By appointment, a garden swing is akin to a bench - outdoor recreation in the shade of trees or a canopy. The design differences are only in the “fulcrum” - the seat of the bench stands on legs, and the swing is suspended on a beam. Based on this, we will consider different options for wooden swings made by ourselves.
Simple solutions: board and rope
The easiest option is two ropes and a small piece of board for one person. Since the load is relatively small, such a swing can be hung even on a strong branch of a large tree. The main thing is that the rope is thick enough, and the locking knot is securely tied.
The disadvantage of the first option is the unstable horizontal position of the seat. Two points of support are not enough for him, even if the rope is thick and the knot is large - one awkward movement and you can tip over. Therefore, it is better when the seat is suspended from each corner of the board. The ropes can already be chosen thinner, and so that the knot does not come loose, wrap it on both sides with construction tape.
Simple solutions: improvised materials
There is such a separate direction for garden (and even home) furniture - the use of pallets. Of course, we are not talking about semi-handicraft pallets from poorly processed wane boards. In order to minimize surface finishing, it is necessary to choose a euro pallet (there are two stamps on the bosses: EPAL and EUR). Making a swing is easy - sand the top boards and side structural elements, coat with a primer, apply varnish or paint in two layers, hang on ropes.
And so you can use an old wooden semi-chair.
For those who are not constrained by means and love comfort, we can advise you to saw off the legs of a wicker chair and hang it on the ropes in the garden.
swing sofas
Swing sofas have a more complex design, consisting of a seat, back and armrests. But there are also different ways to do it.
For simple models, it is enough to know the basic techniques of carpentry.
Swings with a more complex design require the skill of a carpenter.
Such sofas are hung on ropes or chains.
The capacity of these swings is designed for two or three, and in a rare garden there is a tree whose branch can withstand such a load. Therefore, in order to hang them, you need a beam with its own supporting structure.
Stationary swing supports
The simplest swing support is two pillars dug into the ground, with a crossbar on top. And in order for the pillars to stand reliably, their underground part must be concreted.
This design can be complicated by making a canopy or lattice over it like a pergola.
There are combined supports, when one end of the crossbar is attached to a tree, and the other - to a triangular rack.
But it is the stationarity of the supports that is often considered a disadvantage of the swing. For example, they are not easy to move to another place when the site layout is changed.
Portable swing
Portable structures have two racks in the form of an angle with an additional stiffener fixed in the middle or at the bottom of the supports. The choice of this form is explained simply - the triangle is considered the simplest rigid figure.
The material for the manufacture of racks can be timber:
round log:
sanded dry "wild" logs and poles from your own garden or a nearby plantation.
roof swing
The swing rest area in the open area can be protected from the sun. The simplest option is an awning in the form of a pitched roof. And if you choose a waterproof fabric for the awning, it will also protect from rain.
A gable roof made of lightweight roofing materials - corrugated polycarbonate - protects even better from precipitation:
or soft tiles.
In the second case, for a small angle of inclination, you can not even make a skate.
And next to the house (or dacha) in a rustic style, you can put a swing covered with the traditional roofing material of a Russian hut - dry reeds or straw. And so that it is not thick and does not leak at the same time, rolled waterproofing is laid on a continuous crate.
Wooden garden swing is a very useful and important country building. Spending time gently swaying above the ground in the fresh air is to the liking of both adults and children, because such a rest calms the nervous system and cheers up.
Benefits of a wooden swing
On the market you will meet with a huge range of materials from which such structures are made.
But wooden swings for the garden are the most popular, because. have a whole list of advantages:
- Simplicity and ease of manufacture. In order to make this kind of garden element, you must have minimal skills in working with natural material;
- Low cost of the final design. The price is an order of magnitude lower than that of exactly the same metal or plastic construction;
- Versatility;
Note!
From wood, you can make not only small children's single swings, but also large family swings that can accommodate several people.
- Harmony. Garden swings made of wood will perfectly fit and complement the composition of the garden, which cannot be said about metal and plastic models, which should be carefully selected for a particular landscape;
- Security . The wood material is soft, which minimizes the possibility of injury to children;
Note!
In terms of safety, wood simply has no competitors on the market.
- Ecological cleanliness because wood is a natural material.
Buy or make
This question causes a lot of thought, because the cost of such products on the market is not so high, and a wide range of models will allow you to find an option that meets any need.
