards and place them on a flat surface, one on top of the other. Drill a set of three or four holes every 32 inches and screw the boards together. Do this on both sides so that the boards are firmly held together. This is your top beam.
- 4). Connect the posts (legs).Make sure you have two connectors for the posts. Put one on either end of your finished top beam. Mark and drill the holes, then attach the post connectors to the top beam. Now you're ready to attach your posts. Move the swing set pieces to the area you are going to put it. That way, you won't have to move it later. Set your posts next to the post connectors on your beam. One at a time, mark and drill the holes in your post and then attach first the front legs, then the back to the post connectors. You should now be able to stand up your swing set.
- 5). Support the posts. For the swing set to remain strong and stable, you need to add bracing to the legs. You can do this with a 2-by-6-by-8. Once the swing set is standing firm on its four legs (without wobbling), put one end of the 2-by-6-by-8 up to the legs on either side of the swing set and place a mark on the 2-by-6 based on where the post runs down it. Cut it according to your markings. Then predrill the holes and attach the fitted 2-by-6 to your posts. Do this on both ends of the swing set. For extra strength, buy another 2-by-6 and do this to both the insides and outsides of the posts.
- 6). Add your accessories. Your swing set should be standing and solid on the ground. You're now ready to attach the swings. Most big-box stores sell swings with the appropriate hardware and directions for proper installation.
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