How to make your own hanging swing. How to make a garden swing from wood: ideas for inspiration and manufacturing instructions

In any family, a garden swing is an indispensable attribute for entertaining children and relaxing adults. Agree, there is nothing better than sitting comfortably in your yard. Any swing fits perfectly into country house interior and make a great addition to barbecues, barbecues and parties.

A varied assortment of swing stores offers its customers to buy all kinds of By different prices. However, no one forbids making a swing with your own hands. The process is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance.

The final result can very often exceed all expectations and become a pleasant joy for the family and a source of pride for the master himself.

Selecting a location

Before you begin, you should carefully choose a place for the future structure and decide directly on the type of swing.

It will not be a secret to anyone that, if possible, swings should be built on a flat area, sheltered from rain and sun. Ideally, it is worth placing the swing under the tree, which casts a good shadow. You can build them on a porch equipped with a canopy. All these measures are aimed solely at comfort.

No one wants to ride in a swing that is hot from the sun. In addition, it can quickly deteriorate under the influence of rain. If you decide to make a swing from wood, consider this issue carefully.

Advice! As a recommendation, I would like to draw attention to the fact that during the day the shadow will change its position. Place for outdoor swing should be chosen taking into account where the shadow will be at lunchtime.

Types of swings

Depending on the size and design features, swings are divided into three types:

1. Family. They have a fairly large capacity. At the heart of such a swing is a long bench, which can easily accommodate up to 5 people. This type of swing is equipped with its own canopy, so the influence of the sun and bad weather becomes insignificant.
2. Children's. There are quite a lot of varieties here. As a rule, they consist of a small seat, support and fastening elements. The main thing in such a swing is the presence of safety elements that will protect the child from falling.
3. Portable. Compact option. You can take such a swing with you in the car while traveling on vacation. They are usually attached to tree branches or other supporting elements.

Required Tools

To build a swing you will need the following tools:

• saw (hand or circular)
• jigsaw
• hammer
• nails
• drill with drill bits
• plane or grinder
• roulette
• marker or pencil

A similar set of tools should be found in any owner’s garage or workshop. Therefore, problems with inventory should not arise here. They do not require any special skills to operate.

Choosing material for a swing

A swing can be made from absolutely different materials, For example, made of metal, from tires, made of wood, from pipes, from pallets etc. In this article we will look at the construction of a classic type of family swing.

Wood was chosen as the main material. Special requirements There is no tree selection. These can be oak boards, pine or spruce.

The advantage of using wood as the main material is its availability and ease of processing. Metal requires special equipment and professional skills.

Anyone can build a wooden swing. The construction process is simple and inexpensive.

If desired, you can decorate the swing wood carving or paint it any color. The only drawback will be the fragility of the swing. Wood is susceptible to weather conditions and may lose its strength over time.

Required materials

When making a wooden swing you will need the following materials:

How to make a family swing with your own hands. Step by step instructions

Making a family swing from wood occurs in several stages. It is recommended to select in advance good place for their location and make an accurate calculation necessary materials.

Support structure

Swing seat

Hanging a swing

Advice! Instead of chains, you can use a rope or rope of suitable strength. This will greatly reduce the noise that metal chain links can make. However, the service life of non-metallic swing elements is significantly lower. In addition, in the future, the rope may stretch under the overall weight. After this, you will have to readjust the height of the swing.

Final touches

The construction of the homemade swing is almost complete. Upon completion, the wood should be coated with a special protective varnish. This will significantly extend the service life and give the bench a smooth surface.

By at will you can paint the swing in the desired color or install a small canopy. It all depends on imagination and desire.

After all this, you can safely call your family and friends and enjoy the work done.

Making a wooden swing with your own hands is shown more clearly in this video instruction:

Swings are not just for fun. For adults, they calm nerves, improve mood and put thoughts in order; especially if you sway and contemplate the clouds in the sky. Children and teenagers on swings train their vestibular apparatus, develop coordination of movements, and, as they say, feel physics with their whole body. Schoolchildren who know how to swing well on swings, as a rule, do better academically and immediately grasp such difficult concepts as, for example, the moment of inertia of a body.

Making a garden swing with your own hands is not a difficult task. Who in childhood did not swing on a plank suspended from a tree branch on ropes? Or didn’t he flop into a river or pond while swinging on a bungee? And having at your disposal a certain amount of material, a simple tool and not entirely crooked hands, you can build a relaxation corner in any situation, which in its effect is not inferior to a rock garden arranged according to all the rules, see fig.

Dacha grace

Outdoor and yard swings are placed wherever there is space. At the dacha, too, in general, there is not an abundance of it, but for yourself it’s worth figuring out how to collect dacha pleasures into one eden: space is saved, and, if you’re going to relax, then there are beds that make your hands callused, your eyes didn't cause calluses. Here, as usual, everyone is their own boss. However, there is a very good universal option: hang a garden swing in a pergola, see fig. If it is, of course, strong enough for this. Dig up and arrange a decorative pond nearby - and you’re ready to create a piece of paradise with your own hands on less than 1 acre.

About metal swings

They most often make their own swings from wood: it is more familiar, more comfortable and easier to work with. But if, say, the whole world were to equip a children's playground, then a stronger and fireproof structure would be needed, so that the urchins would not have to be pulled back every now and then, and it would be difficult to damage the swing by hooliganism, which, alas, will not be tolerated in any way. In such a case - in Fig. Below is a drawing of a classic, so to speak, yard swing made of metal: pipes, corners, strips, rolled wire, with a canopy. In the future, we will pay more attention to wooden swings, except for those cases when metal is needed for strength: for a sports corner for a teenager, etc.

Note: There are also cases when metal as a structural material for a swing is chosen according to other criteria. For example, at pos. 1 pic. on the right is a forged swing. Their production requires high skill, and to order it is very expensive, but the prestige is obvious. But at pos. 2 in the same place - a metal swing made from channel scraps. For those who know how to handle a welding machine and an angle grinder, their construction is a half-day job, and the bright coloring masks the utilitarian nature of the material.

The best for children

People don’t start swinging on the hanging swing right away. For kids who have just learned how to properly rearrange their bottom two, it’s just right to ride on a pendulum swing. Which, by the way, also develops motor skills and strengthens the musculoskeletal system. Parents who have built a children's pendulum swing for their offspring are soon convinced: abrasions on the knees and elbows, broken noses, roaring and resentment from both have noticeably decreased. Although, of course, it’s still not without it. But the swing will help children develop reasonable caution and common sense, avoiding serious injury.