But, on the other hand, do-it-yourself wooden garden swings will please much more and cause pride of the master. A homemade product will truly decorate your garden, and make it individual and original.
Of course, the choice to buy or make it yourself is yours, but for those who decide to take on the creative manufacturing process, a step-by-step algorithm of work will be presented below.
Making a swing
To build a garden swing with your own hands from wood, an instruction consisting of only 5 steps must be implemented.
Location selection
There are several important nuances that must be taken into account when choosing a particular site:
- Relief. The surface must be perfectly flat. This will contribute to the ease of installation of the finished product;
- The place should be designed for relaxation. It is better to give preference to the territory behind the house, so that the rest is filled with peace and is not distracted by various household trifles;
- The possibility of functioning. In order to be able to swing, space should be provided in front and behind, there should not be fences, building walls, etc.
Tools and materials
Because If we are going to make a wooden swing, then, accordingly, the main requirements will be imposed on wood, which will be the main material. The beam must be selected without defects, cracks and knots.
Advice. The type of wood should be distinguished by increased strength parameters, so experts recommend choosing spruce, cedar, birch or oak.
The frame will require the following materials:
- Cedar or oak timber with a size of 100/100 mm - 4 pcs. 3 running meters each to create side supports;
- Cedar or oak timber with a section of 80/80 mm - 1 pc. 2.5 linear meters in length for the construction of the crossbar;
- Edged board 100/30/6000 mm - 1 pc. for side strap.
For the construction of a sofa bench or seat structure, you will need:
- Hardwood timber 56/45 mm - 10 linear meters, from which the seat frame, backrest, armrest racks will be made;
- Sheathing board 46/26 mm - 18 linear meters;
- Optionally, pillows can be installed, which you can either buy or make yourself;
- For suspension and fastening of the seat, chains with solid (welded) links, metal corners, eyebolts or hanging hooks, furniture bolts and self-tapping screws of various sizes should be used.
Note!
If you want to equip the structure with a roof in addition to the main elements, then you should buy a plywood sheet from which you can build a roof.
As a roof, natural material such as straw is perfect.
Also in the work you will need the following set of tools:
- Screwdriver;
- Electric jigsaw or grinder with a special disk;
- Electroplaner;
- Electric drill;
- Building level.
The construction of the side racks
In order to facilitate the work, you can use the drawings of a do-it-yourself garden swing made of wood, which you can easily find on our website. Most homemade designs are equipped with A-shaped side racks.
Advice. During construction, it is necessary to follow the golden rule for the stability of the final structure: the width of the base of the product must be wider than the seat, but not less than 0.5 m.
So, for example, if the seat width is 80 cm, then the width of the base should be 130 cm or more.
You can make drawings of a wooden garden swing with your own hands. They must certainly contain the calculation of the width of the base and the upper corner of the rack. The top corner also has its effect on stability.
After all the calculations have been made, we saw off the elements to create racks with a jigsaw and connect them with long self-tapping screws or furniture bolts.
Advice. In order for the design to be reliable, side ties should be placed, one at a level of 200 mm from the upper corner, and the second at a distance of 60 cm from the soil level.
For the construction of the seat, it is necessary to make 2 frames 2000/500 mm (seat), 2000/650 mm (back). Within the framework we have stiffeners. We connect the frames with the help of corners and self-tapping screws. The finished seat can be sheathed with a facing board.
Finally, the structure must be secured with a suspension. We screw the eyebolts into the upper beam of the backrest and the front beam of the seat.
Installation
Under the racks, it is necessary to dig holes about 80 cm deep, into which a pillow of sand and gravel 20 cm thick is placed, on which the racks are then installed.
Advice. Check the evenness of the installation using the building level.
After installation, varnish the structure.
Finally
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the construction process, you will be able to decide for yourself whether to buy a swing or make it yourself. And after watching the video in this article, you can clearly see how to build a wooden garden swing with your own hands.
It's nice to relax in the fresh air after a hard day's work in good weather. This is especially appreciated by the owners of private houses and cottages. One of the options to make a convenient and comfortable place to relax is a swing. Do not assume that this entertainment is only for children to have fun. If we take into account the total weight assumed for the structure and make the swing correctly, then they will not only be suitable for adults to relax, but will also become an excellent decoration and part of the exterior of the territory.
