It so happens that for many of us, swings are associated with childhood or weddings, but are not necessarily perceived as an essential element of the garden. At the same time, many readers of our blog will probably be interested in learning how to make a swing, so undeservedly forgotten, and especially with their own hands. They can be made in a rustic style, using metal or wood, as a seating area for an Italian patio, under a pergola or a children's version of a swing - some of these are sure to please.
A swing as a home decor item is not so often found in the dachas and country houses of our compatriots. We propose to radically change this situation. We will talk about making your own garden decor due to the need for a rational approach to spending.
It’s probably not worth mentioning that such exterior items are quite expensive on sale. The cost of wooden models in Europe reaches 700-900 euros. In Russia, prices start from 200-300 dollars. Making them is not so difficult. Working in the garden and outdoors is a useful hobby in every sense.
Traditional English swing benches
Bench swings belong to the traditional decoration of the terrace of a classic English house. This tradition also existed in Tsarist Russia; swings were built on verandas and terraces, as a rule, under an existing canopy. Fastening to the roof beams provided the required reliability without unnecessary investments.
You can make a swing from any material available at your dacha for your terrace entirely with your own hands and without the involvement of helpers. To do this, you don’t have to make a base and a canopy, but only build a reliable mount to the ceiling and make seats. Even a woman can handle this kind of work, she just needs to make sure that the roofing is reliable so that the work is not only easy, but also of high quality.
In American cottages, such models in the form of benches with textile pillows are found on the open terrace. In Italian Tuscany, hanging wooden seats are often arranged under a canopy for flowers - a pergola, which vaguely resembles a Russian gazebo and often serves as a summer kitchen.
Swing-bed or swing-bed
Swing-bed is an alternative form of terrace swing of a larger size. A similar swinging bed can be built in the garden, under a canopy, tree canopy or awning. If you add a canopy to the design, then in the summer you can sleep freely on such a swing, enjoying the pleasant coolness of the night. Use one of the ideas presented in the photo.
Photos, design and drawings of a swing bench for a terrace and garden
Pergola as a supporting structure
Freestanding A-frame structures without canopy
Free-standing A-frame structures with canopy (diagram and drawing)
Methods of fastening elements of the swing support structure
Rustic swing for wooden houses
If you are the proud owner of a Russian wooden house built from timber, be sure to appreciate a swing in a rustic style. The company GardenLand.ro offers its original models for about 900 euros. Such garden decor is made in Russia by the family workshop Eclectichome.ru using natural materials.
Wild logs are used as a building material in the construction of such swings. During processing, the branches are cut and used as brackets for flower stands. We invite you to evaluate your strengths and build such decor yourself. How to make a swing in the garden at the dacha from scrap materials and do-it-yourself photos, we suggest you look below.
Installation of rustic swings is carried out individually without drawings, using the standard dimensions of such household structures as a basis. It is not at all necessary to remove the bark from the support, as was done in the GardenLand sample. But if you decide to create a custom swing, you will need a specialized tool for Russian log houses.
Coating the wood base with a preservative will help preserve the wood's appearance. Specialized paints and varnishes are available in a wide range; most often, craftsmen use budget linen impregnation.
To fasten individual elements of the swing, anchor bolts and fastening fittings for erecting the roof are used. We talked about a similar installation in a review about wooden stairs.
The main advantage of swings made from wild logs is their stability and high strength. The design can easily support the weight of several adults. You can see how to install such rustic decor in the video.
French textile chairs or Brazilian Hammock
French swings are derived from traditional Brazilian Hammocks and are usually made from thick linen fabric or canvas, fittings and thick linen cord. The shape of the chair is created using laces of different lengths. They are attached to a transverse wooden crossbar, which, in turn, is attached to the reliable ceiling of the terrace or pergola. To create the base of the seat, cushions are laid to hold the shape.
See how to make a swing in the shape of hanging chairs, benches and benches with your own hands photo. Such functional decor for pergolas and terraces will become a favorite pastime for adults and children.
Textile chairs can be used without a canopy; for these purposes, we recommend making a hook on an anchor bolt, to which they will be attached as needed. For quiet purposes, portable terrace swings can be used, which in good weather can be installed in the open air without a canopy. If the basis is sufficiently reliable, this may also apply to different variations of the swing-bed.
