A garden swing made of wood on a personal plot is fun entertainment for children and relaxing relaxation for adults. Ready-made models are usually standard, and they are not cheap. To fully express your creative potential, and at the same time save a considerable amount of money, you can make the design yourself. You will need at least a little skill in working with wood, the necessary tools and 1-2 free days. Step-by-step instructions will help you implement your plans quickly, accurately and as simply as possible.
Varieties of wooden swings
You can install various structures on your site:
- Children's mini swings that don't require much space. A chair or seat with a backrest is suspended on a horizontal beam, a strong tree branch or any strong support. The main thing is to minimize the risk of injury to the child from slipping and falling.
- “Nest” swing, where metal rings braided with cord or covered with fabric are used as a seat. You can make such structures with your own hands from a gymnastics hoop or a profile bent pipe.
- A swing-bench for several people to ride at the same time, reaching a length of 2-2.5 m. The materials are wood, metal, plastic or combinations thereof. To protect from rain and sun, install a canopy made of polycarbonate or waterproof awning fabric.
- A hanging ball chair is an original design in the form of a sphere with seating inside. In the traditional design, it is woven from flexible rattan. At home, bent metal tubes and durable plastic cord are used.
Showing your imagination, you can make a wooden swing with your own hands from anything. Home craftsmen use various items that have served their time - car tires, wicker baskets, old chairs, armchairs and even sofas.
Hardware
Garden swings made of metal are especially durable and reliable. First, you need to decide on the dimensions of the future structure.
Select the appropriate option:
- For children, swings are made in the form of boats and separate hanging seats.
- Large family swing, suitable for three people. This option is made in the form of a long bench with a comfortable backrest, which is suspended on chains.
- The portable type is mounted on various crossbars or old trees.
There are two types of fasteners for swings:
- horizontal suspension, performed as a support in the center of the crossbar;
- vertical type - based on the principle of a pendulum, the seat is suspended from the crossbar.
The most common swings are those that swing like a pendulum Source infoyar.ru
Garden swing design, drawings
To indicate the scope of work and calculate the approximate consumption of materials, a drawing is drawn up, which you can do yourself or use a ready-made one from the Internet. For example, this simple option
The design is more complex with composite racks and jibs
Diagram of a swing with a canopy
Double swing for those who like challenging but interesting tasks
The design of a simple garden swing made of wood includes:
- supports made of timber, boards or cleaned round timber of small diameter, which can be A-, X- or U-shaped, with triangular or trapezoidal side elements;
- seats made of wooden planks with or without backrests, armrests;
- suspensions - chains, polypropylene ropes, ropes;
- fastening elements.
If a canopy is to be built, a light, durable frame will be built for mounting the roofing material.
All wooden elements are screwed together with bolts, self-tapping screws, or with additional gluing of the joints. In some connections, nails, staples, and overlays are used. Fasteners must be resistant to corrosion.
For garden swings, inexpensive lumber is usually used - pine, spruce. Larch has the greatest moisture resistance. It is used to make critical parts that are in direct contact with the ground.
Important. If the supports are not stable enough, it is recommended to concrete them to a depth of at least 0.5 m. The wood must first be treated against rotting and wrapped in waterproofing material - roofing felt, film.
For comfort, you can put pillows on the seat or sew soft, removable covers. A mosquito net will help protect you from flies and mosquitoes.
Buying Tips
This chapter is especially for those who have already decided to make an expensive purchase, but do not know how to avoid being led by scammers and want to buy a truly high-quality product. We read and remember.
The swing test should begin by checking its rigidity. Try to loosen the structure. Determine how stable it is, how tightly the parts fit. Believe me, if the structure already seems sloppy, then over time it will completely turn into junk.
Take a closer look at the construction material. Reputable companies use pipes, while “handicraftsmen” use profiles. Along the way, take a closer look at the bends. They should not be reinforced in any way. Various additional plates there say that “garage” technologies were used in production, since the factory bend easily withstands a load of 300 kg, which is enough for a swing.
Next, look at what the chains are attached to. Special lugs must be provided for them. A rope thrown over a beam or a chain threaded directly through a pipe is again a sure sign of “handicraft”.