There are many varieties of products that differ in design, purpose, material and principle of operation. We will consider the classic version - a swing made of wood. What is special about this material? What are its advantages and disadvantages? How exactly to make a swing out of wood with your own hands?
Tree Features
No one will deny that wood is the most popular material for building purposes. It has been like this for centuries. Its feature is affordable cost, practicality and ease of operation. Even a beginner will be able to handle it, let alone professionals. For processing, you do not need to have specialized tools and skills to work with them. In addition, wood is a natural material that will look great in landscape design and complement the exterior picture. To know the full picture of a tree, you need to familiarize yourself with its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros and cons of wood
We have listed several obvious advantages above. But, that's not all. The following is an extended list of the benefits of working with wood to create a swing:
- Ecological purity. The material is absolutely harmless. And given the fact that children or adults will constantly be in contact with the wooden parts of the swing, then you can not be afraid for their health. In addition, they can be organically combined with flowers, bushes and trees.
- Great look. The tree looks noble, the same will apply to the swing. They will not be ashamed to show everyone for viewing.
- Low cost. It is clear that this depends on the type of wood, but inexpensive products that everyone can afford are suitable for swings.
- Long service life. Although it is not metal, however, the design, with proper protection and proper operation, can last quite a long time.
- Swings can be given any shape, make them original and beautiful.
- Wood is much warmer than the same metal. Therefore, it is much more comfortable to use. The seat and handles will not be cold.
However, the tree also has its obvious disadvantages. They are related to the properties of the material. Note the fragility of the products. With a strong mechanical impact, the mechanism may break. In addition, caring for a tree is more difficult, because it constantly needs to be protected from external factors, such as:
- atmospheric precipitation (fog, rain, snow);
- the influence of ultraviolet rays;
- mold and fungus;
- influence of insects and rodents;
- temperature fluctuations;
- natural decay process.
This means that the tree will have to be covered with protective compounds every few years: stain, antiseptic, impregnation or varnish.
But whatever one may say, a wooden swing for a summer residence is the simplest option, so many people prefer to use it.
The choice of wood species
There are different opinions about which breed to choose. Experts agreed on conifers such as pine and larch. However, the price of the second one is quite high, so not everyone will be able to use it to create a swing. The pine remains. The material is strong, does not crack and does not suffer from insects.
Advice! No one protected the product from rotting. Therefore, in the process of work, it will be necessary to protect the products with antiseptics against fungus and mold.
Oak has a high density and strength. Its products are durable. However, the downside is its high cost. Linden is considered an alternative. Usually for weighty buildings it is not used. But to create a garden swing made of wood with your own hands - what you need. Although the linden does not have proper protection from the cold, it looks beautiful, has good strength and an affordable price.
The second important point concerns the choice of strength. It all depends on the crossbar on which the swing will be hung. You need to take into account the thickness, height and length of the crossbar. Below is a table that shows the approximate loads that the support can withstand at different values.
As you can see, wooden swings are an excellent solution, they are practical, beautiful and amaze with their variety. You also need to consider several different options for the product for giving.
Varieties of wooden swings
Before you build them, it is important to decide on the design, because there are many of them. Let's start with the installation method. There are such types of swings:
- stationary swing made of wood;
- portable swing made of wood;
- hanging wooden swing.
Let's start with a stationary wooden swing. Their peculiarity is that the design is done once and for all time. In the chosen place, they will stand all year round, all the time of their operation. Feature in its practicality, reliability and stability. The disadvantage is that they are tied to one place on the site.
Portable are mobile and can be installed anywhere on the site. If you are hot, they can be rearranged in a shady area. If it's cold, then vice versa. The advantages are clear and many prefer just such a swing design. In addition, some species can be collected and transferred to another site.
Wooden hanging swing is the easiest option. They are light, attractive, functional, it will not take much time to create a swing. You just need to find a solid tree on the site and hang the swing. However, the disadvantage is the lack of strength. And a lot of people won't fit on it.
More products can be divided by purpose:
- for family;
- wooden children's swing;
- adult swing made of wood.
A family swing made of wood is a great option for relaxing for the whole family. They can accommodate 4 people. At the heart of the design is a large bench on which both children and adults are placed. The main requirement is reliable and powerful fasteners, which are made of durable wood. After all, the weight of four people can reach up to 300 kg.