Children's playgrounds in the garden with swings
Children's swings can have different designs and are installed anywhere in the garden where the child will play or be close to his parents. Make small rocking chairs for a small child on the terrace. Moreover, you can fix the ceiling in advance using a hook, so that it can be replaced with any other suspended structure at any time.
Always keep in mind that older children like to strongly rock the structure, which should be taken into account when choosing hangers and a base. If the floors cannot withstand such force, use a more suitable model.
Video instructions for building a wooden swing
Conclusion
All proposed swing models can be made with your own hands, and in some cases from scrap material without any cost. The photo shows various designs that are quite easy to assemble yourself. The ideas can be used to design a recreation area on a personal plot or to make your own playground for children.
DIY garden swing at the dacha can be made from scrap materials using photo or diagrams from the Internet. Construction will require time and skills from the master, but the result will delight children, family and guests. In addition, a ready-made factory swing will cost three times more. When starting to choose a model for a future design, listen to the wishes of your household and involve them in the creation process.
Where to start?
Builders advise starting the construction of a structure by choosing its location. At the dacha, it is installed in a resting place, so that it does not interfere and has enough space for swinging. In the case where there is not enough space for installation on a summer cottage, landscaping of the street area is considered. If you plan to install a permanent structure, you will need a concrete foundation for installation. If the rocking chair is portable, you will need reliable fasteners. They use pins that are driven into the ground and the legs are attached to them. Mobile swings can be mounted on hanging hooks, in which case they can be easily transported from home to garden by securing them to a suitable support.
How to determine size?
Its size depends on the category for which the structure is intended. Depending on your preferences and family conditions, the swing may be for adults. They are made in the form of a comfortable bench or rocking sofa, equipped with a canopy, and decorated with soft pillows. Guests of the older generation, swaying slightly on a comfortable sofa, will be happy to have a conversation over a cup of tea.
Children's swings are made small and reinforced with straps, providing for a large swing amplitude. In this option, the main thing is safety. Therefore, during construction, sharp corners are removed and the surface is made as smooth as possible. For a children's model, an important element is the color scheme and seating comfort. It is painted in different colors, attracting the child to this activity.
The structure for the whole family is large in size. It is designed for mom, baby and dad to ride at the same time. Its weight is calculated at 250 kg and above. The supports are made solid, dug into the ground and filled with concrete. The structure is intended for year-round use, so it is painted, equipped with a roof and not decorated with textile elements. Small pillows or blankets are laid down immediately before use.
On a note. The canopy not only protects riders from rain or scorching sun, but also protects the structure from fading and corrosion.
Common types of country swings
You can adapt materials for skating that have already been used, but are still quite durable. For example, a car tire, construction pallets, canvas, an old skateboard or a wooden box. They buy chains and fasteners, carabiners or hooks and hang them in the garden on a strong branch. Using building and available materials, the following types of swings are made:
Singles consist of a seat and suspensions that are attached to a support. Their weight and size are designed for children.
Hammocks belong to portable types. They are a comfortable hammock that can be hung with one or two hangers from any crossbar. It is in the spirit of those who like to read it in the fresh air. For production, strong fabrics and strong ropes, as well as carabiners, are selected. The durable hammock can support the weight of an adult man.
Sun loungers- These are frame models, shaped like a lounger floating in the air. A metal frame is used as supports. This model is complex in execution; it is easier to buy it in a store and assemble it on site.
Hanging come in different modifications, widths and lengths. The common feature is a seat with chains attached to the side.
Advice. For a homemade country swing, it is not necessary to build strong supports. More often they are hung on a suitable branch of a garden tree. But it is safer to install poles with a fixed crossbar.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a hanging wooden model
To make a swing for a large company, use the design diagram in the form of a hanging bench with a backrest. The main material is high-quality inexpensive wood. To create the model, boards and beams are purchased from a hardware store; they also buy bolts, hooks and chains for attaching the bench to the support. The master selects the dimensions at his discretion, choosing a comfortable backrest height, seat width, and bench length.
Required Tools
A standard set of woodworking tools will be useful for the job:
- jigsaw and circular saw for sawing boards;
- drill for preparing holes at the joints of parts;
- screwdriver for tightening fasteners;
- plane and sander to remove uneven surfaces of wood;
- marker (a slate pencil will do);
- construction corner or long ruler;
- building level for level installation of supports.