It is known how a pendulum swing works. Shown in Fig. This option is interesting because it requires as many as 11 nails for metal fasteners:

Parts marked (!) are made of hard, fine-grained deciduous wood - oak, beech, hornbeam, walnut. The ends of the pendulum axis do not need to be ground to a perfectly round shape: it is enough to plan them more or less evenly so that they fit into the sockets with a slight interference, and shake the board several times to get it to work in. If the fibers in the axle and support posts are oriented mutually perpendicular (which can be easily observed by cutting them from one board), then the swing will last for many years, and the rubbing surfaces will soon become mirror-smooth and durable, as if they were turned from steel on a machine.

The pendulum swing can be made portable so that, say, you can take it to the veranda for the winter. 2 ways for this are shown there, pos. a and b. According to method a, the ends of the racks are concreted in an unusable tire; Method b is obvious and simpler, but both riders may fall sideways along with the swing. By the way, you can get a lot of other benefits from old swing tires; We will return to them later.

Swings for older children are made hanging, like for adults (see below), with some features:

• The supporting beam of the swing is made of timber with an extension to which a ladder leads, see fig. right.
• It’s even better, if there’s enough space, to put an additional lower support on the side, so that in addition you get a horizontal bar, see fig. below. In this case, it is preferable to make the entire sports corner, except for the horizontal bar bar, from profile pipe, then the entire structure is stronger, cheaper and technologically simpler.
• Suspension of a rocking chair for children who already know how to swing is best suited to the rope scheme 2-2 (see below). Then you can, without the risk of pinching or even breaking your finger with the chain, swing, it will take your breath away. And the right materials and design of the suspension will not allow you to “spin the sun” and dive down from its highest point, or turn into a projectile fired from a sling, unable to group for landing, like acrobats.

Note: When choosing or designing a swing, do not neglect safety precautions! When swinging at full swing, the speed of the rocker at critical points of the trajectory exceeds 50 km/h! Accordingly, the result of falling or falling from a swing will be equivalent to an accident at the same speed.

There are also swings for newborns and infants. There are many benefits from them, but they are medical equipment. It is strongly not recommended to make such a swing yourself, but choose store-bought ones and use them only as prescribed by your pediatrician.

For babies from about six months old, whose eyes are already looking meaningfully (this means that their vision has developed and they see clearly), a children's swing for little ones will be useful, see fig. right. They cost a lot, but making similar ones yourself is very easy from pipes, PVC or propylene, and cutting plywood, see video:

Video: baby swings for babies

Just don’t forget to cover the ends of the pipes with polystyrene foam: at that age, a finger can fit into a small hole, and you want to stick it there. They swing a child in such a swing, holding the suspension with their hands; In an apartment, the same plastic pipe will serve as a cross member; the weight is light.

Note: the swing is most often the basis of a children's corner. What else is needed for it, and how to put it all together, requires a separate description in parts. For example, you can watch the following video:

Video: children's playground with swings in the “Hacienda” program

To adults and everyone, everyone, everyone

Now it’s appropriate to ask: how is a swing designed for the whole family? So that both adults feel comfortable swinging, and children also enjoy it? It is quite possible to find a compromise: the seat should have a double backrest, but not be very massive. The seat is strong enough so that a large child can stand on it. We use a chain suspension, because the rope will stretch under such a load. Its design should ensure fairly easy swinging without outside help, limiting the angle and speed of swinging, and long swinging after it.

It is advisable to make a family swing from wood for the reasons stated above: they are more comfortable, and production does not require complex tools or special equipment. It is also highly advisable to get by with 1-2 standard sizes of lumber, and the cheaper one - regular edged boards. For durability, the blanks are impregnated with biocides (antiseptics) and water repellents (water repellents).

Since the swing is not a residential building and will dry out very quickly in the air, there is no point in spending money on expensive branded products. Used motor oil (waste oil) is suitable as a biocide, and a water-polymer emulsion or, instead, PVA glue or for tiles on water based, diluted 3-5 times. The pieces cut to size are first impregnated with processing, and after 3-7 days with emulsion.

Drawings of a family swing of this “classic” type are shown in Fig; The length of the legs is given based on their penetration into the ground by 0.5 m:

Their peculiarity is that they are built entirely from boards, without the use of more expensive scaffolding, as can be seen from the material sheet, pos. 2. At pos. Figure 3 shows the method of adjusting the supports before assembly: a crossbar board is used as a slipway. The legs, cut to size and at an angle (see below), are applied to the slipway and spread to the required width (at the same time, the accuracy of the cutting is checked). Then the blank of the lower spacer is applied, placed parallel to the slipway at the distance of its ends from it, and marked for cutting in place. The upper ones are made from scraps of the lower spacers.

Note: in Fig. on the right is a method of marking leg blanks based on an angle between them of 30 degrees. Markers on a steel bench square are made from several turns of soft wire with bent ends.

Swings of our own design

You may have a question: how to make a swing completely yourself? Schemes and drawings are good, but if there is already material (let’s say, left over from construction), which is clearly enough for a swing, but in this design doesn't fit? And I don’t want a standard product, I want something of my own. Finally, in Fig. at the beginning it is clear that the most gorgeous original swings are made entirely from dead wood and waste from garden pruning. How to make a beautiful, comfortable, durable and safe swing from all this? Well, let's get started. Order:

1. Dimensions;
2. Foundation and method of attachment to the ground;
3. Support frame;
4. Suspension methods and designs;
5. Suspension units;
6. Rocking chair, also known as a seat;
7. Methods for hanging a rocking chair.

Finally, we will consider a few more non-trivial designs and special, but built on the basis of ordinary, special-purpose swings.

Dimensions and proportions

The dimensions of the swing are calculated, firstly, based on the width of the park bench seat for 1 person - 60 cm; the minimum value is 40 cm. The height of the seat above the ground is taken a little more standard height a 40 cm chair so that, on the one hand, you can swing without touching the ground with your feet and at the same time, by stretching your legs, you can slow down; on the other hand, to make it more comfortable to sit down/stand up. Usually they take 50-55 cm, but in general they adjust it to suit themselves by adjusting the height of the suspension, see below.