A children's wooden structure is a small product that can withstand the small weight of a child. At the same time, it can be placed on the bottom of the seat or on two. They serve more for entertainment than decoration. Such children's wooden swing in the photo:
As for the swing for adults, this is one of the indispensable attributes of a country house. They do not swing widely, but have canopies that protect those who swing from the hot sun, wind or rain. And to protect yourself from insects, a mesh is attached to the structure. With such a swing made of wood, even a gazebo is not needed.
Wooden swing drawings
Proper creation involves creating a project in the first stage. It will serve as a guide and help with the work. For this, the design is worked out in detail on paper. Here are the parameters that you need to specify on the diagram:
- Main dimensions: length, width and height of the swing.
- The height of the vertical support pillars.
- The size of the vertical beam.
- The dimensions of the mounting bars that will support the upright.
- The distance between the seat and the side rails, installed in a vertical position.
- Size from seat to ground.
Below is a project that will help you make a wooden swing for a summer residence with your own hands. Drawings can be changed, or left as is.
It would be nice to clarify the thickness and cross section of the wooden board on which the wooden structure will be located. As you can see in the figure above, the drawing consists of two views. This will help you avoid mistakes in the future. Now we can consider step-by-step instructions on how to make a garden swing out of wood.
From theory to practice
It all starts with choosing a place to build. If it will be a mobile swing, then the place does not matter. However, for stationary, you should choose the optimal place in which it was comfortable to be. In addition, the terrain is recommended to choose a flat, without holes and drops. Otherwise, it will be more difficult to set up a swing made of wood evenly.
Now you can start creating a wooden swing according to the drawings. The instruction is as follows:
- To begin with, we create a side vertical part consisting of pillars. We will have 2 of these. To do this, we need two bars, 3.1 m long. It is easy to find out the length of the throws (“a”) if we know the height of the swing (“b”). So, the height of the swing is 3 m, and the angle of connection of the bars at the top point is 30 ° (“β”). In this case, we obtain the formula: The length of the base is 1 m 56 cm.
- Further, between the vertical posts, you need to push a horizontal board, to which in the future the chain with the seat will be fixed. The length of the board is 3 m. After that, you need to drill a solid hole from the top of the support beam and fix it all with a screw and nut to strengthen the structure.
- Now you need to tilt the swing to one side and drill two holes through the horizontal beam. In this case, you need to step back from the edges by 75 cm. They are needed to create a suspension. Bolts with a washer must be screwed into the holes made, and eye nuts must be screwed onto the ends. Wooden swing can be flipped back.
- To strengthen the structure, spacers made of wooden blocks must be mounted between the support bars. You can fix them with 5 mm screws and metal corners. The upper strut is fixed with the help of corners. The diagram is shown in the photo below.
- In our case, we will not concrete the wooden swing. Therefore, the ends must be protected with bitumen and dug. This will extend their service life. As for the structure itself, it needs to be covered with stain. It will give the swing color and make it secure.
- It's time to make a seat out of wood. To create a backrest, you need bars, the size of which is 30x13x457 mm. For the seat frame, you need bars, 51x152 mm in size. Two frames are required, for the seat and back. Rails are attached to the frame, the seat and back are pulled together with the help of corners. To make it more convenient to swing, you can create armrests. Eye bolts are screwed to the sides. On each side you need 2 pieces, one for the seat, the other for the back.
- It remains to hang a swing made of wood. Attach carabiners to the eye nuts, and then attach two strong chains to them. The required length of the chains fixed to the seat is 1.65 m, and the length of the chain fixed to the back is 1.2 m. It is easy to calculate, because when swinging, it is important that a person does not reach the ground with his feet.
- To swing on them more comfortably, the swing seat should be upgraded. To do this, you can sew soft covers with foam rubber. They can be removed and washed if needed.
This was one of the options for making a wooden garden swing. Their variety can be seen in this video. It also indicates how the creation work is carried out.
Wooden swing from a bar
Timber is an excellent material that combines attractive appearance and reliability. The design is original and rustic. Similar garden swing made of wood in the photo:
What are the advantages of such structures? They are stable and durable. Damage to the swing will be difficult for both adults and children. And the weather conditions do not affect the product so much. True, there are also disadvantages. This is sensitivity to insects, as well as the property to rot over time. Yes, and processing timber is more difficult than boards.