Basic materials
The main building material is soft but durable wood. For example, spruce or pine. Birch lumber has excellent quality characteristics; it is durable and inexpensive. For construction you will need 15 beams 2.5 m long (25 mm by 100 mm), 1 crossbar 2.5 m long (50 mm by 150 mm), glued slats 1.5 - 2 m long.
Additional materials:
- Galvanized screws (with rings for fastenings) 2 pairs;
- Wood screws No. 3.5 and No. 5 – 200 pcs;
- Chain from 5 m (length selected according to the dimensions of the structure)
- Fastening carabiners – 6 pcs;
- Varnish, wax, stain for applying a protective layer 3 l;
- Flat brushes for painting – 2 pcs.
Sequencing
First, make a bench for sitting. Having determined its length (from one and a half meters), boards of the required size are prepared and holes are drilled in them for fastenings. According to the diagram, the frame is assembled and the slats are attached to it, equipping the back and seat. If you have sufficient carpentry skills, make a seat with a shaped back by cutting out the parts according to a template. Armrests are attached to the finished seat (one side to the back, the other to the seat). All parts are cut exactly to size, given a shaped shape and polished. The finished rocking chair is varnished in several layers, allowing each layer to dry. Then screws with rings are attached to the lower side of the armrest on the left and right and chains with carabiners at the ends are inserted into them. A cozy bench for friends is ready. It is hung from a strong tree and rolled around.
Instructions for creating a metal model
The metal construction is durable and reliable. To create it, you will need special skills in welding, cutting metal, and mixing concrete. The metal model has a long service life, meets safety requirements and can withstand weight up to 250 kg. In order to assemble it you will need the following materials:
- hollow metal pipe with a diameter of 50 m and a total length of 12.5 m;
- rod reinforcement with a diameter of 18 mm and a length of 8 m;
- pine board 5 m (50 mm by 20 mm);
- metal screws, bolts, nuts,
- concrete (water, cement, sand and crushed stone);
- enamel paint 3 l and flat brushes.
To cut, weld and strengthen pipes you will need the following tools:
- Bulgarian;
- file and sandpaper;
- welding machine;
- bath for mixing concrete mixture;
- shovel and bayonet.
Procedure
Metal swings are made stationary. Therefore, a place for them is carefully selected. Having cut the pipes for support according to the selected drawing (for example, side posts and a crossbar of 2 m each and pipes for the base of a suitable size), they are welded and the joints are ground.
The finished structure is dug into the ground at least 70 cm. To do this, dig 4 holes, place the swing legs there and fill them with concrete. To make it, mix cement and sand one to two, adding one part of crushed stone. Having stirred the mixture well, pour water into it and knead the mixture to the thickness of sour cream. Pouring the homogeneous mixture into the pits, it is allowed to harden for 7 days. When the support becomes stable, hooks are welded to the crossbar to which the seat will be attached. It is assembled from reinforcement. Weld a frame for a base of convenient sizes, attaching two handrails to it. Their ends are bent into the shape of rings and hung on hooks at the top of the beam. For seating, prepare boards according to the size of the base and attach them with self-tapping screws.
Note: the edges of the boards must be free of knots and torn edges. They are sanded and coated with a protective layer of varnish or paint.
Conclusion
When installing a swing at a summer cottage, a convenient and safe place is selected for it. There should be no debris, broken glass, or wire protruding from the ground nearby. The structure itself and the area under it are made comfortable for riding, and take into account the possibility of falling. That is, if a child jumps carelessly, he will rest his feet on the green lawn or sand, and not on the concrete screed. The safety of the child comes first, and the decorative appearance of the structure and its sports and play area comes second. If you have free space at your summer cottage to place play or sports equipment, install it next to the swing. It is also made by hand and painted in bright colors.
Swings for adults are equipped with an approach path and a equipped area. Often a barbecue is placed next to them for a pleasant time with friends. In this case, consider lighting the site in the evening.
48 photos of garden swing ideas:
Good afternoon. Today we will make a swing for a summer cottage. I decided to immediately collect in ONE ARTICLE all the variety of swings for the dacha (from simple to complex). So that you can choose the swing model that you like best.
I will NOT ONLY show ideas - we will also LET'S CONSIDER each model in detail…
And one more thing - I'll tell you HOW to attach a swing to a support beam - all 4 ways.
