Swinging on a swing is a favorite pastime not only for children, but also for many adults. They relax, calm and bring the nerves into complete order. Currently, it is not difficult to purchase a ready-made design in a store. But it’s much more pleasant to make a swing with your own hands. The material can be wood or metal. Of course, you will need drawings. Use ready-made ones or create your own. Step-by-step instructions with photos and videos will tell you how to properly make a garden swing with your own hands in the country with little investment of money and labor.
The choice of materials for making garden swings is not so diverse and is limited to plastic, metal and wood. The last two options are more popular. Therefore, let’s consider the positive aspects of structures made from them.
The main advantage of garden metal swings is their durability and long-term operation. It is worth noting that metal structures can be forged, welded or collapsible. Each of the options will fit perfectly into the overall style of the summer cottage.
Garden swings are easy to make with your own hands Advantages of wooden structures:
- Ease of manufacture.
- Economical in terms of material costs.
- Large number of design options.
- Harmony.
- Safety.
- Naturalness.
The last two points are most relevant to those who have small children. Environmental friendliness and non-invasiveness are the main criteria that parents should pay attention to.
Purpose
All swings can be divided into several groups according to the principle of purpose:
- family type;
- children's;
- covered for gazebos and terraces.
Baby swing
The requirements for children's swings are always higher. So, they come with or without a frame. Those designs that have only a seat and suspension are called frameless. They are quite easy to install and remove. The main disadvantage of swings is the increased degree of injury and low level of comfort. Frame swings are much more comfortable.
Attention! One of the important conditions for installing a swing for children is reliable fixation of the support.
Family swing
Such a swing looks like a bench suspended from a frame. The frames are A- or U-shaped, and the side pillars are dug into the ground at least 0.5 m, filled with cement mortar. Such structures are very stable and have good strength. They can accommodate several people at once. That's why they got that name.
Swing for the terrace
The main difference between swings and others is that they have some advantages. They can be disassembled and reassembled.
Family swing allows you to accommodate several people Drawings: how to read them correctly?
What is the drawing for? As with any design, this is an initial project in which everything is calculated down to the smallest detail. To correctly draw up a drawing, you will need to calculate all the parameters of the swing and the amount of material required. So, to make a family-type garden swing for a summer cottage, you will have to proceed from the following parameters:
- bench width for one person (from 0.4 to 0.6 m);
- seat height (0.5 m);
- distance from the seat to the crossbar (calculation is made individually);
- for suspended structures, the distance from the edge to the support post is determined as follows: 0.15–0.2 m when suspended on a chain of type 2–4 and 404;
Drawing of a garden swing - 0.25–0.3 m for other chain types of suspension;
- 0.35–0.4 m for ropes.
Attention! With strong swinging vibrations, the seat can move in different directions and touch the supports. This is traumatic and very dangerous. Therefore, take this point into account when drawing up the drawing.
Making a garden swing: step-by-step instructions
Making a garden swing yourself is an interesting and not as difficult process as it might seem. We bring to your attention step-by-step instructions with photos of making a swing from wood with an A-frame.
Choosing a location is the first and very important step. You cannot install a swing in a place you just like. You should choose a surface with a perfectly smooth topography. This will simplify the installation process. In addition, it is better to choose a place for installation away from prying eyes. Then it will bring peace and satisfaction.
Advice. There should be no obstructions in front or behind the swing. Such as trees, a fence or the wall of a house.
Selection of equipment and purchase of materials
For a wooden structure you will need good quality timber, without cracks or knots. Oak, birch, spruce or cedar are quite suitable. For the frame base you will need:
- cedar beam (10*10 cm) - 4 units. 3 linear meters each (for side supports);
- cedar beam (8*8 cm) - 1 unit. 2.5 linear meters (for making the crossbar);
- edged board (3*10*60 cm) - 1 unit. (for side screed).
For the bench you will also need:
- cedar timber (4.5*5.6 cm) - 12 linear meters;
- board for cladding (2.6*4.6 cm) - 18 linear meters;
- pillows - for decoration (if desired, you can make them yourself);
- suspension and fastening (chain, metal corners, hangers, bolts for furniture, various-sized screws).
Timber for building swings As for construction tools, to make a garden swing, keep in your inventory the following necessary items:
- Bulgarian.
- Plane.
- Screwdriver.
- Level.
- Electric drill.
Well, the preparatory work is completed, it’s time to start making a home-type swing.
Creating side posts
Advice. The base of the side pillars should be no less than 0.5 m wider than the seat.
- First you need to calculate the upper corner of the rack.
- Then you need to draw out the dimensions and work with a jigsaw.
- The next step is connecting the structural parts.
Side stands of swing - It is necessary to connect the upper parts of the beams, securing them with furniture bolts.
