We go to the dacha to relax and work. We dream of lying in a hammock and drinking tea in the fresh air, but this is not enough for a child. Its energy requires intelligent use, and it is in our power to create the right conditions for this. Simple and practical way– buy or build swing with your own hands. So let’s talk about what kinds of swings there are, what they are made of and how to build them.
Children's outdoor swings: types
When choosing children's swings for an outdoor garden, parents are obliged to check them for absolute safety for the child. Let's consider what manufacturers offer us for our treasures.
First of all, swings are divided according to the material they are made of. They can be wooden, metal and plastic.
Children's wooden swing for the garden are environmentally friendly, durable, easy to assemble and beautiful appearance. Impregnation of wood with a special composition increases the service life of products.
Metal swings are considered to be the most reliable and durable models. They can be forged, collapsible, welded. They weigh a lot, but this is justified by their strength and installation stability.
Plastic designed for the little ones. Light and bright, they are perfect for children under 5 years of age, but they are afraid of winter frosts and fade in the sun.
Swings are also distinguished by type of construction: hanging and frame.
Frame, of course, are preferable for children, since they are highly stable, they can be freely moved to different corners of the site, they are durable and quite safe to use.
Hanging The models are simple and do not require special skills to assemble. To set them up, you need a supporting crossbar, a strong rope and a board for the seat. It is desirable that it has a back.
Swing-chaise lounges Designed for children under 3 years of age. They are usually low, with a soft back and a chaise lounge-style seat.
All these models can be purchased in stores, but if you decide not to spend money and build a children's swing for your dacha with your own hands, we will help you.
Material
There are two options for materials for structures with supports: metal and wood. Unfortunately, a children's metal swing for a summer house will require special skills from you. If you are not a blacksmith or a welder, build metal frame will be problematic. And you will also have to look for pipes for supports.
The optimal solution that any parent can implement is building a wooden swing.
Building a wooden swing
The simplest design is a children's hanging swing for a summer house without a frame. It’s great if you have a large tree with a low-lying thick branch on or next to it. They threw two ropes over it, built a seat from improvised materials - and the swing was ready. As a seat, you can use tires traditionally loved by summer residents, a children's high chair, an abandoned skateboard, a piece of board, or an old ice cube. In general, everything that you think is suitable for a child to ride comfortably.
To build a frame swing, we first decide on the location. It should be close to home, but away from Beautiful and robust design swing chairs will not leave indifferent not only children, but also adults U-shaped children's outdoor swing with green spaces vertical racks will provide shade and aesthetics for this simple design
We got the letter "P".
Advice! For children it is better to attach the seatbnot two ropes, but four. To do this, take two lengths for each rope, fold it in half, and thread the ends into the seat.
If you are confused by this option, you can build a more stable structure by taking four pillars for the frame and placing them in the form of a block letter “L”. The sequence of work is almost the same, only you will need to dig four holes, cut the tops of the pillars at an angle, and connect them with metal parts. Between the pillars, at the bottom, at a height of about 50 cm, stiffening ribs should be nailed on both sides of the swing. This design creates opportunities for creating a real children's country corner. By increasing the distance between the posts, you can nail a long crossbar and add a rope or climbing ladder to the swing.
To diversify your holiday at the dacha, in the shade garden trees There are comfortable swings where you can relax and recharge your batteries. We want to tell you how to do it garden swing with your own hands, because it is doubly pleasant when using the product of your own labor also brings joy.
Preparing to build a swing
Choosing a site on the site
A swing is not just a bench or a stump with a seat; this type will be a stationary and relatively capital object, so you need to choose an appropriate place for it.
This means that we need to take into account all the nuances of this building, namely:
- Mobility. Part of the structure is a moving unit that performs damped oscillatory movements under the influence of gravity, like a pendulum. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the maximum stroke of this pendulum in each direction and take care that within these limits there are no obstacles: trees, stumps, bushes or pieces of garden furniture;
- Stationarity. To ensure the movement of one part of the structure, it is necessary to securely fasten its other part - the support frame. To do this, we will have to bury the racks in the ground and concrete them to a depth of 60 - 70 cm;
- Site quality. You've probably noticed constant puddles and dirt under your yard or homemade swing, since the ground under the seat is constantly being rubbed with your feet during braking, and a depression is formed there where water and dirt accumulate. Therefore, in order to use the attraction comfortably, you should immediately rid yourself of this misunderstanding - do concrete screed or lay tiles, rubber, or at least make a backfill of gravel.
