Do-it-yourself wooden swing: how to make it for children, drawings and dimensions, photos and videos

To arrange a personal plot, in addition to gazebos, canopies and benches, it is good to install a wooden swing with your own hands. There are many options for their manufacture, you can choose the most optimal one for specific operating conditions: for children or adults. In order to independently build an original and comfortable structure for relaxation, you need to competently make a drawing and adhere to the algorithm of actions.

Pros and cons of wooden garden swings

The high popularity of homemade wooden swings, made with your own hands, is due to a number of positive aspects during their operation:

There is no need to load the branches of trees growing on a personal plot. Their use as a support for a swing can significantly damage the plants, deform them, and break them off.
Possibility to independently determine the length of the bench. In most cases, the bench dimensions are 1200-1500 mm. This wooden swing can accommodate 2-3 adults at a time. It all depends on personal preferences and capabilities.
Safety. A self-made swing is distinguished by the presence of reliable support and fastening elements. For small children, the height of the bench can be kept low to eliminate the possibility of injury during rest.
No toxic substances, carcinogenic particles. Thanks to the environmental friendliness of the material - wood, garden swings do not pose a threat to either humans or the environment.
There are no difficulties in keeping a wooden swing clean. Care involves cleaning from dust, various types of contaminants and varnishing to increase both practicality and decorativeness.
Mobility of the structure. A do-it-yourself wooden swing is distinguished by its relatively low weight, which, if necessary, makes it possible to move it to another place. So, for the winter period, the structure can easily be placed indoors until spring or removed under a canopy.
Ease of use. To increase comfort, the back and bench are decorated with pillows, soft covers, a canopy from precipitation and ultraviolet radiation. In addition, the swing can be made either in a stationary state or in a folding form.
Relatively low financial costs. Compared to metal structures, structures made of wood cost an order of magnitude less. In addition, you can use used pallets or unnecessary lumber left over from renovations to make a bench.
Easy to assemble. Almost anyone can assemble a wooden swing for the garden; it is important to follow the basic recommendations and use only high-quality consumables.
Aesthetics. The construction allows you to decorate the local area and add zest to the landscape design.

Like any other structure made from natural materials, wooden swings have their weaknesses:

fragility of wood;
requires more careful care than a metal swing.

Considering that wooden structures do not tolerate precipitation, temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation, they are susceptible to rotting processes and insect attack, they must be protected with the help of special antiseptics, stains, and varnish.

Important! Treatment of a homemade building must be done every year. Photo of a wooden swing for a summer house, made by yourself.

Making a bench for a swing

To build a wooden seat, you need to prepare a certain number of bars. Again, the quantity and size may change if you plan to make the swing larger or, conversely, smaller. Here is a standard list of materials for a bench:

20 pieces for constructing a frame - 70 centimeters in length and 1 centimeter in thickness;
4 pieces for finishing the back - 55 centimeters in length, 1 centimeter in thickness;
4 pieces for finishing the seat - 45 centimeters in length, 1 centimeter in thickness;
4 pieces for installing armrests - 2 x 35 centimeters long, 2 x 45 centimeters.

First you need to build a frame. It is better to place the back and seat towards each other so that an angle of 110° is obtained. All parts are sanded and then knocked together using screws or nails. Then they move on to finishing. The bars are nailed horizontally with a distance of 3 mm from each other. To install the armrests, you need to attach one beam vertically on each side, and then another along the horizontal crossbar. When the work is done, you can begin the finishing procedures. This may include treating the coating with varnish or a septic tank.

Types of wooden swings for the garden

There are a huge number of design options for recreation for adults and children. They differ in both installation method and shape. Each option has its own positive and negative sides that must be taken into account during production.

According to the installation method, the following types of wooden swings are distinguished:

Stationary. This building requires a columnar foundation. It will not be possible to move it to another convenient place if necessary. Therefore, when choosing such a swing, the search for territory must be taken with full responsibility.