But still, the material is used to create a swing. We will consider detailed creation instructions. First you need to prepare the tree. The preparation is this:
- Sand the surface.
- Make notches and serifs on all bars.
- Open them with the first layer of stain, leave to dry, open with the second layer and wait for it to dry.
Now everything is ready to make a swing with your own hands from wood, as in the photo:
The first step is to prepare a flat area on which the swing will be installed. With a construction meter and pegs, the boundaries of the product should be marked. To create, you can use the drawing that we prepared for this task.
For work, we need 4 beams, 2 m long, 10 cm in section. This will be the support of a wooden swing. They are connected in the same way as the previous ones, at an angle of 30 °, forming an isosceles triangle. The length of the base is 1 m. The length of the base partition, the same 1 m. The length of the additional partition is 45 m, with a 2 cm protrusion from each side. The total width of the swing is 4.5 m, and the width of the bench is 1.5 m. It is suitable for several people.
Creation instructions:
It remains to hang the bench and the wooden swing is ready for use. It is better not to do it yourself, but to take it ready-made. It is installed in its place.
In this video you can see instructions on how to make a semblance of such a swing with your own hands.
Choosing covers, mattresses and pillows
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of pillows and mattresses. They are often used to make operation more convenient. To begin with, usually bright colors are chosen for wooden swings. This cannot be called wrong, but it is important to remember that such a fabric will fade in the sun. For garden swings, waterproof fabric, like raincoat fabric or tarpaulin, is better suited. Then the humidity of the pillows will not be terrible.
It must be remembered that the material will constantly be in contact with a person, and not only with the influence of the forces of nature. Why not make the material nicer. For this purpose, you can use a fabric with natural raw materials such as cotton / viscose. Sitting on such a fabric will be more pleasant.
As for the size of the covers, they should be 4 mm larger than the seat, so it will be easier to adjust the covers. To fix the cover to the bottom of the wooden seat, it is better to use a stapler.
Conclusion
A swing made of wood is an excellent anti-stress in a summer cottage or a private area. They have many advantages, including low cost, beautiful appearance and ease of material processing. Focusing on the instructions, you can make a reliable and durable wooden structure. The swing will delight all family members.
Separately, it is worth noting the division of structures also according to the material of their manufacture. Garden swings made of metal are gaining more and more popularity, since with the relative lightness of the swing, the durability of its service is ensured by the strength of the material. In addition, the metal does not require special care.
There are also plastic constructions. Their advantage is low price and ease of installation. However, this option can only be bought to ensure the rest of preschool children, since the tensile strength of plastic is quite low.
The classic option is a garden swing made of wood. The tree fits perfectly into the decor of any garden plot. Depending on the complexity of the design and the high cost of the breed, the swing can be either the simplest or the premium class.
Features of independent construction of a swing
If the owner of a summer cottage, when visiting a garden furniture store, did not come across a sale on a swing, most likely without a discount and the opportunity to buy this structure inexpensively, he will have a desire to build it on his own. For such situations, it is important to know the algorithm of actions and the list of necessary tools.
Roughly speaking, the whole process of building a garden swing on the site can be divided into three main stages. These include:
- Selection of model and location on the site
- Purchase of components
- Do-it-yourself step-by-step construction of a swing
Let us consider in detail the listed stages using the example of the process of building a swing-bench on an A-shaped frame for the whole family.
Selection of a swing model and a place on the site
From the choice of one or another type of garden swing, the installation process will change. Therefore, before proceeding to the next steps, it is worth reading reviews about different models and types of construction, as well as studying photos and drawings on the network in order to be able to assess your strengths.
After the choice of model is made, it is important to think over and prepare in advance the place where the structure will be placed. It is desirable that this be a site located in a recreation area, if any. The shade of trees, an open area freed from thorny bushes, and the presence of flowers will only come in handy.
Purchase of components
To build a wooden swing-bench in the garden, you will need an extensive list of tools. As a rule, when the owner of the site decides to independently work on the installation of the structure, he has most of the tools. The general list of necessary purchases will look like:
- Bars with a diameter of 10-15 cm and a length of up to 3 m - 4 pcs.
- Beam with a diameter of 8 cm.
- Beam with a diameter of 4-5 cm.
- Ten to fifteen boards (pine, birch, etc.) 10 cm x 2.5 cm x 250 cm.