- Next, you should start working on the side ties. Externally, the racks should resemble the letter A. Therefore, you will need to mark the beams from the height of the soil.
- Then the screeds are marked. The parts are cut out and fixed using self-tapping screws and corners.
- Finally, 2 trapezoids of the same size, 0.1 m high, are cut out. They need to be attached to the inside of the beams using corners.
Seat installation
To make a comfortable seat, you will need to make two frames with dimensions of 20 * 5 cm. And one more (back) - 20 * 6.5 cm.
- Their internal contour is fixed with stiffening posts.
- Then you need to connect the backrest and seat using corners and screws.
- Cover the seat with a special board.
Attention! Armrests can be installed if desired.
- After this, attach the suspension to the seat using eye bolts.
Installation of a swing
Almost all the work has been completed and there is very little time left before your site will be decorated with an eco-friendly and comfortable wooden swing.
- Install the supporting support onto the posts using self-tapping screws.
- Dig holes for the support posts.
Fastening - Pour crushed stone into the holes, install stands and fill everything with concrete.
- Adjust the inclination of the side posts using a level.
Attention! The angle of inclination of the side posts should be only 90 degrees. Pay attention to the depth. The supports should be dug to the same length.
- Secure the posts with rope ties. They should remain in this state until the concrete hardens completely.
- Before installing the garden swing, the wooden structure must be varnished.
Final stage
- Check the fixation of the cross beam.
Swing frame - Drill holes in the beam to attach the eye bolts.
- Install the seat.
- The swing is ready. Enjoy the fruits of your own labors!
Garden swings are a great option for relaxation in the country. It’s especially nice when they are made by hand. Making them will take a little time, but you can enjoy the result every day!
Garden swing design: video
You should not mistakenly believe that swings in the country are made exclusively for children’s fun. In addition to swings designed for the weight of a child, there are a lot of quite interesting options that will become an excellent element of landscape design and a place of relaxation.
What to make a swing from?
Traditionally, swings are made of wood, metal, and a combination of these materials. However, the swing seat can be made of plastic, metal pipes, beams, strong rope, an old chair or a chair without legs. Tires and other waste materials are often used.
The main thing is that it is comfortable and safe to sit on the swing, and that the stands can withstand the loads placed on it.
Country swings are often equipped with canopies made of fabric, polycarbonate, wood, and roofing materials. This “roof” protects from bright sunlight; you can sit on the swing without the risk of burns.
What types of swings are there?
Soft swing chair Before building a swing, you should think about its purpose (for children or adults to ride), location (excessively large models are inappropriate in small areas), and seasonality (it is not appropriate to leave swings outdoors for the winter in not all dachas). It is also important to choose a model that fits well into the overall picture of the country landscape.
The swing can be mobile (collapsible) or stationary.
In turn, mobile swings can be suspended or equipped with a prefabricated frame that is installed on the ground.
Do you want to make a children's swing at the dacha for a child?
A children's swing is a great idea on how to entertain a child at the dacha, and the portal website also offers you information on. If you already have a sandbox, then read the article about building a playground with your own hands -.
You can make your own swing-balancer, swing-hammock, swing-sofa. Designs that are far from the classical representation of a swing design deserve special attention. Unusual swings can be:
And just recently, swings for disabled children appeared. The design with a platform for a wheelchair allows you to ride even for those who, unfortunately, cannot move independently.
Prices for garden swings
Garden swing
Making a hanging swing with your own hands
There is no frame provided for such swings. We will only make a seat, which we will later attach to ceiling beams or thick branches with chains or ropes.
Have you decided on the design of your swing?
Option 1. The simplest swing is an old tire tied with a rope and hung on a tree. You can also use a chain and secure it with a screw and nut.
Option 2. Place the tire horizontally. We cut 3 or 4 holes, insert metal hooks into them, which we secure with washers and nuts. We thread ropes or chains into the loops of the hooks.
Option 3. This is the most difficult option, which will require mastery of the grinder. The tire should be cut according to a certain pattern, bent and secured with long pins so that the resemblance of an animal or bird is obtained. One of the methods for making a country swing can be found below.
A swing made from boards (cut logs, wooden lattice, etc.) and ropes is a classic. It is enough to make 4 holes in the corners of a wide board and thread the ropes.
Instead of a board, you can use an old children's high chair, sawing off the legs and tying it with ropes.
A metal (steel or aluminum) hoop must be equipped with rope weaving so that a cobweb-seat is formed in the center. It is advisable to wrap the edges of the hoop with foam rubber and cover it with thick fabric. And to hang the swing, you will need several strong ropes, metal rings or other fasteners, which must be secured at least at four points around the circumference.
