Building a Swing Set

Building a swing set can be a wonderful addition to anyone's home, and can go beyond simply tying a tire to a tree. All that you are going to need to do is get together a few materials, and begin your building. This project should take no longer than a weekend to accomplish.

Materials and tools:

• Sandpaper
• Sand
• Cement
• Concrete tube
• Nails
• Screws
• Water
• 6—5" Galvanized bolts with washers and nuts.
• Swing(s)
• 6—5" Galvanized eyebolts with washers and nuts (minimum)
• 1—4"x4"x10' Round wooden post
• 4—4"x4"x15' Round wooden posts
• 2—Metal A-frame brackets for 4"x4" round.
• Twine (at least 56')
• 4 stakes
• Ratchet
• Drill
• Complete set of drill bits
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Chain or rope

Assembly steps:

1. Preplan. Prior to actually beginning assembly of your new swing set, you should take the time to sit and plan. If you do not have a set of blueprints or plans, take the time to draw out what the final assembly should look like. A common plan calls for a swing set that is 10' high and 10' long, and absolutely no cutting. You also should take the time to take a look at where on the property you are going to place your new addition, since this is going to have a foot print of 18'x10', you should take some care as to where you put it. Select an area that has plenty of shade, but no low hanging limbs, with firm ground.
2. Prepare. Now you need to begin preparing the site for your new swing set. Begin by placing a stake in one corner of your site. After you have done this, take some twine and run out 18', place another stake, take a 90o turn to the left and run out 10' and place another stake, take another 900 turn and run out 18' and place your final stake. Take the left over twine and tie it to the original stake. Where you have the stakes is where you are going to dig your foundation holes. Dig each hole about 1' in diameter, and about 2' deep. If you have a way to keep cement from hardening, go ahead and prepare the concrete that you are going to use to secure the swing set. At this time you may wish to also prepare the wood for the assembly. At the end of each piece of wood, you are going to want to drill at least two holes (measure them by the metal A-frame brackets) in each end of the pieces of wood. You are also going to want to drill some holes evenly along the swing beam (that is the 10' beam) to place the eyebolts. These eyebolts are going to be where you hang the chains or ropes for the swings themselves.
3. Assembly. You are ready to now assemble all the parts of your swing. Go ahead and begin assembling everything, being sure that you place washers between the bolts and the wood itself to help spread out the stress. When you do this, be sure that you use either the drill with proper attachments, or the ratchet set to completely tighten everything down. Once you have everything assembled you are ready to place the support legs into the foundation holes. Have three other people (at a minimum) help you place these legs into the holes that you previously dug. Once these legs are in place, you are ready to pour the foundation concrete.
4. Finishing. After you have poured the concrete, go ahead and start applying your stain (if you wish) and your finish. Be sure that you correctly follow the directions, as this is going to effect how your swing set looks, as well help ensure it's longevity. Once your concrete and finish/sealer have dried you simply have to hang the swings from your eyebolts. Adjust to your desired height and have fun!