Mobile (portable). Mount the wooden swing on a support, which is prepared in advance. The building does not create difficulties during transportation; it can be folded and transported to another place. The portable structure is made in the form of an angle and is equipped with an auxiliary stiffener. It is mounted in the middle or at the bottom of the supports. This design option is the most popular, since the triangle is a simple rigid figure.

Hanging. Due to its presentable appearance and ease of use, this type of swing is in quite high demand; it can often be seen in personal plots. The only thing is that to install it you will need a strong tree in the garden - good support. The hanging structure is mainly used for children's rest; its low weight allows it to be hung on a tree branch without any particular difficulties.

Classification of swings by purpose. Wooden products are divided into the following types:

Family swing. Allows you to accommodate up to four people. The design consists of a large bench so that both adult family members and children can sit comfortably. But manufacturing will require serious fastenings and durable wood.

Children's. They are small in size and can support only 1-2 babies. The main purpose of such a structure is entertainment. The main thing here is to make the backrest and handrails as comfortable as possible for the child, allowing him to ride safely.

Outdoor, used for relaxation purposes. They are equipped with canopies, nets to protect against harmful insects, and soft seats.

Options for attaching the top crossbar of the swing

One of the methods of fastening the crossbar involves installing it directly into vertical supports. To do this, in the legs on each side it is necessary to cut a hole in the tops similar to the cross-section of the crossbar. Then there will be a place to install a vertical beam. After this, you can proceed to fastening with bolts, nuts, and washers. For additional fixation, it is recommended to use locknuts. They are tightened in the opposite direction from the nuts. This work is done on both sides of the swing.

In addition to this method, you can also use a special nozzle for a swing. You can purchase them in specialized stores.

How to make a wooden swing with your own hands

In the traditional design, the wooden product consists of two inclined posts, to connect which a transverse beam is used. A bench is also mounted to it. To protect from bad weather and the sun, you can equip a wooden swing with a canopy. An outdoor structure can also be made from tree trunks and branches, but it is recommended that they be cleared of bark first. The result will be a rather original building.

Another solution for a personal plot is to use a wooden frame instead of two inclined posts. It consists of a crossbar and two vertically installed pillars. To make a wooden outdoor swing with your own hands, for reliability you need to place the frame on wide supports, which are further reinforced with braces.

If you want to install an interesting structure for relaxation at your dacha, you can make a bench from thick boards and branches. It is suspended from two round bars mounted in racks, and not from the crossbar as usual.

Another unusual project for a garden swing made of wood is a structure without a canopy, the assembly of which will require a rounded log. This installation is distinguished by its ease of installation and attractive appearance. Additionally, you can install a staircase nearby; children will especially appreciate it.

A support structure is made from timber and boards that looks like a “goat” for cutting firewood. Decorate the bench effectively with the chains on which it is suspended.

Advice! To make a comfortable bench, you can use two scraps of slab, which are well cleaned and processed.

Swing with canopy

Many swings are equipped with canopies. This design idea allows you to avoid several problems:

Ingress of debris. During relaxation, the impact of foliage, branches or other delights on the person enjoying nature will be minimized. After such a rest, he will not devote time and energy to cleaning his things, the upholstery of the swing, as well as his hair from unnecessary objects.
The occurrence of rotting. Since moisture has a negative effect on wood, such a covering can protect the main part of the structure from rotting, and the metal parts can maintain the structure longer without corrosion.
Overheat. Especially in the summer, when it gets hot, it is not recommended to stay in the sun for a long time. And with a canopy, you can rest longer without fear of overheating.
The influence of ultraviolet radiation. It can have a negative effect on the paint of metal parts. Such a roof will be able to delay the moment when it will be necessary to restore the coatings.

There are a variety of materials from which you can create a canopy. This could be textiles, wood, tiles.

Tree. This coating allows you to achieve a complete picture against the background of the landscape and other buildings.
Textile. The fabric from which the roof is made must be resistant to wear. This can be understood by the composition if, for example, it includes polyester or acrylic. The shape of the canopy can be different: rectangular, trapezoidal, with two or one slope. Some people decide to add a mosquito net to this cover.
Roof tiles. This material is usually chosen so that it is combined with the covering of the main buildings, for example, a house, a summer kitchen, and so on. The canopy adds elegance to the swing, and asphalt shingles allow you to reduce the weight of the roof and relax under it without the loud noise of rain.

