How to Build Wooden Playsets for Kids

Everyone would love to have a really nice wooden swing set in the back yard for the kids. The only unfortunate thing is the price. They run over $1,000 and that would be a really cheap one at that. You can make your own and save a lot of money in the process.

Items Needed:

• Safety glasses


• Post hole digger


• Power miter box


• Power router


• Swing set post hardware brackets


• Power drill and bits


• Level


• Socket set


• Six 12-foot long four-by-four pressure treated posts


• One 12-foot long four-by-six pressure treated post


• Four metal post brackets for a swing set


• Children’s swing set items

1. Plan your swing set around the proper distance between the swings. Make certain you have no more than 10 feet between your mounting posts so it won’t sag in the future.


2. Use the posthole digger and dig a 12-inch diameter for each of your end posts. They will need to be at least 18-inches deep. You will be setting the posts directly into concrete.


3. Center on top of four of the four-by-fours and cut a notch that will take a four-by-six top rail. You will have to set a 12-degree angle when cutting to make these notches.


4. Place the two A frames together at each end. Assemble the A-frames by clamping and secure them with nails.


5.  Use the router to smooth the edges of the A-frame.


6. Mark the holes for adding your swings and toys on the set. There should be instructions that came with the additions telling you how far apart they should be for safety.


7. Set the posts but do not put in concrete as of yet. Use the A-bar swing set bracket and bolt the legs together and place the top rail in the bracket. If you feel you need them you can add diagonal braces later for stability.


8. Take care that you have everything set and pour your concrete into the holes.


9. Allow the concrete to set for at least 24 hours and your wooden swing set should be ready for play.