Important!
For normal and long-term operation of the structure, it must be installed as level as possible, that is, when the seat hangs freely in the lower position, the chain or cable must be perpendicular to the upper crossbar.
To control this parameter, it is most convenient to use a plumb line.
It is also important to remember that it is very dangerous to be in the vibration zone of the amusement ride bench, as you can receive a strong blow and seriously injure part of the body. Therefore, this area should either be restricted from access or ensure that no people or animals enter it while the swing is in operation.
Another aspect that is often forgotten is that the attraction will most likely be permanent place your children's games, so it is better to think in advance about how to limit the zenith, or the highest point to which the pendulum can be swung. Otherwise, children, unwisely, can swing it up to a full revolution around the crossbar, wrapping the chains around it and falling upside down.
Important!
From all that has been said, we can draw the following summary: the place for it should be spacious, level, free from obstacles and be in line of sight relative to the house for control and safety.
Choice of material and type of construction
Several factors will depend on the choice of design type and materials:
- Reliability;
- Durability;
- Price;
- Safety;
- Relevance from a design perspective.
As a rule, for self-made They use two types of materials: wood and metal, as well as their combinations. Concrete works and we will not consider work on landscaping the site for now.
Metal models, at first glance, are more reliable and durable, and for other reasons equal conditions That's how it is. However, metal is also susceptible to corrosion, and if it is not processed correctly, this advantage is easily lost.
On the other hand, correctly selected and treated wood with timely care demonstrates quite acceptable reliability indicators comparable to metal.
If we consider these materials from the point of view of safety and artistic value, then wood will be the undisputed leader here (unless, of course, your garden is made in the style of a Gothic cemetery and is not replete with forged bars and fences).
It is also important that the processing wooden parts much simpler and does not require tools such as a grinder, electric and gas welding, metal drill, etc.
If we talk about cost, then a really beautiful forged frame will cost much more than high-quality wood, and the use of banal pipes or corners will result in a “freak” that will spoil the beauty and atmosphere of a country estate.
Important!
We consider the most suitable from the point of view of feasibility wooden structure, reinforced with metal parts in some places.
Making a swing
Before you start work, you need to draw up a work plan and drawing. You can easily find drawings of a garden swing with your own hands on our website, or you can make them yourself.
- We take 4 three-meter beams 100x100 mm and make two L-shaped structures connected at an angle of 50 - 55 degrees using furniture bolts;
- We retreat 60 cm from the lower end of the support and divide the remaining part by three. At the level of the border of the first and second thirds we install puffs from edged boards, two for each leg. We fasten with bolts.
- Now we connect the resulting frames with a 100x100 mm crossbar made of oak timber. We select the length of the crossbar so that the width of the frame is 50 cm greater than the width of the seat.
- We dig in the legs of the structure to a depth of 70 cm, where 10 cm will be a backfill of crushed stone and sand. Next, we concrete the pits with a solution of cement, sand and crushed stone 1:3:5. We set the structure plumb so that the thread is perpendicular to the crossbar;
Important!
We treat the part of the support beam that will be immersed in concrete with bitumen mastic.
Conclusion
good wooden swing The dacha is a great place to relax and a joy for children of any age. We told you how to make them yourself, the nuances are in the video in this article.
A comfortably swaying garden swing - it’s hard to imagine greater pleasure in the countryside. After all, the swing beckons us to take a break and relax for a couple of minutes.
We hope you will be inspired by our photo gallery of beautiful swings for the garden, where you can find both large swing beds and very small but fun children's swings.
Enjoy the view from a swing, whether it's an exotic swing over a forest cliff or a regular swing in your garden.
It’s beautiful if the swing is in harmony with the surrounding nature. This swing, made of branches and driftwood, is like a continuation of a small cozy terrace in the garden.
What does yours look like in the evening? Starry sky, the aroma of flowers and a quiet swing on a swing with a glass of wine.
Expand your home's living space with a small terrace near your home. Create a space there with the help of a small swing where you can have fun, play, relax or just dream.
This big swing bed is about country house allow the owners to relax after a hard day, swinging on a swing and admiring the wonderful view from the terrace.
Create your little one magical world at the dacha. This beautiful swing made from branches and old stumps can be a real highlight of an ordinary summer cottage.