Note: for paired swings with longitudinal swing, the height of the suspension of the board (boat) is taken to be 0.7 of its length. For boarding and disembarking, a platform is then needed, and for the rocking chair, a smoothly acting brake (in case someone gets sick on it, or he/she gets scared and panics), activated by the operator from the ground. Therefore, paired swings with longitudinal swing are almost never used in everyday life.

A suspended swing consists of a supporting frame (2 support posts + crossbar), a suspension system and a rocking chair, also known as a seat. The distance from the edges of the seat to the side supports is taken to be at least 150 mm for a chain suspension of type 2sh-4 or 4-4 (see below), for any other chain suspension from 250 mm, for ordinary rope suspensions from 350 mm, and for any suspension with 1 attachment point at the top - at least 0.7 of the total height of the suspension system. These requirements are based on the fact that with any swing, lateral rocking is inevitable, and the rocking chair touching the support is unpleasant and, if the rocking is strong, dangerous. That is, if, for example, we have a 40 cm seat suspended on ropes, then the width of the span between the supports should be at least 35+40+35=110 cm.

The distance from the seat to the crossbar should be no less than the height of the person on the swing, so that, firstly, you can swing while standing, and secondly, so that when you suddenly get up you don’t hit your head. It is taken within the range of 190-220 cm, depending on the available material.

The angle between the legs of the side supports is 30-40 degrees; most often - 30. Then, if you take workpieces half the standard length of 6 m, i.e. 3 m, then taking into account the depth of the legs and the thickness of the workpiece, it will be possible to stand at full height on the seat. In addition, the area occupied by the swing is reduced.

Note: the thickness of the material of the load-bearing parts is taken based on a 3-fold overload during swinging. For a high-quality wooden beam this will be from 150 mm in height, and for steel pipes - from 40 mm in diameter or square side.

Ground anchorage

The legs of a wooden swing are either dug into the ground to a depth of 1 m or more, or concreted to a depth of 0.5 m. Then, taking into account a 10 cm gravel cushion, holes for the legs need to be dug with 2 shovels, i.e. 60 cm. In both cases, the ends of the legs, before installation in the pits with a margin of 15-20 cm in length, are either impregnated with bitumen mastic (40% bitumen and 60% white spirit or solvent), or poured with bitumen heated almost to a boil, and, barely cooled down, sprinkle with sand; This method better protects against rotting.

To pour bitumen, bricks are placed under the foot so that the end can also be poured. They pour it in a thin stream, for which it is convenient to heat the bitumen in an unusable tin with a pulled-out spout. Having poured one side, the leg is immediately turned over and the other side is poured, trying to get it onto the end as well. Sand is sprinkled in the same order.

With a metal swing, the situation is more complicated: a thin pipe compared to a log or timber can, over time, either turn out of the ground or break on the concrete itself, because This is where the loads are concentrated during swinging. Therefore, metal outdoor swings for public use must be made with support frames in the form of a solid triangle and concreted into a trench, then the metal beam embedded in it will take on a significant part of the effort and relieve the load on the legs.

The legs of the swing without additional supporting elements, like those shown above from the channel, are concreted to a depth of at least 1.2 m, regardless of the freezing depth in the area, then the channel will be able to transfer part of the loads to the concrete. It is best to tie a regular metal swing at the bottom with an additional supporting frame and attach it to the ground with anchors at least 1 m long, see fig. This, by the way, will allow, if necessary, to return the land to economic use without any problems.

Frame

Country swings are most often made on a frame of 2 A-shaped supports connected by a transverse beam. Sometimes, if the swing is equipped with a rigid awning, the frame is made on 4 posts with a canopy, see below. In hot weather sunny places, where an awning is needed all summer, this provides some savings in material.

Recently, a frame on λ-shaped supports has become increasingly popular, on the left in the figure:

During construction, it saves a whole beam of wood, which is significant given current prices for lumber. But this is a swing only for adults: when swinging at full swing, the supporting beams may not hold up - the wooden ones will break, the metal ones will bend. By the way, you can’t make a λ-frame from ordinary structural steel; it will bend right away. We need very expensive special steel.

Frames with a traverse (in the center in the figure) are known to everyone: a swing on a branch is what it is. Specially traverse frames are made for acrobatic swings with 1 point of suspension of the rocking chair; on them, having mastered the swinging technique properly, you can write intricate pirouettes. In this case, the wood on the frame is double thickness, and the concreted ends of the legs must have firmly attached crossbars.

A type of traverse frame is a metal mobile one. They are made of high-quality steel, loads, moments, center of gravity, etc. mechanical intricacies are accurately calculated. Popular (and very expensive) swing-chaise lounges are made in a similar way, on the right in Fig.

Wooden frames

Log

The most effective and, in many cases, inexpensive swings are made from logs. It is not necessary to take debarked and rounded ones: as already mentioned, pruning waste and dead wood will go. The frame from the latter, if the trunks are still strong and powerful, does not need additional reinforcement, pos. 1 in Fig. Swing frames are made of commercial logs, especially if they are mobile, i.e. not dug in or concreted, needs to be reinforced with struts, pos. 2 and 3. In the latter case, the same amount of material is needed, but the frame covers the sky less. The question arises, why aren’t the frames recessed? In order not to spoil the lawn or paved area, in Fig. visible.

If the swing is dug in or concreted, then the most economical and durable frame is like that of a Chinese swing, pos. 4. Although such swings have long been known in Russia; They were often made in birch forests, tying together the tops of trees in pairs. The “Russian-Chinese” swing can also be made non-recessed by providing an additional frame at the bottom. A drawing of such a design is given below. rice: legs - logs or square beams, crossbar - timber 180x80, bottom frame - from boards 150x40.

timber

Regular, non-profiled wooden beam makes it possible to construct swings larger than a log. It is easier and cheaper to make a swing with a permanent canopy for hot countries, pos. 1 in Fig. A conventional frame on A-shaped supports made of timber (item 2) will also be simpler and stronger: under the weight of the rocker, the legs compress the crossbar (item 3) and the more the swing is loaded, the stronger the frame holds. In the frame of the “Russian-Chinese” swing made of timber, at the top you need, as for logs, only 1 fastening unit, pos. 4, and installing a canopy over a swing made of timber on A-shaped supports is also not difficult, pos. 5.

Moreover, a crossbar made of timber can be used in the same way as for the legs, i.e. reduced cross-section (100x100 mm), if you reinforce it at the ends with overlays from the board, and the hanging points of the rocking chair are placed close to them, pos. 6. Then the bending moments of the crossbar will, as it were, flow into the compressive legs, and the tree holds the compression load well.