As one of the options, you can consider a swing-hoop, inside of which a metal basin is inserted. The edges of the pelvis should hold firmly to the hoop. Subsequently, the structure can be easily disassembled and re-qualified as a flower garden.
To make such a swing you will need two wide metal triangles, rivets and the material itself - tarpaulin. We fold it in several layers, stitch it around the perimeter, insert triangles and fasten it with rivets. All that remains is to hang the swing on a branch or beam.
To assemble a wooden swing on stands, prepare the following:
We use galvanized bolts as fasteners for such swings. We refrain from using simple screws and nails.
To additionally protect the material from damage and preserve its natural appearance, we use glaze. We first coat all wooden structural elements with it.
The finished swing is hung on a strong branch or fixed on racks with a cross beam laid on top of it. Use a wooden beam to assemble the support structure.
The lower ends of the wooden posts are treated with bitumen. To fix the racks, it is enough to dig a couple of holes about 1 m deep, install the racks in them, fill 20-30 cm of the height of the hole with a mixture of sand and crushed stone, and then pour concrete.
If you wish, you can make separate concrete pillars and attach a wooden beam to them with anchor bolts. Do what is most convenient for you. When using the second method, be sure to lay moisture-proofing material between the metal and wood. To give the frame greater stability, we support the racks with braces.
Options for attaching a seat for a swing We make the swing itself in accordance with the following step-by-step instructions.
First step. We make supporting arcs-sticks. To do this, we use boards 22 mm thick (preferably pine) and plywood 12 mm thick. In accordance with the diagram, we draw a template and cut out 6 clubs.
Second step. Using plywood blanks, we outline the outlines of the core. The layer in the middle is made of glued board. In the outer layers of the outer sticks we create cutouts for the ends of the rope.
Third step. We fasten the parts of the support using waterproof glue. We tighten the support with clamps. We remove them only after the glue has completely dried.
Fourth step. We process the edges of the supports with a sander, giving them a rounded shape.
Fifth step. We cut out round pieces for the rope holders from a pine board. This is easiest to do using the appropriate drill attachment.
Sixth step. We treat the supports and finished rounds with a primer or weather-resistant paint.
Seventh step. We screw metal rope holders into the supports through roundels, and then cover the wooden elements
Eighth step. Let's move on to creating a seat for a homemade wooden swing. First of all, we align the picket fence.
Ninth step. Next, drill holes for screws in each plank. To make the holes as carefully as possible, we put a corner on the edges of the picket fence (can be made from plywood) according to the size of the planks with pre-made holes in the right places.
Tenth step. Screw the pickets to the supports. To ensure an even step, we place planks between the slats.
Eleventh step. We fix the armrests to the supports. We also make them from picket fences. We screw the metal bolts into the end of the planks. We place a wooden round between the support and the armrest.
Twelfth step. We thread the rope through the holes of the holders fixed in the swing support. We tie the rope into a sea knot, then we wrap wire, strong thread or cord around it.
Thirteenth step. Cut off the free edge of the rope using a knife.
Fourteenth step. We pass the rope through the oval hole in the armrests. We rest the armrest itself on blocks mounted on a pair of half-rings secured with bolts.
Fifteenth step. We wrap the rope around the cable thimble and tie it with a rope.
Finally, all that remains is to hang the ring from an alpine carabiner, fixed to the crossbar of a support or a thick tree branch. Your swing is ready!
Metal swings are also easy to make with your own hands.
First step. We cut blanks from pipes. You need to make 2 two-meter side posts, a 1.5-2-meter crossbar, and also 4 pipes of arbitrary size for the base (2 pipes will go on each side).
Second step. We clean the pipes from burrs using metal sandpaper or a file.
Third step. blanks for the base at right angles.
Fourth step. We weld the rack to the finished base, and then weld the crossbar to the racks.
How to install a crossbar on a metal swing Fifth step. Let's start excavation work. You need to dig 4 holes with a depth of 80 cm.
Sixth step. We insert metal beams into the finished pits that are slightly longer than the depth of the pits.
Seventh step. Fill the recesses with beams with concrete mortar. You can make your own concrete from one part cement, one part crushed stone and two parts sand. Add water to the dry mixture and mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
Eighth step. We leave the concrete to gain strength for about a week.
Ninth step. We weld the hooks to the crossbar. Anchors can be used to make hooks.
Tenth step. We weld the frame of the swing to the metal beams.
Eleventh step. We attach the seat.
At this point, the homemade metal swing is ready. You can test it and put it into permanent use.
Video - Do-it-yourself swing for a summer house
Video - DIY baby swing
To take a little break from everyday life in a quiet and cozy environment, and also to please your children, we suggest you build a swing with your own hands. After all, they not only play the role of an element of relaxation, but will also have a beneficial effect on family relationships.