What you need to make a homemade wooden swing

To assemble a wooden swing with your own hands, the diagram of which is presented below, you will need the following consumables:

2 top bars 23 cm long (4.5 x 14 cm) to provide stability;
2 bottom bars 96 cm long (4.5 × 14 cm);
4 legs 198.7 cm (4.5x9 cm);
load-bearing element 210 cm long (4.5×14 cm);
rear seat post 60 cm long, 2 pcs. (3.5x7 cm);
2 wooden support bars 95.5 cm long (3.5x7 cm);
2 bars for the seat, 120 cm each (3.5x7 cm);
2 elbow supports 60 cm each (3.5x7 cm);
2 elements for the back, 130 cm each (3.5x7cm);
2 supports for installing an armrest, 27.5 cm each (3.5x7 cm);
8 seat slats 128.4 cm long (2.5 x 7 cm);
the top element is 130 cm long (2.5x9 cm).

The result should be an excellent decor for a garden with a width of 2.1 m, a height of 1.9 m, and a depth of 1.235 m. It is best to use impregnated pine as a material for work.

From fasteners you need to prepare:

galvanized screws 8×65 mm, 8×50 mm, 8×38 mm, 10×75 mm;
nails for roofing 2.5×40 mm;
nails with a convex head 2.5×65 mm;
screws with a square head and equipped with washers 8x100 mm (8 pcs.);
2 round head bolts and nuts 10x125 mm;
6 eye bolts with washers and lock nuts 100 mm.

In addition to the above elements for connection and materials, you need to have:

2 wooden spacers 38 cm long for arranging a corner area;
abrasive paper (grit index 120);
6 hooks equipped with a safety lock (5 mm);
chain 4.4 m long (link thickness 2 cm).

We hang the swing. Choose one of two support options

For this project, we decided to offer a choice of two suspension options. The first is a simple portable stand made of timber. Despite its simplicity, the design is very reliable and stable. And, of course, its main advantage is mobility. By removing the seat from the chains, two people can move the swing to a new location at any time.

Start with the supports (A). Cut four boards 50x150x1200 mm. Round the top corners as shown in the photo.

To make support pillars (B), use a 100x100 mm beam; it will be enough to provide the structure with the necessary rigidity and reliability. The length of the pillars is 1900 mm.

From the same timber, cut four rectangular blanks for struts (C) 460 mm long. Bend the ends at an angle of 45°, as shown in the diagram.

Make four upper struts (E): 50x100x760 mm.

Cut out a longitudinal beam (D) from 100x100 timber. Length - 2400 mm. At the ends of the beam, where it intersects with the pillars, make two identical cuts 100 mm wide.

Apply markings, pre-drill pilot holes and assemble the rack using 75mm screws or bolts. The design itself looks very cumbersome, but with a suspended seat it takes on a completely harmonious appearance.

Drawings of a wooden swing for a summer house

To decide on a wooden swing for children, you need to consider the drawings of the most popular options.

From simple to complex

The simplest model still remains a board or stick attached to a tree branch - however, not with a vine, but with a rope. However, modernity makes its own adjustments here too - instead of boards they use plastic panels, car tires and other improvised items. However, in terms of convenience and pleasantness of use, a board made of natural wood is still the leader.

The design is extremely simple, such a garden swing can be made with your own hands in half an hour to an hour. Holes for the rope are drilled in the board, a cord or rope is passed through them, and secured. Next, the rope is tied to a tree branch, a beam of a gazebo or veranda - and voila! You can ride. It’s even easier if children’s hanging swings made of plastic or wooden slats are used as a seat.

However, a strong tree with a suitable branch is not always at hand, so it is better not to be lazy and make a full-fledged wooden swing - with support posts, a crossbar and a seat suspension in the form of a rope or chain.

U-shaped garden swing made of wood

The simplest option is a U-shaped structure made of relatively powerful support posts with a cross member. The supports are usually dug into the ground, often complemented by side braces and other reinforcing elements.