To enhance this effect, the crossbar is sometimes placed below the tops of the supports, pos. 7, but the gain in strength turns out to be illusory, but the extra fasteners are noticeable and cost money. Using this principle, it is better to cut off the tops of the supports and additionally secure the crossbar on top with overlays, pos. 8. Then it will be possible, if the crossbar is 150x150, and the legs are 200x200, to make the crossbar extensions up to 1.5 m, and hang a children's swing on ropes to them, attach a ladder with a slide, etc. The result will be a family swing and sports corner with a material consumption of only slightly more than for one swing.

And another question: is it possible to replace the timber with a board, say, 150x40? It is possible, as shown in pos. 9, only it is no longer possible to make extensions and the height of the supports will have to be limited to approximately 1.8 m. The swing will be just as strong, but much cheaper than timber swings. Well, it will take more work - marking, cutting, stitching.

Note: The “classic family” swing described above is even more economical, but its legs must be concreted, otherwise the plank frame will be fragile. And those shown in pos. 5, 6 and 9 are mobile, they can simply be placed on the ground or floor.

How to install the frame?

The swing crossbar must be horizontal, otherwise the rocking chair will wobble unpleasantly on any suspension. Setting it up with a bubble level is difficult and troublesome, a hose level is not much easier, and a laser level that builds planes, of course, is not just kept on the farm.

You can set the crossbar of the swing using one of the oldest leveling devices - the Egyptian plumb line, see fig. It fell out of use in ancient times due to low accuracy, but it is enough for a swing. You can use a bucket of sand as the bottom load, and the top load, in addition to the usual plumb line, can be any piece of iron - a bolt, a nut.

Hangers and Pendants

The suspension of the rocking chair determines the convenience, comfort and safety of the swing. This rather complex node should:

• Prevent swinging as little as possible within safe limits.
• Gently absorb the energy of the rocking chair if the swing speed/angle is outside the permissible limits.
• Ensure rocking without jerking and with as little sideways wobble as possible.
• An acrobatic suspension should provide the same in 2 planes.

Rocking chair suspension schemes are indicated by the formulas type n-m-k, where n is the number of suspension points at the top, m is the number of intermediate suspension points, and k is the number of them on the rocking chair. Somewhat similar to the wheel formulas of steam locomotives, but this is pure coincidence: for a steam locomotive, m cannot be equal to 0, because denotes the number of moving axes, and for a swing - easily.

Some types of rocking chair suspensions are shown in Fig:

Suspension type 1-2 with a soft flexible rocking chair (not shown in the figure) is called a flying trapezoid. Suspensions of types 1-m-k are used in swings on traverses. Garden and country swings are most often hung using methods 2-4 (the simplest), 2-2-4 (prevents it from swinging excessively) and 2sh-4 (also you won’t swing too much and there’s no wobbling).

Of particular note is the 4-4 suspension. It’s actually not a swing: how do you swing on something like that? However, it is sometimes used for original garden benches (on the left in the figure):

Some find a little erratic rocking to be soothing. But most often, swing arbors are hung using the 4-4 method, right there. A matter of taste, some people like it. The eastern rulers of the past, and even the present, they say, simply delight in such people in the company of their concubines.

Chain, rope or rods?

Hanging a swing on a rope is the easiest and, if you know how to tie some sea knots (see below), does not require expensive additional fasteners. But the rope, as you know, stretches, and the spiral weave does not limit the swinging in any way. Therefore, firstly, it is better to hang the simplest children's summer swing on ropes, pos. 1 in Fig. below. Secondly, take a cross lay rope, see fig. right. It has a lot of internal friction, which is why riggers don’t like it (the efficiency of lifting mechanisms drops), but for a swing this is exactly what is needed so that a foolish child does not do a somersault. The diameter of the nylon cross rope for swings is from 24 mm.

Chain suspension, pos. 2, expensive, but in terms of its totality of characteristics it is optimal in all respects: the chain is strong, its wear is immediately visible, it almost does not slow down small swings, and it dampens excessive swings due to friction in the links. However, due to the latter circumstance, the smallest ones in swings on chains for adults can seriously pinch their fingers; For children's swings, small-gauge chains are used.

The rocking chair on rigid rods (positions 3 and 4) is usually suspended on bearings. It swings very smoothly, without the slightest wobble, and, as they say, even a mosquito will swing on it. But such swings without additional safety measures are dangerous: you can crash your head into stone fence or a curb at a speed of under 60 km/h - this is no longer an incident, this is a tragedy. Therefore, on-site swings with rigid rods for children should, firstly, be equipped with a rocking chair with a fence, as in a swing for children, pos. 3. Secondly, it’s still impossible to let a child on them without adult supervision.

In a public yard swing on bearings there must be a swing limiter - you never know who can get in there and how can they swing? The rocking chair hits against a simple stopper made of a pipe (see figure), which is unpleasant. In good branded models of swings with rigid rods, the bearing suspensions are made with a built-in hydraulic brake, which operates on the principle of a viscous coupling in cars with AWD drive, but such suspension units are expensive.

Sometimes rocking is also limited by connecting the rigid rods of the rocking chair to the frame with lengths of chains, pos. 5. But, generally speaking, this is not the best solution: due to the different mechanical characteristics of the suspension links, even a small and completely safe swing on such a swing occurs with noticeable jerks.

Note: There is also a whole class of luxury swing suspensions based on systems of balanced levers, springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers. It’s clear that it’s expensive and you can’t do it yourself.

Suspension units

The critical points for hanging the swing are the attachment points. They bear very large alternating loads and are subject to abrasion. A small burr on the rubbing surface of the fastening will give very noticeable jerks when rocking. Therefore, the choice of design of fastening units must be approached with all responsibility.

The cheapest, but also the worst option is S-shaped hooks, pos. 1 in Fig. Enormous loads are concentrated in their crossbars, the probability of sudden destruction is high, therefore such fastening is only permissible for swing benches suspended no higher than 0.5 m and the design of which allows them to sway barely.

The most reliable fastening is on clamps with carabiners, pos. 2. The main load falls on the top of the crossbar beam, which is absolutely safe. It is only necessary that the carabiners have safety teeth and an anti-friction insert: sliding of the suspension rod in the eye of the carabiner is already an emergency mode in case of excessive swinging.