I will start from the SIMPLE ideas of a swing for a summer house - to more COMPLEX AND MORE INTERESTING ideas.
And the most original ideas swing for children- with slides, rope climbing frames and built-in wigwams - I put it in a separate article
So let's get started...
A SIMPLE idea - how to make a swing from a pallet.
If you have a cargo wooden pallet (pallet) left on your site (after bringing bricks or other building materials), then it can be used as a basis for a country swing.
We need a wooden pallet (pallet) - a strong rope - and something to hang it from. Or it will be a tree trunk. Or you can make a support on two strong pillars. We then - a little later in the same article- we will consider swing support options (and then I’ll go into more detail on this).
But... if you develop this idea of a swing from a wooden pallet further... then you can make everything much more comfortable... Like this...
And if you have not one - but 2 whole pallets found in your household... then from two pallets you can make a cozy swing with a back... paint... put in sofa foam cushions... And voila 2 shabby pallets - turned into a luxurious swing for the dacha .
Of course, the pallets must first be cleaned, sanded with sandpaper (so that there are no splinters) and painted (with stain or paint) and even varnished (but preferably moisture-resistant).
How to attach such a swing – I’ll tell you at the very end of the article...
Rocking chairs are the SIMPLE IDEA of a swing for a dacha.
This is what this country swing looks like.
Please note - NOT JUST boards with a hole for a rope - but saddles, which are duplicated below by two more boards. So that the rope fastening holds tighter and there is no strong friction on the rope when swinging.
I think there is no need to explain for a long time how to make such a swing yourself.
ANOTHER MODEL – a swing with a rope for a summer house.
And here is also shown HOW you can attach a rope to a swing. That is, the essence is very simple:
We make 4 cuts (we cut out grooves) - 2 grooves at the end of the board - and 2 grooves along the edges closer to the corners of the board. (it is not necessary to make the edge of the board as semicircular as in the photo - the same principle will work on a rectangular section of the board).
And then, when 4 grooves are cut, we place the rope in them in the same way as shown in the photo.
Although slots remain open– the rope does not jump out of them. Under the force of tension, it only fits more tightly into the grooves - and a completely reliable fastening of the rope to the swing seat is ensured.
Swing for a summer house - made of snowboard.
Or here’s another idea for a summer cottage... Snowboards are made from very durable materials. Although such a board looks thin, it is actually very wear-resistant (it is extremely difficult to break). And therefore it can also be used as a seat for a swing in the country.
Do-it-yourself swing for a summer house, made from two logs.
And here is another variation of a swing seat - made from two logs.
In the photo above you can see how easy it is to make this swing from two pieces of rounded beams. A very simple model. We wrap two pieces of rounded logs with rope and fasten them with some tricky sea knot.
A swing made from a board - with a roll in the longitudinal direction.
But the swing model is when the roll (motion vector) is directed in the longitudinal direction. Such a rocking board can be made longer - so that friendly neighbors and children can swing on it.
AND LET'S COMPLICATE THE TASK... now there will be more serious swings...
Country swings are made of rounded beams.
How do you like this cozy country corner?
Nice, right?
Let's take a closer look at how to make such a swing yourself.
SUPPORT – two A-shaped structures from rounded beams - (two letters A are assembled from the beams - as we see in the photo) - put them on legs and we lay cross beams on them.
And so that this beam lies more securely on our A-shaped posts, we also (see it in the back) reinforce it with additional short beams.
ROCKING CHAIR... here is an interesting rocking chair.
seat– L-shaped bench made of beams and planks + armrests made of beams.
Seat holder – also cool – it’s not a chain or a rope.
This is the same rounded beam - which is tightly attached to the seat with its lower end (in area of her lower seat beam And in the area of the armrest beam).
And the upper end of the beam holder has a movable fastening in the form of a metal ring. And this ring is attached with fastening carabiner the suspension support itself.
Detailed drawing exactly THIS swing is made of timber- (with dimensions and large photographs from all sides) - I posted it in a separate article... In this article you will find everything about bench-type swings.
But here is almost the SAME MODEL of the support post - but in a slightly different variation. And then an elegant lathing was added to the side of the support spreaders.
Swings for the dacha - made from rough timber.
Here's a model...
It can be made with a bench seat.
With two board seats - you get a swing into two separate places.