Kinds
All swings can be classified according to the number of axes of rotation:
- With one axis of rotation. These swings are easy to make and are the simplest option. The movement of the seat occurs exclusively back and forth perpendicular to the beam on which the structure is placed. The minimum height from the ground to the seat in this case is 35 cm.
- With several axes of rotation. In this case, the movement of the seat from side to side is added. This design is quite labor intensive. Suitable for older children. The distance from the seat to the ground is the same - 35 cm.
- With one suspension point. The elements with the help of which the swing sets in motion - a chain or rope - converge at one point under the crossbar. In this case, the distance from the ground to the seat and from the seat to the structure supports will be 40 cm.
They are also divided according to purpose:
- Mobile. This version of the play building has a simple, lightweight design, making it easy to move from one place to another. For example, in any place convenient for playing: even in the house, even outside in the shade.
- Family. They have a huge heavy structure. At first glance, it looks like a bench without supporting elements with a large backrest. This swing can accommodate the whole family. A U-shaped structure is used to fasten it, and chains or cables with excellent strength are used as fixation. This type of play structure can be covered with an awning or a roof can be built over it - and you can ride even in the rain.
- Children's. This category of swings is made in the form of boats or hanging chairs. Children will be able to ride them only when adults are nearby with seat belts fastened.
Distinction by type of structure:
- Hammocks. Fastening occurs using a metal crossbar. This can, of course, be replaced with a strong lower tree branch, provided it is straight enough. The weight that the hammock structure can withstand is about two hundred kilograms. When using this design, you can feel the flight above the ground. This option is very popular among those who like to read books.
- Singles. They have a variety of designs. No need to install an additional crossbar. The peculiarity is that it is easy to install, so this type of swing can be installed anywhere. Various materials are used for construction.
- Sun loungers. This system accommodates three people: one child and two adults. The configuration of the swing is such that its fixation is necessary only at one point, so it can be installed in an apartment. The strength of such a product, despite its apparent lightness, is quite high due to the metal alloy.
- Hanging. The design of this version of the swing is usually made of a seat and several cables or strong chains. The cable elements are fastened on each side. The dimensions of such a product are varied: they depend on the materials used. The distinctive qualities of the design are strength, lightness and comfort.
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Required Tools
Before you start making a swing, you must first prepare the required tools and materials. So, what do we need:
- File and sandpaper for metal.
- Welding installation.
- Electrodes.
- Container for preparing the solution.
- The ingredients for making the solution are crushed stone, water, cement, sand.
- Fasteners – bolts, nuts.
- Metal pipes.
- Wrenches.
- Shovel.
- Grinder with discs on a metal surface.
Preparing drawings
After all the preparatory steps have been completed, it is necessary to put the idea on paper. To do this, you need to understand what kind of swing design we will make.
Having decided on the design and type of swing, mentally imagine them in reality, as if you were already swinging on them. Now is the time to draw them. After completing the sketch, we recommend searching for similar options on the Internet. After all, the drawings can be either unique or those on which work has already been completed. It’s better not to “reinvent the wheel”, but to take ready-made options - this way you will save time and effort.
Below are several options for drawings with which you can independently build a swing for children.
How to make an outdoor swing
Made of wood
To make wooden swinging elements you will need the following material:
- Glued laminated timber 8x8 or 10x10 cm.
- The plywood is thicker.
- Solid wood.
- Boards.
- Chains, nuts, bolts, screws, self-tapping screws, studs.
Manufacturing process:
- Using a drill, we dig 2 holes 1-1.5 deep and 20 cm in diameter.
- We make pit cases from roofing felt.
- We throw the remains of bricks or large stones into the holes and fill them with concrete.
- As soon as the concrete has set, we install metal corners to install supports.
- The above-ground component of concrete foundations must be sanded and painted in a bright shade.
- We tighten the base with screws (120 mm). To do this, first make a cut in the timber and install the studs. Using a hacksaw, we cut out the spacers and attach them to the structure with pins.
- Using self-tapping screws, we make a seat from thick plywood. We coat it with varnish and attach it to the sides of the chain.
- We make cuts in the pillars and install them on the mounted corners.
- We hang the seat.
You can learn how to make a wooden swing with your own hands from the following video.
The wooden swing is ready.
Made of metal
In order to lay the supports we will need:
- 74th metal pipe – 2 pcs.
- Bearings – 2 pcs.
- 15th pipe – 1 pc.
- Cement mortar.
- Shovel.
- Sand.
- Welding machine.
- Iron strip 7cm – 1 pc.
Support installation process:
- In thick pipes we make special holes at the top. This is necessary so that the crossbar rests on them.
- Prepare cement mortar.
- We dig holes for supports.
- We dig in the pillars and concrete them.