Reliable clamps still spoil the appearance of the swing, so fastenings are most often made with eye bolts, pos. 3. Indispensable conditions for their maximum reliability - the bolt must pass through the bolt, under the nut, regardless of the material of the crossbar, a steel washer of at least 60 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness must be placed, and the nut must be firmly locked. When swinging, spring washers of all types do not prevent the gradual spontaneous unscrewing of a single nut!

The reliability of the eye bolt is absolute - the neck of the eye (ring) is subject to great stress. The slightly more expensive U-hooks and shackles, pos. 4. A blind hole is drilled in the crossbar under the hook bar and it is inserted there tightly. Without being able to straighten out even a little, the hook will withstand an incredible load, because... The destruction of a metal begins with micro-disruptions of the bonds between its crystallites.

The eyebolt, U-hook and, to a slightly lesser extent, the rigging shackle significantly weaken the deadbolt, because the concentrated force applied from above tends to break it just where the beam is weakened by the hole, and the fastening pin, as it swings, “breaks” it. The washer weakens this effect, but does not eliminate it completely. As a result, where it would be possible to get by with a 100x100 mm solid beam, you have to install 150x50 mm, and in anticipation of swinging at full swing, even 200x200 mm.

Conspicuous, but ideal in all respects, are the through fastenings with an overlay and an upper suspension, pos. 5 and 6. The shear forces from them freely spread to the sides along the beam and tend not to tear, but, on the contrary, to compress the hole, as if it does not exist; the beam now becomes equivalent to a solid one. In addition, although such a suspension looks like a 4-4, it is kinematically equivalent to a chain 2-2-4, but it dampens excessive swing even better and more smoothly. If the suspension with overlays is rope, then between the carabiner and the fire (loop) of the cable you need to place a solid ring, pos. 6.

Also, rings connect the branches of the 2-2-4 chain suspension. The upper branch is welded to the ring or soldered with hard solder, and the lower ones slide along it freely, pos. 7. Only then will the 2-2-4 chain suspension acquire the required kinematics.

Rope hangers are good because they allow you to easily adjust the height of the rocking chair, but, made “chain-by-chain”, they require a fairly large number of expensive fastening, locking and adjusting parts and assemblies, positions. 6,8 and 9. However, all of them, after one, are easily accessible to self-made with the exception of this, they can be replaced with marine nodes for the appropriate purpose. The reliability of maritime knots has been tested over thousands of years of maritime practice, and their complexity exists only in the popular imagination.

You don’t need to know 200-400 knots, like a boatswain of a sailing fleet, or at least 20-40, like a current yachtsman, to build a swing; 7-9 is enough for everything, see fig:

A – anchor knot, or fishing bayonet, for attaching a cable to a carabiner with an anti-friction gasket or an intermediate ring. Up to 5 hoses (turns) can be inserted into the eye. A simple mark is applied to the running (free) end of the cable and it is used to connect the running end to the tensioned one, shown in the red frame. The fastening holds until the cable rots or the eye rusts. The anchor knot is non-tightening, it is not difficult to untie it: just remove or cut the mark that tightens the ends.

B – bed knot, also non-tightening. Suitable for the top suspension of temporary, say, for weekends, children's swings.

B – bayonet with rim, the same as B, but for adults.

G – locking knot, or figure eight. For lower mounting of children's swings through holes in the board.

D, F - sealing the end of the cable with a turnip and a simple disk button. The same as G, but for adults, and the cable tails do not dangle. Although, in general, it is better to fasten a rocking chair on ropes by the bottom without any knots at all, as described below.

Z – net knot, for tying 2 ropes crosswise anywhere without cutting.

And - this is how a loose loop is knitted on a solid rope. You can hang an umbrella, a siphon with soda, attach a shelf or something else.

Note: There are also simple knots for tying 2 ropes, identical or different, for example. weaving knot. However, it is strongly not recommended to assemble a swing rope suspension from pieces.

It remains to solve the issue of adjusting the rocking chair on the ropes. To do this, you need 2 cuttings of a strong hard board from 30 mm (oak, beech, elm, walnut), from which running, or hanging, rope stoppers are made - deadeyes, see fig. right. Such gizmos were used to regulate the tension of the rigging of ancient sailing ships, and nothing happened - the oceans were crossed, America and India were discovered. Deadeyes are used in conjunction with the rocking chair suspension method described below.

Rocking chair and its fastening

A rocking chair for adults is, in general, garden bench without legs. They choose it according to their taste and on the back with the fifth point. From below, an adult rocking chair is supported by a pair of cross bars, and eye bolts or U-hooks are inserted through their ends, as in pos. 4 drawings of a “classic family” swing at the beginning. Fastening to any points on the top, as in pos. 1 Fig., extremely unreliable. When rocking, the centrifugal force should compress the rocking chair and press it against the supports, and not stretch and tear it away from them.

Children love to swing on the flying trapeze, pose. 2 in Fig. below. You can make one yourself from tarpaulin, strengthening the ends with wooden strips, inserted into pockets sewn at the bottom and equipped with eyelets. But you can’t install eyelets for curtains, they are weak. If you don’t have sailing eyelets at your disposal, you can sew their substitutes from a steel ring and harsh, properly waxed or resinous thread, pos. 3.

Children's rocking chair made of boards with two-point suspension, pos. 3, it is not recommended to do it by any means, there is a high probability of overturning. If you are going to make a rocking chair on 2 points, then from logs, as in pos. 4, and hang the rocker from the board at 4 points, passing the cable through the holes, pos. 5.

However, the best rope suspension for both children and adults is a loop in the grooves, pos. 6. For adults, the lower support bars of the rocking chair are made wider, with a projection of 100-200 mm. They do not interfere; on the contrary, with a slight rocking, you can put a book on them, put a can of beer, etc. What if there is a lateral swing, they will serve as good bump stops and shock absorbers. The suspension in the grooves is absolutely reliable and can be easily assembled and disassembled. Adjusting the height of intermediate points with deadeyes allows you to change within a fairly wide range not only the height of the rocking chair, but also the kinematics of the suspension.