Moreover, note that We hang them from the same anchors on which the swing-bench hung before. This way you can hang different rocking seats on the same swing support.
Or here’s another combination for the same swing support. Combined swing with a seat-chair and a seat-board.
Fastening elements are standard for swings - chains and carabiners made of metal rings and hooks.
This is what two chains from the back and seat of the chair look like - they meet in one ring and then go to the carabiner for fastening the beam.
And here it is - a fastening anchor with a carabiner for attaching a rope (or chain)
But I got ahead of myself...
I will show you in more detail (below in the same article) 6 ways to attach a swing to a support beam...there we will dwell on carbines in more detail...
In the meantime, we continue to look at what other models there are..
Almost the SAME model - but with a continuation for another swing.
Here is a variation of this model– where the cross beam extends beyond the lateral boundaries of the support beams and a light rocking board is suspended from it.
Wooden swing with canopy.
And here is a model of a swing complete with a canopy roof - in case of a rainy summer at the dacha.
And pay attention - there is already a ROPE HOLDER - another system of carabiners.
We will make these A-shaped swings (with supports in the form of beeches A) step by step in a separate article “Swings for the dacha - STEP by STEP we make it ourselves.”
Everything will be simple and clear there - in pictures like this.
You may also have a question...
What should I do if I want to build a swing?
but I don’t have beams - only boards?
Here is the answer - a double board easily replaces timber in terms of endurance and load.
Well, now let's talk about ways to attach the swing to the support.
HOW TO ATTACH A SWING - TO THE SUPPORT BEAM.
(6 WAYS)
Fastening the swing with a carabiner (with a girth around the beam)
Here we see photographs of fastening systems for swings - which are attached either to a rectangular beam (square girth of a carabiner) - or to a rounded beam (round girth of a carabiner).
Through fastening - with a carabiner (with drilling of timber)
Or special anchor devices for through fastening to the timber. Most of the swings from our photographs in the article are attached precisely to these anchors.
You can buy a country swing made of plastic, wood or metal. In terms of cost, plastic ones certainly outperform their metal or wooden counterparts, while the quality is usually at a high level - after all, the base of the frame is still made of metal. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the light weight of the structure and ease of maintenance: plastic swings are easy to wash, they do not rust and are not susceptible to rotting.
Metal ones are usually made of steel, which is coated with a special protective layer that protects the metal from rust. The designs of such swings are relatively light in weight, and manufacturers often use perforations to reduce weight.
Unlike plastic or wooden analogues, metal swings can withstand shocks and other mechanical impacts, they can be assembled and disassembled many times, for example, for, and the structure will not lose its strength. That is why such swings are recommended for garden plots and summer country houses. There are many metal models, one of the popular ones is a swing bed or.
Often, swings become the central element of garden design. They are decorated with pillows and removable covers, and furnished with small architectural compositions.
A wooden garden swing looks impressive. But their cost is quite high, and the material is capricious. Before installation, it is advisable to treat wooden swings with special solutions that protect them from rotting and, for the winter, they must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated room. However, even during the period of use, it is better to protect wooden swings from direct sunlight so that the wood does not dry out or fade in the sun.
Installation of a swing
Your own preferences and financial capabilities will help you decide on the material, but before the swing is purchased, you need to resolve the issue of its installation. Thus, garden swings with legs are designed to be installed exclusively on a hard and level surface. Such structures are suitable for a terrace or veranda, but it is not recommended to place them on the lawn, since over time the legs will go away. You can place it on a tile or asphalt area, but do not neglect safety measures: secure the legs with brackets so that the structure does not move around the site when loaded.
Please note that if there are children in the house, the swing should not be placed near pools and ponds, or installed on hard surfaces; give preference to the lawn.
If you are planning to install a swing permanently, counting on its year-round use, dig holes under the legs, fill it with gravel, compact it, and install the swing. In some cases, it will be appropriate to screw the swing legs or arches to some kind of stable base. This will give the structure maximum rigidity and safety. You must be sure that the swing will not tip over.
When choosing a swing for year-round use, remember that some types of fabrics quickly fade in the sun, and the materials from which the swings themselves are made can deteriorate under the influence of moisture and snow loads. It is better to put away the swings for the winter, or cover them for storage with special covers, which are more convenient to make with loops and ties.