The beauty of the surrounding nature, cozy corners your garden may inspire you to add another pleasant element to your garden life - a beautiful garden swing. 
To make them look brighter, add bright and comfortable seat cushions to them.
What could be more pleasant than sitting on beautiful swing take in your surroundings?
So everyone’s favorite garden swing-bed can be made.
Garden swings allow us to enjoy the uniqueness and completeness of the current moment.
Remember the childhood sensations of swings? This is not only pleasant, but also useful - monotonous rocking trains the vestibular apparatus, and also calms you down. nervous system. The second property is very useful nowadays. Such a pleasant treatment - relaxation after a busy day. Moreover, anyone with “straight” arms can make a swing with their own hands. There are, of course, complex models, but there are many more simple ones.
About designs
Like most outbuildings, swings are most often made of wood. The posts and crossbar are made from timber, logs, the seats are made from planks and even from parts of home furniture.
A little about the designs. There are three main types hanging swing, or as they are also called - swing boat, sofa, bench, etc. The main difference is in type supporting structure: there are A-shaped and U-shaped. You can see an example with racks folded into a triangular structure above, and in the photo below an example with a U-shaped rack. This is more likely with a hanging bench and it is built according to the same type, only taking into account swinging loads.
There is a third type - this is a complex structure that requires certain skills - it is based on hinged joints and they swing from the feet resting on the floor. We will immediately provide photos and diagrams for those interested (you can expand them to full screen if you click on the arrows in the upper right corner of the picture).
We make a swing with our own hands from wood
Most often, they make their own design in the shape of the letter “A”. It is simpler and requires less material consumption. Let's look at the components and fastenings in more detail, talk about materials, protection against destruction and stability.
Materials
Let’s talk about what to make a wooden swing from. The choice of lumber cross-section depends on the planned load. If it is assumed that one adult will sit, the posts and the top crossbar are at a minimum - 50 * 70 mm. If a larger number of “seats” are expected - two or three, then the cross-section of the beam is at least 100 * 100 mm, preferably 100 * 150 mm. Experienced way It has been established that this design, when using 100*100 timber, can normally withstand a total load of about 200 kg. If you need more, take a larger section, or place logs))
About what the bench/sofa is made of. The frame will use a block of 70*40 mm, a backrest height of at least 600 mm, and a seat depth of at least 480 mm. You can experiment with the depth of the seat and the angle of the backrest: there are options for a “lying” position. Accordingly, the length of the sofa and the dimensions of the structure change greatly due to this. For fastening, use 200 nails or studs of at least 10 mm in diameter.
How to position the racks
A diagram with dimensions and a list of required materials is shown in the photo below. To be honest, few people make from such materials as indicated in the specifications. More often they install beams.
There are varieties of this design: with or without a lower frame. If the swing is installed on a rigid platform and the fastenings are made rigid, on studs, without the possibility of play, then such a structure will stand without problems. If in doubt, you can make a timber screed along the bottom, nail it to the covering with pins, or drive the staples into the ground.
A crossbar has been added here, there is nothing to move apart. The most simple design, but the “legs” can move apart
For those who are afraid of lateral loads - the design in this axis is not the most reliable - you can suggest installing the racks with a slope. The area will be large, but the stability will be high.
If installation in the ground is intended, parts of the racks that will be buried must be treated with bio-protection. How cheap option- Place in a container with used oil for several hours. Dry, then bury. They bury it to a depth of at least 50 cm, pour a little crushed stone on the bottom, set up racks and concrete it. If you are afraid that this is not enough, attach several strips of metal crosswise at the bottom. You'll have to dig a hole larger size, but the retention area will be larger.
Methods of fastening the crossbar
In all swings of this type - with the bars of the posts sawed at the top - the problem is the attachment point of the crossbar, to which the bench is then attached. In the photo above it is solved reliably, although not entirely aesthetically pleasing. The trouble is that aesthetic methods are difficult to implement. And, if you're not selling, it's quicker to make something inelegant but reliable. So, in order to secure the crossbar, an overhead beam is attached below the intersection, pulled to the racks with pins. The cross member rests on it, which is held against lateral shifts by posts and fasteners - nails and studs.
Another way to install the cross member is to mount side racks in the form of the letter "X". With this option, the supporting beam fits perfectly. It is additionally secured with nails, and the posts are tightened with studs. See the next photo for this option.