Tire swing

Perhaps the most favorite swing for children is the one made from tires. The reasons for this are not only psychological or ergonomic; a rocker made from a tire is an excellent shock absorber in emergency situations, and an excellent swing material for an adult craftsman-dad. An unusable tire can simply be hung on a branch, pos. 1 in Fig., by cutting it, a flying trapezoid is obtained without much difficulty: the presence of steel cord in the mass of durable rubber allows you to do without eyelets. A solid tire will go on a rocking-nest for collective gatherings of small children, pos. 3. When two or three people swing each in their own way, the trajectory of the rocking-nest on the suspension 1-3 or 1-4 makes even a person who knows mathematics and physics well scratch his head thoughtfully.

Finally, from tires cut and folded in different ways, single rocking chairs are obtained not only for children, but also for adults, pos. 4-6. The popularity of swings made from tires is so great that some sports and toy companies and companies specializing in goods for children produce, especially for swings... square tires, pos. 7! All that remains is to exclaim after the author of “Tartarin of Tarascon”: “Has anyone ever heard of something like this?”

Curiosities, but to the point

Since we are talking about funny swings, let’s touch on some more of them, but they are quite suitable for their intended use. For example, hammock swings, on the left in the figure, although the hammock itself is already a recumbent swing. There is probably something about swaying with additional degrees of freedom that owners like. In any case, there will be no harm.

Children will probably like the device in the center, but it is impossible to name it without sinning against Russian grammar. A swing, not a swing. And the author posted a photo of the one on the right with a note: the easiest way to recycle an old car. The comment was in English, so it is quite possible - in many Western countries, delivering a car to a landfill or selling it for scrap costs a lot of trouble. And here the great inertia of the heavy rocking chair allows you to swing for a very long time, the canopy is created by itself, and the soft sofa will not reduce the comfort.

Not those, but the swing

Finally, about swings, direct descendants of children's pendulum swings, but quite adult ones. And not for fun, they help cope with arthritis, osteochondrosis, radiculitis without expensive treatment. Reviews from doctors are positive.

You can make a garden swing for a summer holiday at the dacha with your own hands, you just need to choose a drawing . You can make a swing from different materials, choose a model to suit your taste.

A swing with a bench, designed for 2–3 people, is a typical model for garden plots.

Prev.

Track.

Basic design elements.

Dimensions are calculated taking into account the model.

There are 2 types of connecting parts. Welded is preferable, since the screw fastener unwinds under the influence of vibration when rocking. It is necessary to periodically tighten the bolts and nuts.

There are two types of connections of structural elements: welded and prefabricated

A hole is drilled in the crossbar, a bolt is inserted into it, to which a ring nut is attached. The bench is suspended using a connecting ring. The connection is periodically lubricated to avoid damage to the mechanism and creaking.

The bench is suspended from the crossbar on ropes, chains, metal cables

The construction of an iron swing begins with the installation of a frame. For portable structures, it is more correct to make a connecting frame from a metal profile along the lower perimeter of the frame. Stationary - dug into the ground to a depth of 50–60 cm, then concreted.

All metal elements the structures are treated with compounds that prevent the formation of rust and painted.

U-shaped swing

They are structurally simpler and consist of side posts and a crossbar. Stability is provided by the upper corner strips connecting the supports.

The U-shaped structure is less stable, so such swings are buried in the ground, followed by concreting

When drawing up a plan or model diagram, you need to take into account some points. The seats are suspended at a height of 50–60 cm. A minimum distance of 30 cm is made from the side supports.

DIY garden swing made of wood

Naturally fit into the concept of landscape design. On the farm you can always find materials for harvesting wood: timber, logs, boards. Ease of processing and plasticity of wood are another advantage. Unlike metal, it does not get so hot in the sun.

Durability of structures is given by treatment with agents that prevent the penetration of moisture into the material, varnishes that form a film on the surface.

It is also possible to assemble a swing from wood and metal

The frame is made of the same shape as for metal structures. To build a swing, choose a model and make its diagram. Before drawing, decide what type of wood will be used.

Layout of material for a 3-seater swing.

Measurements are taken with a meter, the evenness of the structure is checked with a level and a construction angle. The parts are cut with a saw or jigsaw. Sand with sandpaper or a grinder with a special attachment. To screw in self-tapping screws, a screwdriver is used; holes in the wood are made with a drill using drill bits of different diameters.

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.

Species

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 in this case 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 for 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 by 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 it already 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.

How to do wooden swing you can find out 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:

• Bend the pipes as necessary and cook using welding machine frame.
• 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 most simple 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 at 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.
• Elements of the swing 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 be none.

For a dacha or private home no best decoration than a swing - an excellent place for an afternoon relaxation for the whole family. Would you like to install them on your site? In our instructions you will find all the necessary information on how to make a swing with your own hands from wood for a summer house and garden, and not only about that.

The material is divided into three parts.

• In the first part of the article, we will look at the properties of wood and which species is best to choose to make a garden swing with your own hands. Next, we will clarify what types of wooden swings there are, and also provide a table with strength calculations supporting structures so you can calculate the weight load.
• In the second part of the material we will conduct several step-by-step master classes, from which you will learn how to make the most popular and not so popular ones. complex designs wooden swing for the cottage. Among them: single rooms with wooden frame, from timber and logs, in the form of a sofa and bench, from pallets, double outdoor swings and swing-balance for children, as well as simplest option from the board.
• The third part of the article is aimed at arranging a garden swing. Let's discuss their decoration, painting and choice of covers. You will learn how to make a wooden swing seat with your own hands, how to secure it and repair it if it cracks. In conclusion, we will consider the main options for the roof of a swing for a summer house and garden and how to care for such attractions.

Wood as a material: characteristics and properties

To build good swing, first of all, you need to take care of the selection of quality materials. The most popular is wood - a cheap and practical raw material that will not cause difficulties in use even for beginners, not to mention experienced builders. Outdoor swings for a summer cottage made of wood are popular in all types of areas - they fit organically into landscape design, easy to use. Let's try to figure out what are the pros and cons of using such material.

Advantages and disadvantages of wood

You don't need to have any serious carpentry skills to work with wood - all you need is a few supplies (we'll talk about them a little later). Among the advantages of wood it should be noted:

• environmental friendliness - such material looks more organic on the site, the more flowers, bushes and trees you place on it;
• aesthetics of wooden buildings - with a competent approach to decoration, the result can exceed all expectations;
• low price.

However, when listing the advantages, one cannot help but pay attention to some disadvantages. The most significant of these is the relative fragility of wood. Unlike a metal swing, a wooden swing will require much more careful care. Wood with difficulty endures such natural factors as:

• rain;
• snow;
• direct sunlight;
• fungus and mold;
• insects;
• sudden temperature changes;
• decay processes.