The arc support means that the structure can be placed in any place convenient for you. Such swings are chosen for equipping children's playgrounds. The arches have a large support area; the base is devoid of sharp protrusions. Such swings can be placed on the sand or simply on the ground. The only serious disadvantage is that these structures require a large installation area, and moreover, they are often much more massive than their analogues on legs or technical runners.
Caring for a garden swing
To extend the life of a garden swing, it is necessary to periodically treat it, regardless of the material from which it is made. How to care for this or that type of swing, as well as what composition to choose for treatment, can be found in the instructions and from the seller of garden tools.
Almost all structures (with the possible exception of plastic ones) do not tolerate moisture, and therefore it is advisable to spread an awning over the swing. Two or three times a year it will be necessary to carry out a technical inspection and lubricate all hinges and working units. Metal swings can be painted, but only in such a way that the dried paint does not affect the mobility of the elements.
If the structure is placed on sandy soil, twice a year you will have to disassemble the mechanical part with the hub to remove abrasive sand particles, which can easily cause the swing to creak throughout the entire area. It will be necessary to completely replace the lubricant.
Periodically you need to wash the structure, wash covers and mattresses. Having correctly selected and installed the swing correctly, you can rest assured that your dacha will become more comfortable and cozy with such an accessory as a dacha swing.
It is a mistaken belief that swings are used only for children's entertainment. In addition to the usual children's swings, designed for light weight, there are many original options that can become an excellent design solution and a favorite place for adults in the family to relax.
What material is the swing made of?
The following items can serve as material for the mechanism of this wonderful machine:
Rope. In this case, the rope will help to build something like a bungee. At the end of the rope there is a thick, smooth log that will serve as a seat;
Tree. This material is universal and fits into any style of the site. It is impossible not to mention the low cost and environmental friendliness of the material. However, wood is not a very durable material, and its service life can be extended with the help of special impregnations;
Metal. Durable structures look extremely original, but creating metal structures requires additional skills in welding and forging. Such models can be welded and forged, in shape - collapsible, stationary and mobile;
Plastic. In order to create a children's country swing made of plastic, it is enough to purchase ready-made plastic swings, pass a rope through special holes and hang them. Such models are not expensive, look attractive and do not require additional care.
However, such models do not fit into every interior; for example, they can disrupt the harmonious rural or vintage landscape.
Where to place a swing in the country house?
When considering the location of the structure, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the site and its stylization. These factors influence the design, type and design of the swing.
Most often, structures are placed on children's playgrounds and recreation areas.
Hanging swings look good on the terrace and are among the top dacha design ideas; in this case, the roof of the building will reliably protect the decorative element from the aggressive natural environment. Also, the hanging mechanism can be located under the arch.
A type of swing
Before you start building a swing, you need to determine some points:
Purpose: fun for kids, relaxation for adults, or both. Children's swings are the best option for entertainment in the country.
Dimensions. It is necessary to take into account the size of the garden plot when determining the dimensions of the future swing.
Seasonality. Swings made from some materials cannot be left to spend the winter outdoors.
It is very important to choose the appearance of the structure so that it effectively emphasizes. Swings can be either portable or stationary. Portable models have a collapsible design that is installed on the ground or suspended. The design can be both traditional and unusual.
Let's look at the simplest options that you can do yourself:
Tire swing
The simplest option is a tire tied with a rope. You can also use a chain and secure it with screws. Another option involves a horizontal tire arrangement. It is necessary to cut several holes in the tire (at least 3), insert metal hooks into them and thread chains or ropes.
For jacks of all trades, you can offer the option of a swing made from a ready-made template (can be found on the Internet). A swing seat in the shape of a bird or animal is cut out of a tire and hung on ropes or chains.
Pay special attention to fixing the swing elements to avoid injury during operation.
Wooden swing
A wooden swing for a summer house is a classic model. It is made from a wooden board and durable rope. It is enough to drill four holes in the corners of a wide board and secure the ropes in them.
You can also use an old high chair as a seat. You just need to saw off the legs and hang it on ropes by the back and seat.
Swing made from a hoop
It is necessary to braid a metal hoop with a strong rope so that a cobweb appears in the center. It will serve as a seat. To install the swing, you can use a strong rope or other suitable fasteners. Such a seat must be suspended at at least four points.