They are made very simply:

two support pillars are dug into the ground to a depth of 0.5...0.8 m. The verticality of the pillars is checked by a level. The soil around them is compacted, you can add crushed stone or concrete the bases of the pillars;
a transverse beam (log, solid board) is laid on the tops, attached to the supports using the cutting method, fasteners or gussets (methods can be combined);
holes for hanging are drilled in the crossbar (this can be done before installation);
swings hanging on ropes.

If a chain is used as a suspension, it is better to screw massive hooks into the crossbar from below and attach the chain to them using carabiners or rings. However, this method is also suitable for rope.

You can extend the crossbar beyond the side supports and hang a rope ladder or climbing rope from it.

An interesting version of the U-shaped wooden garden swing is the model presented below, made from solid trunks with an arched crossbar, additional pillar supports and fastening of the swing not to the crossbar, but to horizontally located auxiliary beams.

Do-it-yourself A-shaped swing for a summer house

More practical and sustainable is the A-shaped garden swing design. In this embodiment, the side supports are not a separate, vertically mounted column, but a triangular structure with or without crossbars (L-shaped diagram). If there are additional connections, such wooden swings for a summer house can simply be placed on the ground, especially if they are heavy enough - for example, made of logs. However, for reliability, it is better to dig the supports into the ground.

Cross members in an A-shaped structure can be located:

at the top, less than a quarter of the height below the connection of the supports - in fact, this is a variant of the connecting gusset;
approximately halfway up;
at ground level or slightly higher (so that the tree does not rot from constant contact with damp and sometimes downright wet soil);
below ground level.

Additionally, cross members can connect both A-frames at the rear, front, middle, or both sides.

Sometimes there are no additional crossbars at all. In this case, to maintain the rigidity of the structure, the support parts are connected using the cutting method (for example, “half-tree”). This connection method is very familiar to anyone who has ever installed wooden rafters.

Cross members are attached using the same principle.

Dimensions of children's swings made of wood

For the comfort and safety of the baby, a swing made of wood should be made according to the dimensions “for growth”. The most reliable version of a children's swing made of wood, made by hand, is considered to be a product in the shape of the letter A. Thanks to the joint-groove connection, it will not wobble. To increase the rigidity of the structure, a horizontal beam is mounted at a distance of a third of the height from the ground.

For the child’s comfort, the seat must be made wide and the backrest high. It is better to hang the bench from the crossbar using a chain; it can later be shortened by adjusting it to the baby’s height. The optimal height of the seat from the ground is no more than 80 cm. It is important to provide for all possible risks of injury to children; the seating area should be both comfortable and safe.

Tools and materials

One of the important advantages of this project is the ability to get by with a minimum of tools if you buy pre-prepared boards. Curvilinear cuts of armrests, rear pillars and seat supports can be easily made with a jigsaw. The rest of the cuts are straight. Of course, a miter saw will come in handy here. But if it is not there, it is not critical. To cut most of the parts, a simple hand tool will be enough: a wide miter box, a good saw and a sharp chisel. The requirements for the cutting accuracy of most parts are low. But it will be difficult without a screwdriver; at the assembly stage it is the workhorse of this project.

In order not to go broke buying lumber, use simple pine boards. But there is one important nuance: they must be antiseptic. This is especially true for the support elements of the swing. For outdoor structures, it is better to purchase wood that has undergone industrial antiseptic treatment in an autoclave - today this is the most progressive way to protect wood. You can buy ordinary boards and carry out antiseptic treatment yourself, using purchased or homemade bioprotection products. Read more about this here.

Pine is not the most outstanding wood, but it will last a very long time if you choose the material wisely:

use radial or semi-radial cut boards - such lumber is more stable under changes in humidity, as a result it warps and cracks less, and varnish and paint last longer on it.
Choose lumber from the heartwood portion of the wood, as sapwood is more vulnerable to rot. It is easy to distinguish these layers by the orientation of the growth rings at the end of the board and by color: sapwood is noticeably lighter than heartwood.
give preference to boards with densely spaced growth rings - they are less prone to shrinkage/swelling and are better able to withstand outdoor use.