That is why it is important to cover the wood with special antiseptics or simply varnish or stain.

Which breed is better to choose for a swing?

Consider the fact that some species of coniferous trees can be subject to rot, which can be combated locally by covering the fungus-affected areas with a special antiseptic (pinotex has proven itself well).

Oak is considered an excellent raw material for buildings of any type, but it has a significant drawback - high price raw materials. However, it is very durable, massive and quite easy to work with when decorating.

Another option would also be to build a swing from linden - it is rarely used for large buildings, because it does not have a sufficient degree of protection from the cold, however, for a swing this factor does not play a significant role. The material itself looks attractive, while possessing the necessary level of strength.

Calculation of strength for beams of wooden swings

The strength of the swing is calculated based on the crossbar on which the swing will be hung. The thickness/height/length of the crossbar is taken into account. In the table below you can see what approximate loads the support will withstand at these quantitative values.

Types of garden swings made of wood

Wooden swings come in a variety of shapes and construction methods. We invite you to draw your attention to the proposed options for country garden swings made of wood; each of them has a number of advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account before starting construction.

By installation method

According to the installation method, the swing can be:

• stationary
• portable
• hanging

Summer swings for a dacha can be stationary - this means that when installing them, you assume that they will stand exclusively in one place (lays columnar foundation). Such a building is reliable and strong, it will last a long time. The disadvantage is obvious: moving the swing from its place will be problematic.

This swing is more mobile than the previous version. They are mounted on a pre-prepared support, and mainly differ in how high degree transportation, and the possibility of folding, for example, for transportation to another vacation spot (not all wooden structures have this property).

Aesthetic appeal and ease of operation make this type of swing especially desirable for installation on the site. A significant disadvantage may be the insufficient strength of the proposed support - in other words, on your site you must have a tree of the required size. More often, hanging swing with a wooden seat are installed for children - tree branches can support their weight without much difficulty.

By purpose

Outdoor swings for the dacha can be divided according to their purpose. Not every design is suitable for use by even two people at the same time. This classification implies division into swings:

• family;
• for children;
• for adults.

	Family swing. They can easily accommodate up to 4 people. They are based on a large bench, which helps to place both children and adults on the swing without much difficulty. The structure must have powerful fasteners installed and be made of durable wood.
	Wooden children's swing. This is a small design designed for low weight - most often they are designed for one or two places, and you can swing quite high on them. These are installed more for entertainment than relaxation. An important component is safety elements - a comfortable backrest and handrails that will help secure the child’s position.
	Outdoor swing for adults. Considered one of essential attributes area equipped for recreation. Such swings cannot swing widely, but in most cases they have canopies, which makes it possible to enjoy relaxation even in rain, wind or scorching sun. Sometimes insect nets are attached to such swings - they look like tents and can rival even gazebos in terms of comfort.

Properties of different types of wood

A few words should be said about the types of wood, because not every wood is suitable for creating a swing, because such a building must not only resist the challenges of nature, but also withstand certain loads every day. The strength limits of different types of wood are given in the table below.

	Larch	Pine	Spruce	Oak	Birch	Aspen
When compressed along the fibers	64,5	48,5	44,5	57,5	55,0	42,5
When stretched along the fibers	125,0	103,5	103,0		168,0	125,5
When growing across the fibers radially	5,6	5,4	5,0	8,0	11,1	7,1
When growing across the fibers tangentially	5,2	3,5	3,2	6,5	6,5	4,6
With static bending	111,5	86,0	79,5	107,5	109,5	78,0
When folded along the fibers radially	9,9	7,5	6,9	10,2	9,3	6,3
When folding along the fibers tangentially	9,4	7,3	6,8	12,2	11,2	8,6

Wood is also chosen because of its texture - the pattern on the cut that is obtained when the fibers or growth rings intersect. The texture closely depends on the type of wood: for conifers it is simpler, for deciduous trees it is more varied. Here are the textures of some rocks:

An important physical factor is the shine of wood. The most brilliant structures are those made of beech, oak and mahogany (otherwise known as mahogany).

Do-it-yourself single swing made of wood

If you are interested in high-quality construction, then you should pay attention to the instructions and advice of experts. We will now tell you in detail how to make a garden swing with your own hands from wood.

We should start with the fact that a single wooden garden swing is not designed for a large seated weight (up to 120 kg). Most often they are installed for small children. If you decide to install a children's swing, then, among other things, you need to think about a protection system for the baby to avoid falls and injuries.

Drawing and project

Do-it-yourself drawings of a garden swing made of wood will be necessary for a more detailed study of the appearance of the structure. The diagram should reflect:

• overall length, width, height;
• height of vertical pillars;
• vertical beam length;
• the length of the fastening bars supporting the vertical posts;
• the distance between the seat and the vertical beams on both sides;
• distance from the seat to the ground.

We have prepared a project and drawing of a wooden swing for you, check it out below.

It will be important to indicate the thickness of the board and the area on which the swing will be located. It is best to create a drawing from several angles - the better you approach planning, the less likely there are errors in calculations in the future.

Step by step instructions

You need to start building a swing for the garden with your own hands by choosing a location. Preferably, the terrain should be free of holes and hills. Otherwise the swing will not be level.

	We construct side vertical pillars. To do this, we take two 3100 mm bars. We can calculate the length of the bars (side “a”) knowing the height of the swing (side “b”) - 3000 mm and the angle at which the bars are connected at the top point - 30 degrees (β). The formula looks like this: Base length – 1560 mm.
	Now between the vertical posts we insert a horizontal beam (a chain with a seat will be attached to it in the future) with a length of 3000 mm. After this, we drill a through hole from the top edge of the support post and screw in a screw and nut, strengthening the structure.
	We tilt the structure on its side and drill two through holes in the horizontal beam at a distance of 750 mm from the edges (to construct a suspension). We screw bolts and washers into them, and screw eye nuts onto the ends. Now we raise the support to our feet.
	Wooden spacers should be installed between the post beams. We will fasten it using metal corners and 5 mm screws. We fasten the upper spacer using corners.
	In this project we install the swing without installation concrete base, therefore we cover the beams with bitumen to extend their service life. We cover the wood with stain on top to give it the desired color.
	Let's take care of the seat. For the back we make bars with dimensions of 30x13x457 mm. For the seat frame, use bars with dimensions of 51x152 mm. You will need two of these frames (seat and back). Attach slats to the frames and tighten the seat and back using corners. For convenience, you can nail the armrests to the seat. We screw eye bolts to the sides (2 pieces on each side - one to the seat, one to the back).
	Let's hang the swing. We attach carabiners to the ring nuts and then attach two chains. The length of the chain that is attached to the seat is 1650 mm, and the one that is attached to the back is 1200 mm. Calculating the distance is quite simple, it is only important to remember that while sitting a person should touch the ground with his feet.
	Since sitting on a wooden seat is not very comfortable, we recommend sewing special covers that can be removed and washed at any time.