- One board of the same breed 15 cm x 5 cm x 300 cm.
- One hundred self-tapping screws 80 x 4.5.
- A pack (200 pieces) of self-tapping screws 51x3.5.
- Four eyebolts.
- Two welded chains with a thickness of 0.5 cm and a length along the height of the structure.
- Two galvanized screws with rings 12x100.
- Lacquer or paint.
- Saw.
- Drill.
- Screwdriver or screwdriver.
- Shovel or hand drill.
- Brushes.
- Roulette, level.
Garden swing: do-it-yourself step-by-step construction
When the location of the garden swing is selected and cleared, and all the necessary tools and materials are purchased, you can proceed to the direct construction. First of all, the required number of parts is prepared. So, from boards with parameters of 10 cm x 2.5 cm x 250 cm, planks are cut off one and a half meters long for a future bench. For a seat half a meter wide, 5-6 boards will be enough, for a backrest 4-5.
A wide board 15 cm x 5 cm x 300 cm is sawn into 6 equal parts, which will serve as crossbars for fastening the boards of the back (3 segments) and seat (3 segments) of the bench. The cross boards are interconnected with self-tapping screws at an angle that should be at the bench (120 °). Then, the boards of the bench itself are attached to the resulting base. In order not to damage the wood, it is better to pre-drill holes for self-tapping screws with a drill.
Lastly, armrests are installed, which are made of timber with a diameter of 4-5 cm and scraps from the board.
The width of the planned bench is 50 cm, and the length is 150 cm. If desired, these indicators can be changed in any direction, the main thing is to correctly calculate the load.
After the manufacture of the bench, a swing frame is installed, the width of which, according to construction standards, must exceed the width of the bench by half a meter, at least. Therefore, at a distance of a meter from each other, recesses are dug or drilled under the beams of the supports on each side. The depth of the pits should be at least a meter, where 30% of the space will be occupied by a crushed stone base, and the remaining 70% by frame bars.
Bars are installed in the recesses and connected at an angle in the middle of the section. A crossbar is installed between pairs of bars. To fix the strength of the structure, corners are installed in the corners of the connection of the crossbar with the supports, and at a distance of 25 cm from the top and 30 cm from the bottom of the A-shaped frame, a screed is carried out with boards.
Once the frame is installed and adjusted using the building level, you can proceed with the installation of the bench. To do this, a chain is fixed at the base of the armrest and frame of the bench on both sides with the help of eyebolts.
Before attaching to the bench, chain segments are threaded into rings. Then, the whole structure is attached to the crossbar with galvanized screws.
The final stage in the installation of a garden swing in a summer cottage is to check the strength of all joints and decoration. If desired, an awning can be built at the top of the frame, which will protect vacationers from both the scorching summer sun and precipitation.
It is also worth paying attention to the protection of wood from external factors. Therefore, the entire structure must be treated with impregnation against insect pests, and then coated with varnish or paint intended for external work.
Properly installed garden swings will last for many years. And their independent construction will help save a significant amount of money.
A garden swing made of wood on a personal plot is a fun entertainment for children and a relaxing relaxation for adults. Finished models, as a rule, are standard, and they are not cheap. In order to fully show your creative potential, and at the same time save a considerable amount, you can make a design with your own hands. You will need at least a little skill in working with wood, the availability of the necessary tools and 1-2 free days. Step-by-step instructions will help you realize your plans quickly, accurately and as simply as possible.
On your site you can install various structures:
- Children's mini swing, which does not need a lot of space. A chair or seat with a back is hung on a horizontal beam, a powerful tree branch, or any strong support. The main thing is to minimize the risk of injury to the child when slipping and falling.
- Swing "Nest", where metal rings braided with a cord or covered with fabric are used as a seat. You can make such structures with your own hands from a gymnastic hoop or a profile bent pipe.
- Swing-bench for simultaneous riding of several people, reaching a length of 2-2.5 m. The material is wood, metal, plastic, or combinations thereof. To protect against rain and sun, a visor made of polycarbonate or waterproof awning fabric is arranged.
- Hanging ball chair - an original design in the form of a sphere with a seating area inside. Traditionally woven from flexible rattan. At home, they use bent metal tubes and a durable plastic cord.
Having shown 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.