- On the crossbar we install 2 bearings with limiters made of steel strip. They must be welded to limit side to side movement of the bearings.
- We install the crossbar on the support. We also weld it.
List of necessary materials and tools for organizing a seat for a new swing: Welding machine.
- Hammer.
- Screwdriver.
- Angle grinder.
- Pipe bender
- Roulette.
- 32nd pipe – 8m.
- Chain – 6m.
- Board 314x25 cm.
- Steel strip 341 cm long.
- Carabiner for chains – 2 pcs.
- Bolts for carabiners – 2 pcs.
- Coloring composition and water-repellent liquid.
- Small screws - 42 pcs.
Seat manufacturing process:
- We bend the pipes as necessary and weld the frame using a welding machine.
- We treat the wooden surface with a water-repellent liquid and paint it with regular street paint.
- We insert a wooden surface into the frame and secure it so that it holds tightly. This can be done using a metal strip, welding it in several places behind the seat: on the sides and horizontally along the seat.
- We fasten the chains with carabiners with bolts.
- Bearings and chains are also bolted together through iron strips specially bent with a hammer for this purpose. The size of the strips is about 20 cm.
Hanging
The configuration of such swings can be varied. Here are a few of them:
- Bungee- the simplest design. It is made from a rope tied at both ends. There should be a strong crossbar on top, and a plank or round crossbar on the bottom.
- Tire swing- an option similar to the previous one. Suspended both vertically and horizontally. They can be used to create fancy shapes, which gives impetus to the creative process of creating a unique swing design.
- Another option - a board or piece of tarpaulin is suspended from both sides of the edges symmetrically on two ropes or chains.
- With wide seats. This option is usually secured using four ropes or chains. Instead of a wide seat, you can use old chairs without legs, pallets and even benches.
- Soft swing. Their design resembles a hammock. They can also be made from a fabric base and wooden sticks or woven from rope.
One of the options for hanging swings will be discussed in the next section of our article.
On a spring
Manufacturing process:
- We purchase a truck spring with a height of at least 35 cm from the metal market - this will be our spring.
- We dig a hole for our spring.
- We assemble the anchor: for this we need a cross (you can use reinforcement with a diameter of 20 mm) and a pipe 50-60 cm long. These two elements must be welded.
- We fasten the anchor and spring using a boss.
- We lower the anchor into the hole, level it and fill it with concrete.
- We weld the boss to the spring. This is necessary to secure the swing body.
- We take whatman paper and draw out the necessary configuration of the body - here everything depends on your imagination. Don't forget about the handles that your baby will hold on to while riding.
- We transfer the design onto plywood and cut it out using a jigsaw.
- We fasten the body to the boss using metal strips measuring 30x4 mm and bolts.
- We paint the swing in bright colors.
You can also learn more about how to make a spring swing with your own hands from the video below.
Now you can use the swing.
We do it for home and apartment
Any homemade structure that is used at home by children must meet certain safety requirements. This also applies to swings made with your own hands.
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Requirements:
- Material. It must be environmentally friendly. It is advisable to use natural materials. For example, wood is perfect. And in a home environment it is also a good microclimate, which will have a positive effect on the health of your children.
- Order. After the child has played on the swing, it must be removed. Stay close to him while he rides.
- Swing elements should not be hazardous. Hands and feet should not get tangled or stuck in them.
- Workmanship. The entire surface of the swing should be smooth - sand it as best as possible and free it from knots.
Before you start manufacturing, you need to decide on the space where the swing will be located and prepare all the materials necessary for this.
Materials that we will need to make the riding device:
- Plywood (board) with dimensions 400x400 mm for making a seat.
- Boundary strips with dimensions 400x65x20 mm 5 pcs.
- Copper tubes 4 pcs. with a diameter of 20 mm: two 65 mm long and 2 125 mm long.
- Rope 6 m long.
Manufacturing process:
- The seat board and slats must first be processed with a plane. Sharp and protruding parts must be removed.
- We drill holes in the 4 corners of the seat at a distance of 40 mm from the edges. The diameter of the holes should be 6-10 mm. The limiter strips also need to be drilled with the same distance to the edges. Let us remind you that there are only 5 of them: 2 go to the back, 2 to the sides and 1 to the front.
- We assemble the entire structure. To do this, we insert the rope through all the holes and secure it with reliable knots.
- We hang the swing and paint it.
The swing for the house is ready.
Child safety rules
Below are a few rules to keep your child safe while riding:
- If the swing design involves one suspension point, then the fastenings of its elements must be made in such a way that the rope or chain does not twist during the swing process.
- If a chain is used as hanging components, it should be covered. Unnecessary garden hoses can come to the rescue. This is necessary to prevent the child’s fingers from getting caught in the chain.
