How To Build A Swing Set

Building a wooden swing set for your children is a great way to provide them with a fun activity while giving your backyard a beautiful handcrafted element.

Step 1 – Purchase the Materials

To build a swing set you will need wood. Pressure treated wood is the best option because it will hold up to the elements more effectively than untreated wood. You will need approximately 48 feet of 2 x 6 wood and around 20 feet of 2 x 4. It is recommended that you purchase 5 to 10% more of each to accommodate for any mistakes which may be made. At least one of the 2 x 6 planks should be 12 feet in length for the top of the swing set.

Step 2 – Make the Cuts

Cut 4 of the 2 x 6 planks into 8-foot lengths. These will be the ground supports for the swing set. If you plan on making the swing set less than 12 feet in length, you will need to cut the 12-foot 2 x 6 down to the appropriate size. Use a carpenter’s angle and place the 4 pieces of 8-foot 2 x 6 planks against the 2 x 6 you will be using as the top of the swing. Mark the angle you will use for the legs of the swing set. This will typically be 45 degrees but you can adjust this as necessary. Cut the ends of the 4 2 x 6 planks at the angle.

Step 3 – Mount the Legs

Pre-drill holes into each of the 2 x 6 legs and the swing set top. There should be two holes at equal heights on each of the legs and 2 on each side of the top 2 x 6. Insert long bolts, through the first leg, top 2 x 6 and through the second leg. Place a lock washer first, washer second and nut on the end and tighten it down. Attach nail plates to each end of the swing set and nail them in completely.

Step 4 – Install the Swing Set

Pick the position where the swing set will be sitting and mark off the location of each of the 4 legs. Use a posthole digger to dig 4 holes in those locations. These holes should be around 36 inches deep. Set the swing set down inside of the four holes. Mix up concrete and poor it into each of these holes. Typically it will take 1 bag of concrete per hole.

Step 5 – Install the Swings

Screw the 4 eye bolts into the 2 x 6 mounted on the top of the swing set. Clip the top of each one of the chains onto one eye bolt using a heavy duty galvanized steel clip. Attach the chains to the swings.