Now about painting. Factory products are coated with a powder material, while scammers use acrylic varnish or synthetic enamel. Moisten a piece of cloth with cellulose solvent and lightly rub the frame with it. If there is paint left on the rag, there is no smell of powder coatings, which means it’s not worth buying this swing.
Raise the pillows and look at what they are lying on. Ideally, this should be a shell mesh. Well, in the worst case, welded, but certainly not canvas. The latter is used only in the cheapest models.
Speaking of the pillows themselves. Avoid products with polyurethane chips. They are very short-lived and wear out quickly. Brands use only solid solid sheets, which will last for decades.
It's more difficult with covers. So, dralon fades under ultraviolet light, but it lasts for years. Cotton is not very durable, but it is more pleasant to the touch and is not afraid of sunlight. Here everyone is their own adviser.
A canopy is much easier to deal with. If it's polyester, that's good. Mesh polyethylene - we pass by. It won't survive even three seasons.
Be sure to check that the swing comes with a mosquito net. If you miss this point, you will buy mosquito protection separately, and even think about how to attach it later.
Last but not least, check the comfort of the product. There are different supports in the armrests, backrest mobility. You may be surprised, but if your swing has successfully passed all the previous “nitpicking”, then the manufacturer has probably taken care of the pleasant little things.
Materials and tools
To build a wooden swing with your own hands, 3 m long with a 1.2 m bench and with A-shaped supports, you will need:
- for racks - 4 beams with a section of 100x100 mm and a length of 3 m;
- for the crossbar - 80x100 mm timber of the same length;
- for side lintels - board 32x100 or 40x100 mm, 6 m long;
- for the seat frame - a 50x50 mm block with a total length of 5 m;
- chain or rope for suspensions;
- for attaching suspensions and seats - carbines, ready-made rings, pieces of reinforcement or thick nails;
- stainless or galvanized fasteners - bolts, self-tapping screws, nails, linings;
- clamps, tools for cutting and sanding wood;
- drill, screwdriver;
- antiseptic impregnation, paints and varnishes;
- shovel, cement, sand, roofing felt (for concreting supports);
- tape measure, pencil, square.
Selecting a location
Before you make a garden swing from wood with your own hands, you need to choose the right place on the site:
- the site must be level for easy installation of supports, with a comfortable and safe surface;
- the structure can be placed next to a barbecue, oven or barbecue, but avoid sparks from open fire;
- maintain a safe distance from buildings, poles, trees, fences.
To protect the recreation area from rain, wind or sun, install a canopy or install the structure on a covered terrace or veranda. A garden swing looks very organic, surrounded by climbing plants, under a spreading shady tree, near a small pond that can be dug out by hand.
Wooden swing: step by step instructions
Before you make a garden swing from wood, you need to prepare the lumber - plan it until smooth, treat it with antiseptics, and cut it to size according to the drawing. If you have an electric planer or a hand router, chamfer the edges of the parts. This operation will allow you to avoid scratches or splinters during assembly and further operation of the structure.
Chamfering with an electric plane
Frame making
If the supports are to be concreted, the production of the racks begins with processing the upper ends of the beams. To do this, they are cut at an angle, using a square or template for marking. A horizontal crossbar will later be attached along the cutting line.
This node can be solved in various ways. The support beam is attached to the posts along the cutting line as in the photo
You can place the beam directly on the ends of the posts and secure it firmly
If the supports are connected below, the horizontal beam is laid at the intersection point in the resulting nest
The inclined posts are fastened together with boards in 2-3 places. They provide rigidity and serve for uniform load transfer.
If the supports are sufficiently stable, you can do without concreting. The side posts are cut along the bottom edge, having calculated in advance the angle of the beams at the top point, and then the joints of the semi-assembled structure are adjusted in place.
Assembling side supports from two boards with intermediate reinforcing ties
The crossbar is mounted “on edge” to provide the necessary bending strength. They are secured to the posts with through connections using bolts and washers. Additionally, the joints can be reinforced with galvanized or wooden overlays and staples.
When concreting, the lower part of the supports is wrapped with roofing felt and installed in pre-dug (or drilled with a hand drill) holes. A layer of crushed stone and sand is poured onto the bottom. The structure is fixed and the base is poured with concrete.
How to make a swing seat from wood
A 50x50 mm block is sawn into 60 cm long pieces. The height of the back and the width of the bench will be the same. The ends adjacent to each other are cut at a slight angle to give an anatomically comfortable shape - you can sit on such a seat, reclining slightly.