- Placing two swinging devices on the frame is not permitted. In this case, collisions between children when swinging are possible.
- Secure the landing area. Cut bark or sand will soften the blows of possible falls.
- Make sitting easy. Plastic, rubber or wood are suitable for this.
- The seat should have springy qualities. Sides covered with rubber are a completely acceptable option. This should protect children from impacts from the swing.
- There should be no plants within the perimeter of the landing area that could harm the child.
- Carefully process all wooden components with a plane, sand and apply varnish to them. This will prevent children from getting splinters and scratches.
- Drive all protruding parts in the form of bolts and nails, as well as other metal parts, into the wood.
- Among the safer swing designs, L- and A-shapes stand out. This is due to the fact that in this case the load on the structure is less than with other forms. The greater the distance between the vertical supports, the more reliable the structure and the less wear on parts when using the swing.
- Hanging swing carabiners tend to wear out quickly - they need to be changed once a year. Use carabiners with plastic inserts, so they will be reliably protected from wear.
- Do not use hooks instead of carabiners. During active rocking, they can break and the child will suffer.
- It is better to lubricate the place where the rope and the fastening unit come into contact with machine oil. This will increase its service life.
- The location of children's swing options must meet safety requirements. These should be places outside of any vertical barriers: walls, fences, trees and all kinds of buildings. If there is strong swinging, there is a high risk of injury to the child. Additionally, inspect the nearby area for the presence of sharp and cutting elements - there should not be any.
Holidays with children can be made even more enjoyable by providing interesting elements and structures.
This includes a barbecue corner, a playground or a whole complex.
In this article we will look at the manufacture and assembly of wooden swings for a summer house, drawings and photos of various construction options.
Blueprints
There are many advantages to making a structure yourself:
- choosing a design that is comfortable and functional according to your own taste and desire;
- a product made from natural wood is environmentally friendly and durable (with appropriate processing);
- saving money (purchasing a finished product is always higher, and there is not always a guarantee of quality);
- the tree will harmoniously fit into the surroundings, and the canopy over the structure will allow you to enjoy steady rocking and fresh air without the risk of getting burned under the scorching heat.
Did you know?In Ecuador, in the city of Banos, there is a swing, riding on which brave tourists can soar over an abyss more than 2000 m deep and admire the view of the Tungurahua volcano.
We adjust the board to the required dimensions, place them on a straight surface (on the floor) in the position in which they will be assembled, measure the width of the base and the angle at the top of the future rack. 
In the upper part, two racks will be fastened together with a cross beam. Therefore, the angle is measured, taking this detail into account; the easiest way to take measurements to cut off excess wood is to apply a short block of the same width to the parts of the supports folded together, and draw a marking line with a pencil. 
Use a jigsaw to cut off the excess parts and assemble all the parts together. Secure with a clamp for complete immobility and make sure that the bottom of the rack is not warped, a level will come in handy here, remove excess. 
Make the second stand in the same way.
A board of the required size can be made rounded along the edges protruding from the fastening for aesthetics. 
Next, we assemble the support: before screwing in the bolts or screws, make sure that all the corners of the structure correspond to the calculations. 
The rack is not ready yet: it will need additional side bars for reliability. We try on a beam of suitable length to the bottom of the rack, the distance from the floor corresponds to the level of the future hanging bench. 
Mark the cut lines with a pencil, making sure there are no distortions using a level. Install the prepared cross member in the desired location, secure it with a clamp and fasten it with bolts. 
In the same way, make and install crossbars in the upper corner of the rack approximately 20 cm below the attachment point. We add fasteners at the top for final fixation - the base of the swing is ready. 
Important! Remember, all fasteners must be galvanized: this will protect the wood from cracks and extend the life of the wooden product.
Bench
Let's move on to the bench. In order not to miss anything when making a swing for your dacha with your own hands, check the diagrams and drawings. 
Make frame parts for the bench of the desired size, grind and sand them, mark and cut grooves in the right places. Don't forget about armrests, they can be made curly. 
Then the frame needs to be assembled and secured with a clamp (one tool is not enough here) in order to more accurately calculate the width and length of the back and seat parts. Start making bench parts for a wooden swing, it’s not difficult to make them yourself, the main thing is to take accurate measurements.
Two long parts with a groove machined lengthwise (for lamellas) and tenons at the ends. A thin strip, narrowed on one side (to match the width of the groove) and equal in width to two bases, will be needed during assembly to close the groove recess between the slats. Cut the plank into chops equal to the width of the gap between the slats. 
Further make lamellas, depending on the length of your bench, there will be from 10 to 12 pieces on the back, located perpendicular to the bases, do not forget to sharpen the tenons on both ends for the grooves made in the bases. 