Garden swing design, drawings
The design is more complicated with composite racks and jibs
The scheme of the swing with a canopy
Double swing for fans of difficult but interesting tasks
The design of the simplest wooden garden swing includes:
- supports made of timber, boards or peeled 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 a back, armrests;
- suspensions - chains, polypropylene ropes, ropes;
- fastening elements.
If a canopy is to be arranged, a light, durable frame is constructed for mounting the roofing material.
All wooden elements are twisted together with bolts, self-tapping screws, it is possible with additional gluing of the joints. In some compounds, nails, staples, linings are used. Fasteners must be resistant to corrosion.
For garden swings, inexpensive lumber is usually used - pine, spruce. Larch has the highest moisture resistance. Responsible parts that are in direct contact with the ground are made from it.
Important. If the supports are not stable enough, it is recommended to concrete them to a depth of at least 0.5 m. The tree must first be treated from decay and wrapped with waterproofing material - roofing material, film.
For comfort, you can put pillows on the seat or sew soft removable covers. A mosquito net will help keep flies and mosquitoes away.
Materials and tools
To make a do-it-yourself wooden swing with a length of 3 m with a bench of 1.2 m and with A-shaped supports, you will need:
- for racks - 4 beams with a section of 100x100 mm, 3 m long;
- for the crossbar - a bar 80x100 mm of the same length;
- for side jumpers - a board 32x100 or 40x100 mm 6 m long;
- for the seat frame - a bar 50x50 mm with a total length of 5 m;
- chain or rope for suspensions;
- for attaching suspensions and seats - carabiners, finished rings, pieces of reinforcement or thick nails;
- stainless or galvanized fasteners - bolts, self-tapping screws, nails, slips;
- clamps, tools for cutting and polishing wood;
- drill, screwdriver;
- antiseptic impregnation, paints and varnishes;
- shovel, cement, sand, roofing material (for concreting supports);
- tape measure, pencil, square.
Location selection
Before you make a garden swing out of wood with your own hands, you need to choose the right place on the site:
- the platform must be level for easy installation of supports, with a comfortable and safe surface;
- the design can be placed next to the barbecue, oven or barbecue, but avoid sparks from open flames;
- keep a safe distance from buildings, poles, trees, fences.
To protect the recreation area from rain, wind or sun, they arrange a visor or install a structure on a covered terrace or veranda. Garden swings look very organic, surrounded by climbing plants, under a sprawling shady tree, near a small reservoir that can be dug out by hand.
Wooden swing: step by step instructions
Before you make a garden swing out of wood, you need to prepare the lumber - cut it to smoothness, treat it with antiseptics, cut it to size according to the drawing. If you have an electric planer or hand router, chamfer the edges of the parts. This operation will allow you to do without scratches or splinters during assembly and further operation of the structure.
Frame manufacturing
If the supports are to be concreted, the manufacture of the racks begins with the processing of 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 saw line.
This node can be solved in various ways. The support beam is attached to the racks along the saw line as in the photo
You can put the beam directly on the ends of the racks and firmly fix
If the supports are connected below, the horizontal beam is laid at the intersection point in the resulting nest
Between themselves, the inclined racks are fastened with boards in 2-3 places. They provide rigidity, serve to evenly transfer the load.
If the supports are sufficiently stable, concreting can be dispensed with. The side racks 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 structure are adjusted in a semi-assembled form in place.
Assembly of side supports from two boards with intermediate reinforcing ties
The crossbar is mounted "on edge" to give the necessary bending strength. Fasten to the racks with through connections using bolts with washers. Additionally, joints can be reinforced with galvanized or wooden linings, brackets.
When concreting, the lower part of the supports is wrapped with roofing material and installed in pre-dug (or drilled with a hand drill) pits. A layer of crushed stone and sand is poured at the bottom. The structure is fixed and the base is poured with concrete.
How to make a wooden swing seat
A bar of 50x50 mm is sawn into segments 60 cm long. The height of the backrest 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 convenient shape - it will be possible to sit on such a seat, slightly leaning back.
The elements of the frame are bolted together or joined “in a paw” and the attachment points are reinforced with glue, overlays. For a seat 1.2 m long, the bars are installed in increments of 40 cm.
The connection "in the paw" is performed as follows:
- A rectangular or trapezoidal section is cut out at the ends of the timber.
- Lubricate the joint planes with glue.
- Connect in 2 mutually perpendicular directions.