Swing made of durable fabrics
Another option for a safe hanging swing for a summer house. For the seat, you can use a tarpaulin or other fairly durable material. The fabric is folded in several layers and stitched around.
The ropes can be attached to the seat using iron triangles and rivets. All that remains is to hang the swing from a support (beam, branch, etc.)
Wooden swing on supports
This is perhaps the most interesting and convenient version of a swing for decorating a personal plot, but nevertheless, difficult to manufacture. Consider the algorithm of actions in detail.
To make it you will need:
- strong rope;
- boards;
- material for making the seat (picket fence or plywood);
- fastener
For this type of swing, it is best to use bolts made of galvanized material. Nails and screws are not the best option in this case.
To protect the wood from damage and to preserve its natural appearance, all wooden parts of the structure must be treated with a special antiseptic.
The finished swing is installed on a support with a transverse beam, for the manufacture of which it is necessary to use a wooden beam.
The ends of the posts that are dug into the ground must be treated with bitumen. To install them, it is enough to prepare a couple of holes at least 1 meter deep. The supports are covered with sand or crushed stone to a depth of about 30 centimeters, and then filled with cement.
If possible, you can make special concrete pillars and attach wooden supports to them. When choosing the second method, waterproofing material must be laid at the junction of wood and concrete. For greater stability of the structure, it is necessary to support the racks with slanted strips.
Step-by-step instructions for making a wooden swing
Now let's look at the detailed instructions for making the swing itself:
- We prepare the supporting arcs. For this we need 22 mm boards and 12 mm plywood. We prepare a template and cut out 6 arcs.
- Next, we make the core from wood. To do this, we outline the plywood blanks. On the outer parts of the arches it is necessary to make holes for fastening the ropes.
- Using waterproof glue, we connect the parts of the support. We clamp the supports in a vice and leave the glue to dry completely.
- Using a grinding machine, we process the edges of the product, giving them a rounded shape.
- It is necessary to cut circles from a wooden board for the rope holders. It is best to do this with a special attachment on a drill.
- We coat the manufactured parts with a primer or special paint.
- We connect the supports and round elements with metal rings, into which we then thread a rope and cover the element with acrylic paint.
- Let's start making the seat itself. The picket fence needs to be leveled.
- Now we will drill holes for fasteners in each board. In order to carefully make holes, you can attach a corner of plywood with ready-made holes to each plank.
- Next, we attach the picket fence to the supports. In order for the distance between the planks to be the same, you can place identical planks between them.
- We attach armrests made of picket fence to the seat. We screw the metal fasteners into the ends of the slats, and install a wooden circle between the support and the armrest.
- We pass a strong rope through the rings and tie a strong knot. For greater strength, we wrap wire or strong rope around the knot. Cut off the free edge of the rope with a sharp knife.
- We pass the rope through the hole in the armrest and attach it to the lower corners of the seats in a similar way. We rest the armrest itself on blocks mounted on a rope.
- All that remains is to hang the swing from the support using a reliable carabiner and your swing is ready, you can test it and enjoy your relaxation.
Features of care
Swings, like other landscape elements, require constant maintenance. Try to avoid getting the swing wet. To do this, it is necessary to periodically impregnate the wood with special solutions, varnish or paint.
If you are the owner of rattan, avoid exposing the swing to sunlight or rain, and care may consist of treating the structure with a damp cloth. Owners of metal swings need to periodically restore the decorative layer of the model.
A swing in a country house can become not only a stunning element of the interior, but also a joy for both children and adults. You can create a structure yourself that will bring joy to the whole family and comfort on the site. In addition, creating a model yourself will help you improve your welding skills.
Photo selection of beautiful country swings
In this case, it is important to ensure the convenience and safety of the design. To do this, prepare railings and fences. These devices will ensure the safety of the child, who may become overplayed and lose attention while playing. Do not forget that all materials must be environmentally friendly, and the use of flammable items is unacceptable. Wooden models are most relevant, since in the hot season the metal gets very hot, which can harm the child.
Why do you need to paint a swing?
Painting is necessary to protect the wood from the aggressive action of external factors. Thus, the structure must be treated with weather-resistant paint from time to time. We also must not forget about the aesthetic component of painting the material: the design can not only fit well into the stylization of the site, but also become a real decoration of it. To do this, don't be afraid to experiment with painting: you can create beautiful patterns with paint, turning the swing into a work of art or a funny animal.
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