Everything is fine, but the length of the sofa is not enough...
The same principle is used to assemble a swing with your own hands from logs: the sides are fastened crosswise, and a support log is laid on top. If timber is sometimes assembled with nails, then in the case of logs they mainly use pins.
For those who are familiar with carpentry, there are other options: half-wood. Such a project is in the photo gallery below with close up some key nodes.
How the racks are fastened together - view from the inside
Photo gallery of homemade swings on chains
And a few photos of different swings made on the basis of an A-shaped structure.
Made from thin logs under a reed roof - looks great Chic option- 3-seater, or maybe more, swing Another option, in which all the “finishing touches” were added - stands in the form of the letter “X” and on a slope One of the modifications is more difficult to manufacture This is a whole swing house....cool Right away and stairs...
Attaching the swing to the crossbar
The mounting for the swing also requires clarification, that is, it is not obvious to everyone how to hang a bench-sofa on the crossbar. First, the crossbar is drilled from bottom to top through. A bolt is passed through the hole, to which a ring nut is attached. One or two wide washers are placed under the nut head so that it does not press under the weight.
It turns out that the ring nut is located at the bottom. You can attach a carabiner to it, throw a rope or cable, etc. Just pay attention that the carabiner should hang normally and freely on the ring-nut. And the carabiner should freely fit two chain links. Therefore, it is advisable to buy everything together in one store: you can try on the entire knot at once.
By the way, in the rigging store you can come across other devices that can be adapted to attach chains or ropes from the swing seat. For example, such as in the photo below.
They are designed to lift a load of 0.5 tons, so there is no point in using them for children, but for swings for adults it is fine.
This type of fastening has a significant disadvantage - a creaking sound is heard when swinging. You can get rid of it for a while by lubricating the unit, but this operation will have to be repeated periodically. The solution is to make a unit on bearings, but you can’t do without welding.
DIY metal swing
Their design is exactly the same. The material is different, and the method of fastening it is different. This is welding. For those who are familiar with it, it will not be difficult to cook something similar. And for inspiration, a photo report.
Below is a drawing of this swing with dimensions. Some clarification is required. In the figure there is a pipe welded around the perimeter (this plane is shaded). It is buried and therefore not visible in the photo. It was made in order to increase stability: friends have considerable masses. For the same reason, metal plates are welded onto the ends of the racks. The installation was complicated, but the swing is firmly in place.
It took 22 meters to make profile pipe 50*50 mm, for a seat 25*25 mm - 10 mm, boards 2000*120*18 - 7 pieces and the rest - fasteners, paint, anti-rust.
There is another way to attach the swing to the crossbar. He's in the photo.
A way to attach a metal swing to a crossbar
A swing made from a profile pipe has an original shape - the posts are not linear, but curved. If it is possible to do something like this with wood, it can only be done by a master.
Baby swing
For children, you can make the same design, but smaller in size.
There are several other models for , as well as . Here are the first ones - a swing-scale or a balance beam.
Swing for children - balancer or scales
Everything is clear, questions may only arise regarding the fastening unit. Below is a drawing with dimensions. To decorate the upper part, steel plates are fixed inside. To make them swing, a hole is drilled into which a pin is threaded. You can improve the “rolling” by inserting bearings.
You can quickly and easily make a swing-nest from a tire ( car tire). Bolts with eye nuts, but of a smaller diameter, are installed into it at the four corners (don’t forget about the washers), ropes or chains cling to them, and you can even throw them on the corresponding branch on a tree, or hang them on a horizontal bar.
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 at the dacha with little cost of money and labor.
Wooden or metal swing: which one to choose?
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 positive aspects designs 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.
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 important conditions installation of swings for children - 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.
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;
- 0.25–0.3 m for others chain types 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 - interesting and not so interesting complex process, as it may seem. We present to your attention step by step instructions with a photo of making a wooden swing 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 timber good quality, without cracks and knots. Oak, birch, spruce or cedar are quite suitable. For frame base you will need:
- cedar beam (10*10 cm) - 4 units. 3 each linear meters(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).
As for construction tools, to make a garden swing, keep in your inventory the following necessary items:
- Bulgarian.
- Plane.
- Screwdriver.
- Level.
- Electric drill.
Well preparatory work 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.
- 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 inside 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 inner circuit fixed with stiffeners.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Garden swing: photo