- They are additionally twisted with bolts, “grouses” or self-tapping screws.
Photo how to make wooden swing seats
Planks are fixed on the seat frame
On the side of the bench, armrests are installed at such a height that you can comfortably put your hand. In addition to comfort when riding, they serve as protection against falls to the side.
Construction assembly
When the supports of the garden swing made of wood are ready and securely on the ground, they 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 hold the hangers under the seat. Tie the ends with a strong knot or fix
- Drive nails into the side elements of the frame and make eyelets out of them, then fasten the hangers with carabiners or rings.
- Use ready-made eye bolts with thread.
Then attach the upper ends of the hangers 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 stud with a bent end, insert into a hole drilled in the beam, fix with a nut and washer;
- Instead of a hairpin, you can take a piece of rebar or large nails and cut threads at their ends.
- Wind a strong chain around the crossbar in several turns and secure with a wire or a ring.
Another way to attach hangers
Important. For even distribution of effort, wood fasteners are used in conjunction with washers. This protects the soft wood from destruction as a result of dynamic loads.
In a swing designed for a small weight of users, the suspensions themselves can play the role of mounts. 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 setting the legs while skiing.
Finishing a wooden swing with your own hands
The wooden swing itself is colorful enough for the design of a personal plot. Decorative techniques will help to achieve a greater effect:
- tinting under noble wood species, followed by varnishing in several layers;
- painting with compositions that are in harmony in color with other buildings;
- artistic woodcarving;
- antique styling or a fairy tale plot;
- design of the side racks with a grille;
- making an arched visor from bright polycarbonate or making it in the form of a gable "teremka";
- hanging pots with flowering plants;
- laying on the frame of the LED strip for illumination at night;
- use of textiles, pillows, removable covers.
You can decorate the swing with a manual or programmable table router. 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 the pride of the owner.
How to care for a wooden swing
The tree is subject to the destructive effects of many adverse factors. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause wood cracking. The sun's rays provoke photoaging. Woodworms gnaw through numerous passages, and mold and fungi quickly make wooden structures unusable.
Regular care will help protect against all this:
- impregnation with antiseptic solutions;
- treatment with waterproof paints;
- varnishing compositions for outdoor use.
Activities should be carried out at least once every 1.5-2 years.
Important. If possible, it is advisable to bring the structure into a dry room for the winter, for example, a garage or a barn. This will greatly extend the life of the garden swing.
Combined swing
Very often, swings in personal plots have a combined design - the supports are made of a profile steel pipe, and a 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, do not crack. Assembly is possible both by bolts and by 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.
Folding swing
This design option will allow you to use the swing not only for the seat, but also as a comfortable wide bed. The bench is made of 2 independent parts, which are connected to each other by means of loops.
To expand the swing, remove the chain from the side eyes and fix it in a new position. Spacious and comfortable accommodation is ready.
Swing-cot
log swing
For the physical development of children, exercises on a swing-log are very useful. The simplest design, similar to a swing scale, consists of a support and a log swinging on it.
As a support column, you can use a piece of the same log. The rotation unit is made of a metal rod and washers. Small wooden handrails are attached to the swing so that the children can hold on.
Prepared parts are assembled very quickly. It will take quite a bit of effort, but the end result is the laughter and joy of children.
Simple and fun fun - log swing
Swing gazebo with a table
An option for a large company to relax is quite difficult to manufacture. The swing consists of a solid frame with a canopy, 2 benches, a table and a movable platform. Thanks to the articulated mounts, even a child can swing the structure.
For the manufacture of the frame, planed smooth logs or strong bars with a section of 100x100 mm, 150x150 mm are used. The tabletop and seats with backrest are made of 25 mm thick board. Hinges are located at the places where furniture is attached to the platform, as well as at the intersection points of horizontal planes with vertical structures. With this method, the stability of all objects on the table is ensured - the water in the glasses does not spill even with strong rocking.
Photo of a hybrid swing and gazebo.
Video instruction on how to make a wooden garden swing
Conclusion
A personal plot can be made cozy and beautiful if you make a garden swing made of wood with your own hands. You will need inexpensive lumber, woodworking tools, some free time and imagination.
You need to install the attraction on a clean, level area. If desired, you can arrange a light awning or canopy, and in order to extend the life of the structures, it is necessary to regularly renew the protective coating.