Wood that is exposed to the open air all year round will have a hard time in any case. In order for the structure to last as long as possible, at the final stage you definitely need to think about a protective coating. The most reliable option is painting. Read about how to choose paint for wood here. You may also find our tips useful on how to avoid defects when painting outdoor wooden structures.

How to make a wooden swing with your own hands

To find the best option for assembly, you need to familiarize yourself in more detail with the step-by-step instructions for a DIY wooden garden swing. Only a competent approach will make it possible to create a beautiful and easy-to-use swinging device for both children and adults.

How to make a simple wooden swing with your own hands

To install the structure you will need the following consumables:

log 3 m long and 125 mm in diameter;
sisal cable (7 m);
leg-split;
2 bolts equipped with rings;
2 fastenings for quick connection - carabiner;
2 logs with a diameter of 85 mm;
board 600 mm long (section 200×50 mm);
2 square washers;
2 nuts.

You need to place the log between two branches for reliability. You can secure it with a rope. It is important that the third part of the length is at the overhang (1000 mm). The log is mounted at a height of 2600 mm from the ground.

Secure the ropes. The ends of the sisal cable with a diameter of 13 mm must be tied with twine, otherwise the fibers will unravel. The ropes are attached to a branch or log using a loop with three knots. You need to tie it at a distance of 1 m from the end of the log; the interval between the ropes should be 50 cm.

Make a seat from small logs. Their length should be 70 cm, and their diameter 8.5 cm. First, you should run the ropes between them, wrap them around each, and then pull them out and tie them with 3 knots.

If you need to make a swing with a flexible seat, then you need to provide a carabiner on both sides. They are also fixed to the ropes using a triple knot. This technique makes it possible to replace the seat at any time.

Making a seat from a board is easy. A hole with a diameter of 10 mm is drilled from each edge and bolts with rings are mounted in them (length 200 mm, diameter 10 mm). Square washers are installed on top and under the seat, nuts are mounted from below. This version of a wooden hanging swing is more relevant for teenage children, and for kids a design with a flexible seat is more suitable.

How to make a swing with a roof out of wood with your own hands

Consumables for the construction of this structure:

4 beams for side supports 3 m long (100×100 mm);
beam for the top crossbar 2.5 m long (80x80 cm);
side tie made of crossbar 100x30x600 mm.

Work algorithm:

Using a grinder, cut the posts to the required length and connect them in the shape of the letter A. For better stability, they are connected using side ties, where the lower ones are mounted at a height of 60 cm from the ground, and the upper ones at a distance of 20 cm.
The supports are installed in dug holes, the depth of which is 80 cm. At the bottom of each, a sand-crushed stone layer 20 cm thick must be laid. In case of serious load, the supports are concreted.
The upper ends of the supports should be connected using a crossbar. Everything must be done according to the level. Installation is carried out using knitting needles with a diameter of 10 mm; they are installed at the crossing points of the crossbars through the holes. From the inside and outside, screw the nuts and washers onto the spokes and then tighten them.
The bench can be made from pallets. They are hung on ropes, having previously drilled holes along the edges for them. If necessary, the backrest is mounted using bars.
The canopy is made as follows: 2 triangles of timber are mounted on both sides of the crossbar (top), then boards are attached to it and thick fabric, polycarbonate sheets, and tarpaulin are thrown over it.

How to make a swing for two from wood with your own hands

The double street design involves creating a support from beams in the shape of the letter A. Using a crossbar, you need to join 2 such supports, and already fix 2 seats to it using ropes. They can be made from improvised materials or purchased ready-made.

How to make a folding wooden swing with your own hands

To make a structure that can be used in two versions, it is necessary, as in the previous case, to assemble a power frame in the form of the letter A and install it in a permanent place.

From a 150x50 mm board it is necessary to make a load-bearing “skeleton” of the future bench measuring 2000x1000 mm. Instead of chains, it is good to use rigid wooden rods. All frame elements are assembled using the “half-tree” method.

