How to Build a Swing Set

Swing sets can bring a lot of joy into a child's life. Instead of taking your child to the park, where you can be tied up for hours, there is the better option of putting a swing set in your own back yard. This can be done with the right materials and a little work.

Directions:

1. Take a piece of 1x6 treated lumber twelve feet long and cut in half. This will provide two 1x6 pieces six feet in length. These are the upright lengths of the swing set.


2. Use a drill motor in a 4x4 section of lumber twelve feet long. Drill eight holes into this section (which will be the main beam). Use the holes to place eight eyebolts into the section of wood, where holes were just drilled. Position the bolts 17 inches apart, the first bolt 17 inches from the end.


3. Position steel braces onto the main beam of the swing set to measure for the two holes used to attach the main beam to the upright leg support. Mark the position of the holes with a marker, and drill the two holes.


4. Mark off the position for the eyebolts in the main beam (located on the bottom of the swing set). Screw in the bolts, using a washer to secure the bolts properly.


5. Position the legs of the swing set, two 4x4 beams ten feet in length on the ground. It is important they are at a 45-degree angle. Nail the brackets into the legs on each side. Position the 1x6 section of board over the legs of the swing and nail it in place. 


6. Secure the main beam with a steel brace, using six inch bolts into the holes.


7. Locate the opposite end of the steel bracket and secure into place with the legs using six inch bolts and washers.


8. Turn the swing upright, and position the "S" hook in place, tightening with pliers. Attach the swing to the bolt, and then the set is ready to use.