Building A Wooden Swing Set

Warmer atmospheric condition is on its way, and the days are getting longer. We wanted to create an outdoor projection that could bring the whole family together for the summer, and what better way to make your lawn a kid's oasis than with a swing set? With this DIY, we're pedagogy you how to build your own fix, complete with a climbing ladder and rock wall. Let's go edifice!

Step 1: Cut lumber

Cut your lumber according to the diagram below to duplicate our design. And then, treat the ends of your pieces with your end cut solution if you're using treated lumber like nosotros did.

Step 2: Assemble A-frames

In this footstep, nosotros'll make three identical A-frames using Eastward-Z Frame Brackets. Showtime, lay ii viii' four-by-fours on the footing in an "A" shape. And then, lay a bracket beyond the top of the "A" and mount it to one of the four-by-fours using ii one/2" screws. We used Spiral Products flat-head wood screws, which are sturdy construction screws rated for outdoor use.

Position the second four-past-four then the spread between the bottom of the four-by-fours is 94 1/2" when measured to the outside of the posts. Mount the bracket to the second four-by-four.

Echo for the other two A-frames.

Pace 3: Build deck assembly

Using two 55" and two 25" pieces of two-past-sixes, we'll assemble the platform frame. Place the 55" pieces standing up with the long end of the mitred cuts on the bottom, and create the frame by positioning the 25" pieces on finish 9" in from the ends of the longer pieces. Secure together using 3" screws. We used Screw Products trim head screws, which concur tightly but accept smaller heads that won't be too noticeable.

Next, place eight 28" pieces of two-by-fours flatwise on top of the frame. This will create the deck surface. Spiral down the ii cease boards first, then evenly space the remaining boards before screwing them down using 4 screws per board (two on each side).

Footstep iv: Attach deck to A-frames

With the ii A-frames laying on the ground, mark 45" up from the bottom of the legs on both frames. Lay the 55" side of the deck assembly on i A-frame so the bottom of the deck aligns with the marks you fabricated. Anchor in place with iv 3" screws at each corner.

Lay the other A-frame apartment on top of the deck assembly at the position you marked and screw securely in place. Make certain to insert the screws from the lesser, so they become through the deck assembly into the frame. Turn the structure upright.

Pace v: Mount ladder rungs

Measuring upwards from the bottom of the legs on i side of the structure, make marks at 10 i/ii", 24", and 37 one/2". Attach three 35" two-by-four ladder rungs so the acme of the rungs align with the marks you made. Secure with 3" screws.

Step 6: Attach railings (optional)

If you'd similar, yous tin can adhere 2 2-past-three 33" rail xiv" above the deck surface. We skipped this stride, but information technology's a keen optional addition if y'all want a little extra security for your kiddo.

Footstep seven: Build climbing wall

On the contrary side of the frame as the ladder rungs, nosotros'll create a 5' climbing wall using 16 35" two-by-fours. Identify the lesser of the commencement board 6" upward from the bottom of the legs and screw into place on each end using two 3" screws. Once the first board is mounted directly, use a spacer to gap the side by side board, mount, and screw into identify. Repeat until all boards are mounted.

Footstep eight: Secure climbing rocks

Now that we've created the wall, it's time to mark the spots where you lot'll mountain your climbing rocks. We used tape, but you tin can use a pencil, too. This is where you get to let your inventiveness smoothen—identify them wherever you like to create your own custom climbing wall. Make sure the rocks are inset from the A-frame posts, though, so they'll bolt through.

Drill holes for your rocks using a three/viii" drill bit. Place rocks and mountain them using the included bolts.

Stride 9: Drill holes for swings

Using the diagram beneath, drill x vertical holes through the top edge of a 12-foot long four-by-vi using a 5/16" drill bit.

Note: The diagram shows hole placement every bit measured from i stop of the four-by-six, then you tin claw a tape measure over one end and make your marks. If it'south easier for you to know the distance between holes nosotros've listed those measurements too in [brackets].

Counterbore the top of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and 8th holes about 5/8" deep using a ane 1/eight" spade bit.

If using treated lumber, cease cutting solution should be applied to all holes and fresh cuts to preserve the forest. Apply at present to the drilled holes.

Step ten: Mount swing hangers

Mount two pairs of swing hangers in the 5th, sixth, seventh, and eighth holes in the beam.

Step 11: Get together third A-frame

Complete the third A-frame by fastening a 72" cross caryatid 24" up from the lesser of the legs.

Place the completed tertiary A-frame on acme of the four-by-half-dozen beam so the holes in the A-frame subclass align with the ninth and 10th holes in the axle. Mountain the frame to the beam using 5 ane/2" carriage bolts, lock basics, washers, and 2 1/ii" screws. Tighten the bolts using a wrench.

Footstep 12: Complete frame and hang swings

Plow the A-frame and beam right side upwardly, and place the beam across the top of the rock wall structure. Fasten the axle to the tiptop of the deck frames simply every bit you did the single frame.

Then, hang swings of your option from the swing hangers.

Footstep 13: Use water repellant

The treated lumber we used will agree its appearance better if y'all utilize a water repellent when the woods is prepare. A simple splash test will decide whether the wood is prepare for this footstep. We used Wolman RainCoat, merely feel free to pick the repellent that works all-time for you—simply follow the instructions on the can.

Now y'all're prepare for some backyard fun! For more kid-friendly projects, effort this flower box, this kid-safe bow and pointer, and this roundup of five nifty summer DIYs.