For the seat, make slats that are longer than the length of the bench; they will be located parallel to the longer bases of the seat. The number of slats also corresponds to the width of the seat. 
All the parts are ready, start assembling the bench.
Assemble the back: place one of the bases with the groove up, mark the location of the lamellas with a pencil. Lubricate the groove with a stamp and install all the lamellas one by one, and then the choppers that cover the gaps between them. 
Also secure the top base with glue and secure the assembled back with clamps. 
Next, assemble, coat all the grooves with glue, and fasten the frame for the bench with bolts. Place the prepared backrest on the frame, coat the tenons going into the grooves of the two side frame guides with glue. 
Grind, sand, fix the seat slats with glue and press with a clamp. 
The DIY wooden swing is almost ready, all that remains is to install the suspension and canopy.
What should children do in their free time outside? Run and play, build a house out of sand, ride a bike, kick a ball. And many children enjoy spending time on the swings. They love to rise and fall sharply. You can make such a swing with your own hands using available materials.
For several centuries, swings remained a popular attraction, not only for children, but also for adults. Not a single folk festival in Ancient Rus' was complete without “flights” on these devices. During the Russian Empire, both the poor and rich people had them. Naturally, they looked different: the poor swung on ordinary wooden boards tied with ropes to poles, and the swings of the rich were decorated with decorative elements, pillows, bows and ruffles. Nowadays, interest in them does not fade; they can also be seen in courtyards, in many children's organizations, and in country “residences”.
What material is suitable for making a yard swing?
You can make a swing with your own hands, using almost everything that is at hand.
Table: advantages and disadvantages of different materials
| Type of material | Advantages | Flaws |
| Tree |
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|
| Metal |
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| Plastic |
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Photo gallery: types of swings by material
Wooden swings require careful antiseptic treatment and surface sanding 
Nobody disputes the strength and reliability of metal structures 
Plastic children's structures can be purchased ready-made, but they are only suitable for babies
Use of non-standard materials
Some craftsmen can make swings from other materials, using car tires, plastic pipes, wooden pallets, etc. Even snowboards, skateboards and other non-standard materials, for example, an old basin, can be used.
Photo gallery: creative seats
Creating a hanging swing will not take much time 
In skillful hands, even a snowboard can become a useful element of a children's swing 
Older children like non-standard solutions, for example, tire swings 
An old, roomy basin can serve as a seat.
Swing designs
According to the design features, swings are:
- frame;
- hanging;
- floor;
- transformers;
- electronic type.
Age preferences for frame-type swings are children from 3 to 10 years old. Such structures have a great advantage - mobility. They can be placed in any area of a summer cottage or playground. They are strong enough to support the weight of primary school children.
Hanging swings are attached to a beam-crossbar. For this you can use chains, ropes, ropes. Their reliability increases when using a strong crossbar and subject to proper fastening.
Floor structures can be used by children under 5 years of age. Most often, when creating them, plastic and metal parts are combined.
For very young children, you can make a transforming rocking chair that combines several elements at once:
- Chair for babies;
- mini-chair;
- directly the swing.
It is impossible to imagine the modern world without electronics. There are swings equipped with a special system, which may include:
- timer;
- "music Center";
- a device for setting the rhythm of swing movements.
They are worth purchasing only if your family has a newborn child.
Photo gallery: different swing designs
Frame swing 0 familiar type of structure 
The design of the floor swing allows for its transfer to any suitable place 
Good and comfortable for children in a hanging swing with a backrest 
Electronic swings are suitable even for little ones
What functions can a swing perform?
Swings, despite similar functions, may differ slightly from each other. This is due to both the design of these structures and their operating principles.
Which adult does not remember such attractions as boats? This type of swing can be used to entertain both children and their parents.
There are several types of children's structures, designated by one concept - swing-balancers. Such devices include swings:
- "scales";
- "pendulum";
- "yoke".
This fun activity is suitable even for small children. With the support of an adult, a one-year-old baby can also ride on the swing.
Nowadays, manufacturers of children's structures offer a wide variety of spring devices for swinging with balancing.
Of course, you can buy a swing in a store, but it’s better to work hard and build a swing yourself. Years will pass, but your child, already matured, will definitely remember the moments of “ups” and “downs” on the swing that you made with your own hands.
Photo gallery: spring structures for kids
“Across the seas, across the waves” - the motto of the design for children in the form of a boat 
Sitting on a plane, you can feel like a real pilot 
This ladybug won't take your child to heaven, but it will help you have fun 
All the kids will love springing while sitting in a helicopter.
Preparatory work
If you decide to build a children's swing yourself, then you should do the preparatory work:
- decide on the type of future design;
- clarify parameters;
- draw a drawing;
- purchase the necessary materials;
- get all the necessary tools.