The frame elements are connected to each other with bolts or joined “together” and the fastening points are reinforced with glue and overlays. For a seat 1.2 m long, the bars are installed in increments of 40 cm.
The connection “to the paw” is performed as follows:
- A rectangular or trapezoidal section is cut out at the ends of the timber.
- Coat the joint planes with glue.
- Connect in 2 mutually perpendicular directions.
- Additionally, they are tightened with bolts, wood rivets or self-tapping screws.
Photo of how to make swing seats from wood
Planks are attached to the seat frame
Armrests are installed on the side of the bench at such a height that you can comfortably rest your hand. In addition to comfort when riding, they serve as protection against sideways falls.
Assembly of the structure
When the wooden supports of the garden swing are ready and stand securely on the ground, we begin to assemble the entire structure. First, strong suspensions (chains, ropes, ropes) are attached to the seat.
This can be done in various ways:
- Drill holes in the bars, thread a chain or rope through them and place the hangers under the seat. Tie the ends with a strong knot or secure
- Hammer nails into the side elements of the frame and make eyelets from them, then secure the hangers with carabiners or rings.
- Use ready-made eye bolts with threads.
Then the upper ends of the hangers are attached to the crossbar. This node can be solved in different ways:
- Buy ready-made fasteners designed specifically for such structures. It is installed using the provided mounting plate with holes, then a rope or chain is threaded into the ring.
- Use a powerful hinged bolt or a pin with a bent end, insert it into the hole drilled in the beam, and secure with a nut and washer;
- Instead of a hairpin, you can take a piece of reinforcement or large nails and cut threads at their ends.
- Wrap a strong chain around the crossbar several turns and secure with wire or a ring.
Another way to attach hangers
Important. To distribute forces evenly, wood fasteners are used together with washers. This protects soft wood from destruction as a result of dynamic loads.
In swings designed for light weight users, the role of fastenings can be played by the suspensions themselves. To do this, form loops at the ends of the rope and use them to secure the seat. The bench is suspended at a height of 40-60 cm from the ground. A higher or lower position is uncomfortable for placing your feet while riding.
DIY finishing of a wooden swing
The wooden swing itself is quite colorful for the design of a personal plot. Decorative techniques will help you achieve greater effect:
- tinting to resemble noble types of wood followed by varnishing in several layers;
- painting with compounds that harmonize in color with other buildings;
- artistic wood carving;
- antique stylization or fairy-tale plot;
- design of side pillars with grilles;
- making an arched canopy from bright polycarbonate or making it in the form of a gable “tower”;
- hanging pots with beautiful flowering plants;
- laying LED strip along the frame for illumination at night;
- use of textiles, pillows, removable covers.
You can decorate the swing using a manual or programmable tabletop router. The figured details look very impressive, giving the design an elegant look.
Bench with milled back
Even the simplest wooden swing, painted in bright colors or decorated with multi-colored lanterns, will become the “highlight” of the garden and a source of pride for the owner.
How to care for a wooden swing
The tree is subject to the destructive effects of many unfavorable factors. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause wood to crack. Sun rays provoke photoaging. Woodworms gnaw through numerous passages, and mold and fungi quickly render wooden structures unusable.
Regular care will help protect against all this:
- impregnation with antiseptic solutions;
- treatment with waterproof paints;
- varnishing with compositions for external use.
Events should be carried out at least once every 1.5-2 years.
Important. If possible, it is advisable to place the structure in a dry room for the winter, for example, a garage or shed. This will greatly extend the life of the garden swing.
Finishing features
A beautiful wooden swing cannot be imagined without finishing and decoration. At the same time, even a non-professional can try himself as a carver - for this you need to have a jigsaw and a little imagination. Remember that hardwoods are somewhat easier to work with - although they are more reluctant to finish, the end result will look much better.
You can paint the swing with the following materials:
- wood/metal paint;
- stain;
- varnish;
- antiseptic.
Painting
It is best to paint a garden swing immediately after installation. The paint should be chosen specifically for wood - it will not only adhere better, but will also protect the material from pests.
At the same time, the paint, unfortunately, is not so durable - the swing will have to be repainted every few years.