For flooring, 50×75 mm bars are used. To create a backrest, you need to connect the flooring element with additional bars. Finally, braces and jibs are installed, armrests are mounted, and the height of the bench suspension is adjusted.

Video of making a wooden swing with your own hands.

Unusual swing for two

In addition to the standard swing with two seats, there is also such a variety as a boat swing. Two people can easily ride on it, standing in front of each other and talking. You can also place a miniature table on it. Then it will be possible not to interrupt communication to bring food. To build the frame, use logs with a smooth surface or high-quality beams. Hinges are installed at the points of contact between the furniture and the platform. They are also attached in places where vertical structures and horizontal planes intersect. You can add a romantic atmosphere with a special design. Here everyone can realize their fantasy or turn to professionals.

Useful tips

Wooden structures for recreation for both adults and children must be assembled exclusively from durable and high-quality materials, characterized by the absence of harmful substances and safety in use. The swing must be installed in a free area, taking into account the required space for swinging. The area must be level and clear of debris. To extend the life of a homemade wooden swing, it should be treated with special impregnations and antiseptics once every 1-2 years. To maintain aesthetics, all soft elements must be washed and cleaned periodically.

Children's swings for home

There are no swings just for indoor use, since if desired, they can always be taken outside. Their peculiarity for home use is that they most often do not have a frame, but are suspended directly from the ceiling, from a door frame or from a metal crossbar.

Ordinary ropes are most often used as suspensions.

As for the seat, it can be soft or hard, depending on your wishes and capabilities. The main thing is that this seat is durable. For this, you can use any materials; even part of the window sill from a plastic window is suitable for these purposes. But usually a piece of board or plywood is used for a hard seat, and strong strips of fabric or tarpaulin are suitable for a soft seat.

It is important to install the swing in the widest part of the apartment where possible. The greater the distance from the edge of the seat to the wall, the less chance the child will hit.

Portable models can be used both outdoors and at home. They are designed for very young children. To make the structure as light as possible, their frame is made of thin-walled metal tubes. The seat is also made of such pipes and covered with thick fabric. Seats for babies are made like a cradle. There must be a jumper in front that will prevent the child from falling out while swinging.

Features of material selection

The durability and reliability of the structure directly depends on the quality of the wood used. You should not save money by creating a frame from scrap lumber. Few people would want to ride on a swing that could fall apart at any moment. The tree must be dry, without signs of rotting, cracks or large knots.

To make a stationary structure, use solid round timber of small diameter or timber. Each of these materials has its own strengths and weaknesses - the choice is up to the master. We can only note that a professionally made swing from solid trunks will have a truly original look, but parts made from timber are easier to process and easier to connect with each other.

Installation location

Before starting work, you should carefully inspect the area and choose the optimal place where the swing will be installed. Of course, if you decide to make a bungee, all you need to do is find a suitable tree.

In addition, for hanging and any other options, the following must be taken into account:

the place should be sufficiently far from walls, fences, trees, bushes;
you need to choose a site with sufficient illumination, this will ensure the durability of the structure, preventing the wood from becoming damp;
the platform must be level, without distortion;
There should be no draft, otherwise the rest may turn into a chronic cold.

Ideally, the site should be covered with grass or fine sand. Don’t forget that a swing is not the safest place for children, and falling on the grass is much more pleasant than falling on asphalt or concrete.

Phased construction

You can create a swing for your dacha with your own hands quite quickly. To avoid problems during the actual work, it is worth drawing up a drawing in advance. It will reflect all building materials with dimensions. Based on the detailed diagram, you can easily understand which building elements need to be purchased.

For example, you will need bars for racks, boards for the back, seat and armrests. You should also stock up on fasteners. It is better if pine impregnated with special compounds is chosen to create the structure.

Advice! An antiseptic that will be used to treat the wood should be prepared in advance. In addition, you need to select materials for finishing the wooden swing.

Such subtleties of the construction of the structure should be taken into account at the planning stage.

In addition to fasteners, you will need to prepare spacers, a chain (2 cm thick), hooks, and sandpaper.