Material selection
The simplest design of a swing is a suspended one. You can make them entirely wooden or combine different materials. For hanging elements, metal chains, ropes, strong cord, parachute lines or rope are most often used.
It is best to use a sanded board as a seat, since it is comfortable, will not crack in the cold, and will not cause discomfort to the child in hot or cold weather. You can use improvised means - old seats from chairs, armchairs, etc.
If you have more than one child or you often have guests with children, you can make a balancer for two. They are made from different materials. The advantages of metal swings are their strength, but to independently build such a structure you will need a good welder. Wooden swings are easier to make and less dangerous to use.
Calculation of materials
The easiest ways to make a hanging swing with a metal support and a wooden swing-balancer.
The materials you will need are:
- 2 iron pipes for support posts (d=74 cm);
- 2 bearings;
- 1 metal pipe (for the crossbar) 50 cm long (d=150 mm);
- ready-made mortar for concreting;
- welding machine;
- 2 metal plates no narrower than 7 cm.
For the balance swing, prepare:
- any wooden materials (average length - 2.5 meters). You can take an ordinary thin log, timber (40–50 mm thick) or a board about 25 cm wide.
- boards for seats (width - 30–40 cm, length - 45–60 cm) with a thickness of at least 30 mm.
- metal rod for support.
- hardware.
- paint or primer.
- 2 wooden handles (they can be made from a wooden rod with a diameter of 25 mm, about 60 cm long).
Outdoor swing schemes
You can make the work of making a swing easier by drawing up a design diagram. Drawings are made independently (according to individual parameters) or ready-made ones are taken from various sources.
Photo gallery: examples of drawings
The design of the swing must be very stable 
Based on the diagram, you can build a frame swing from wood 
The diagram must indicate the dimensions of each part.
Tool preparation
Depending on which design you prefer, you need to prepare:
- welding machine;
- drill;
- hammer;
- shovel or hand drill;
- screwdriver;
- grinder;
- hacksaw;
- roulette;
- plane.
Step-by-step instructions for making a hanging swing with a chain and a wooden seat
Having prepared everything you need, you can start working:
There is another reliable way to attach supports and crossbars - by welding a special structure (this option is very suitable for connecting wooden structural elements).
Bearings are mounted in the central part of the crossbar using metal plates. The bearings must ensure the movement of the swing in the forward/backward direction. The next steps are:
The condition of the swing should be carefully monitored. It is necessary to regularly lubricate the bearings with machine oil and touch up shabby parts.
Before you invite the kids to ride, test the swing yourself.
Video: how to make a swing from a profile pipe at the dacha with your own hands
How to make a swing-balance for a child from wood with your own hands
Based on the drawings made and armed with the necessary materials and tools, you can begin assembling a swing-balancer made of wood. The work is carried out in 4 stages:
- installation of the base;
- production of rocker-balancer;
- assembly;
- painting the product.
The foundation is the basis for the reliability of the structure for children. This swing element can be constructed from wooden beams (10x15 cm), logs (20 cm), boards (no thinner than 3 cm), securing them in the intended location of the future swing. A lower frame about 1 m long is constructed from wood and vertical supports or racks at an angle are attached to it (using self-tapping screws).
The easiest way to make a rocker-balancer is from timber or a thick board.
For the entire length of the balancer (up to 2.5–3 m), 2 beams are laid parallel to each other, and shorter beams (up to 1 m) are placed between them (on both sides). The entire resulting structure is fixed with screws or waterproof glue (for carpentry). You can use one board.
At the edges of the rocker there are seats with handles, and in its central part there is a hole for a profile pipe.
The handles, like all other wooden parts, must be perfectly smooth so that the child does not drive a splinter into the skin.
The rocker arm and base are assembled using two pipes: a support pipe and a section mounted in the center of the swing. They are combined, a steel rod is inserted into pre-drilled holes on both pipes.
Video: how to make a product from a tire
Decoration process
After the swing is installed, you need to take care of its appearance. The easiest way to paint them is with oil paint. This method is suitable for both wooden and metal structures. You can get creative and make the swing especially attractive for children.
Do not neglect the rules for using children's swings, which will help avoid injuries. It is forbidden:
- Getting too close to them while other children are using them.
- Rock while standing, resting your feet on the seat.
- Twist ropes, chains or other hanging elements.
- Get off the swing before it stops completely.
- Several children can sit on the same seat at once.
Before using the swing, you must carefully inspect all components and connections for their integrity and functionality. Lubricate the swing regularly to prevent rust and squeaking. Make sure that there are no sharp objects, protruding bolts, or unsanded wooden areas in the structure.
It is not difficult to make a swing with your own hands. The main thing is to adhere to the manufacturing technology of the product and the recommendations of specialists.