Paint is considered good protection against pests and insects, and the appearance of a painted swing is aesthetically pleasing.
Combined swing
Very often, swings on personal plots have a combined design - the supports are made of profile steel pipe, and the comfortable seat is made of wood. This option has certain advantages: the metal is less susceptible to moisture and, with proper care, lasts a very long time.
Steel profiles do not rot or crack. Assembly is possible both with bolts and welding. The strength of the steel frame allows it to withstand high loads. A swing with a wooden seat and metal elements decorated with openwork forging looks very impressive.
Manufacturing of cantilever supports
You should begin your work by making the elements of the seat and backrest. It is necessary to prepare 6 bars 500 mm long (section 50x80 mm).
Rice. 1. Three ready-made support elements assembled from 6 bars.
They are connected in pairs at an angle of 110° using the tongue-and-groove method or using a “half-tree” pattern. The strength of the connection is achieved by setting the M 10 bolt and wood glue. The manufactured structural elements are identical, however, the corner that will be installed in the center of the bench will have to be trimmed after final installation. The reason is that the load on it will be shelves of slightly shorter length.
Rice. 2. Finished support element in profile
The horizontal part of the cantilever support parts, located along the edges of the bench, needs to be reinforced on 2 sides with overlays made of 10 mm plywood, glued and secured with self-tapping screws. After gluing, the bench bases should be given time to dry. The identity of all 3 elements will be achieved by using a conductor template. The collection is carried out one by one, strictly according to the pattern.
Folding swing
This design option will allow you to use the swing not only for a seat, but also as a comfortable wide bed. The bench is made of 2 independent parts, which are connected to each other via hinges.
To unfold the swing, remove the chain from the side eyes and fix it in the new position. A spacious and comfortable relaxation device is ready.
Swing-folding bed
Preparation
The advantages of self-construction are that you can make an original and exclusive product. You can not only ride and relax on the swing bench, it stylistically successfully complements the area. The atmosphere of comfort is immediately felt.
Before any task, it is important to properly prepare for it. First of all, you need to decide on a place for the structure, draw up a project, and resolve the issue with the material.
If you have at least minimal carpentry skills, we recommend using hardwood, oak, beech, hornbeam. A bench made of such material is not afraid of precipitation and is durable. The main disadvantage is the difficulty of processing hard wood, so you will need proper tools and experience in carpentry.
Wood processing has its own nuances
A simpler option is dried pine. The tree should not contain large knots that significantly reduce the strength of the structure. You can do the jointing of the material yourself, or it is better to buy already made blanks.
It is advisable to choose a place for a swing bench away from the road, drainage pits, and enclosures. Peace and tranquility are a priority. It will be nice if the bench offers a good view of the entire area. And of course, there must be enough space so that the structure can be used without obstacles.
Measurements and calculations
The critical phase is the preparation of the design design. This stage cannot be skipped; the correctness of future construction depends on it. Based on the drawing, you will determine how much material is needed and roughly transfer the image of the structure onto paper.
Measurements and calculations are carried out taking into account individual requirements. Creating a project on your own is quite difficult, especially if we are talking about a complex and detailed plan.
The best option is to use the Internet, where there are dozens of ready-made sketches. All you have to do is choose what you like and adjust it to your conditions.
Log swing
Exercises on a log swing are very useful for the physical development of children. The simplest design, similar to a swing scale, consists of a support and a log swinging on it.
You can use a section of the same log as a support post. The rotation unit is made of a metal rod and washers. To help children hold on, small wooden handrails are attached to the swing.
The prepared parts are assembled very quickly. It takes very little effort, but the end result is laughter and joy for children.
Simple and fun fun - log swing
Swing gazebo with table
The holiday option for a large group is quite difficult to manufacture. The swing consists of a durable frame with a canopy, 2 benches, a table and a movable platform. Thanks to the hinged mounts, even a child can swing the structure.
To make the frame, planed smooth logs or strong beams with a section of 100x100 mm, 150x150 mm are used. The tabletop and seats with backrest are made of 25 mm thick boards. Hinges are located in places where furniture is attached to the platform, as well as at the points of intersection of horizontal planes with vertical structures. This method ensures the stability of all objects on the table - water in glasses does not spill even with strong rocking.
Photo of a hybrid of a swing and a gazebo.