In order for both posts to have the same angle of inclination, we recommend that you first lay out the structure on the ground and then outline the necessary boundaries

DIY swing made of timber and logs

Timber is a material in which reliability is successfully combined with attractive appearance. You can easily make a swing from it for both children and adults. Due to the fact that this material is quite massive, a DIY wooden swing can turn out to be as beautiful as a store-bought one and as strong as an iron one.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's decide on the main pros and cons of log swings. Let's start with the positive aspects:

• the swing is stable;
• such structures are difficult to damage not only to people, but also to adverse weather conditions, for example, strong wind;
• attractive appearance. As a rule, such swings look quite impressive, which makes them a real decoration of your garden plot.

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages: wood, as you know, is very sensitive to all kinds of insects, and protecting logs from pests is somewhat more difficult than ordinary boards. Wood, among other things, tends to rot over time.

Antique wooden swing

If you want to make your yard a work of art, we recommend paying attention to the stylization of an antique wooden swing. To do this you need:

	2. Make notches and notches along all the beams of the swing.
	3. Cover with the first layer of stain, let dry, then cover with one more layer and leave until completely dry.

Let's make a garden swing with our own hands step by step

We suggest you build a wooden swing in the form of a bench, which is shown below.

First, prepare a flat area for the swing. Use a yardstick and pegs to mark the boundaries of your structure. Study the drawing we have compiled of a swing made of timber with dimensions before proceeding with installation.

It is necessary to prepare the material for installation. You will need 4 beams 2070 mm long and 100 mm in diameter. They will support the structure and are connected at an angle of 30 degrees in the form of an isosceles triangle (letter A). Base length – 1035 mm. The length of the partition at the base is 1035 mm. The length of the A-shaped partition is 455 mm (20 mm protrusion on each side). The width of the structure is 4500 mm, the width of the bench is 1500 mm. The diameter of all beams is 100 mm (it’s not clearly visible in the photo, but we recommend using this size).

	We make vertical stands for the swing. We take two beams 2070 mm long and place them on the ground in the shape of an isosceles triangle. After this, using a compass and pencil, we mark a single circle on two bars with a diameter of 100 mm (each bar should have a semicircle with a radius of 50 mm). Using a grinder, cut out the marked area and sand it. We check how the horizontal beam fits into the recesses; if it protrudes, we file it a little and clean the vertical posts. We do the same with the other side.
	Now we place the racks vertically and secure the horizontal beam with long bolts with washers and nuts. We fasten it on the other side in the same way.
	We make horizontal partitions. We make indentations on the vertical posts using a chisel and hammer. It should look like the picture.
	The first partition is A-shaped. First, you need to make a recess in it, since the diagonal support will go into it. We make a recess in the vertical pillars (for the upper and lower partitions). Next, we adjust the diagonal beam to fit the hole in the A-shaped beam. Finally, we cut it at the end at an angle of 45 degrees and attach it to the bolt.
	The upper spacer should be at a distance of 1110 mm from the base, the lower one - at a height of 50 mm. . We put the structure on its feet. At a distance of 1500 mm from the ends, we drill a hole and thread two bolts. Tighten everything with ring nuts.

Swing in the form of a sofa

This type of swing really appeals to most summer residents with its attractive appearance. We will not consider step by step how to make a sofa swing for a summer house with your own hands, because... We have already described how to make supports from wood, and this is 75% of the structure. Using the drawings we provide, you can make a stand for such a swing. However, we will dwell in more detail on sofas for such swings.

Tips for building a sofa swing with your own hands

Such swings must be varnished from time to time - this will protect them from insects and cracks.

Pallet swing

Swings in the yard made from pallets for the dacha are a success among those who know a lot about saving and design ideas– such a design will be inexpensive and will attract attention from neighbors. How to make a swing from pallets with your own hands? Let's look at this issue.

Which pallets to choose for a swing

Garden swings can be made from virtually any pallet. There are three types of pallets:

• European (1200x800);
• Finnish (1200x1000);
• American (1200x1200).

The latter are the strongest of those presented, but at the same time the heaviest. Finnish ones are best suited for swings - they are equally strong and light. It is advisable to use new pallets, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can use used ones, having repaired them in advance.

1. Rigidity. The pallets must retain their shape during deflection and not break, otherwise the swing is unlikely to support the weight of even an adult.
2. Price. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on purchasing pallets, just as you don’t need to save too much on their purchase. Here you should stick to the golden mean.

Step-by-step instructions for a do-it-yourself pallet swing

A simple but very convenient design - a swing-sofa made of pallets. Prepare pallets for work. Remove excess debris and excess nails (if the pallets have been used before).

	We are preparing a general design drawing of a swing with a seat and frame. In this case, the width is 3000 mm, the height is 3000 mm, 4 crossbars are used as A-shaped supports, placed on both sides in the form of isosceles triangles at an angle of 30 degrees at the top attachment point. (the bench is not the same as in the drawing, but the same dimensions. The correct bench is in point 2).
	Explore detailed drawing the swings themselves made from pallets, provided by our editors.
	We cut the pallets according to the drawing with a jigsaw.
	We knock two pallets together with nails, as in the photo. If you use two pallets for the seat, then take care of the load-bearing logs nailed from below (they will take the weight of people).
	Make armrests. We use 4 bars of 80 mm height and 35 mm diameter. Nail them to the seat as in the photo. On top of each side we nail two boards, pre-polished. We screw on the eye bolts on which the chains will subsequently be attached.
	We make vertical pillars-supports. The creation scheme is the same as in previous cases - we cut off the edges of two inclined beams, and place a horizontal beam in the center. Then we fix it with bolts. We strengthen the edges of the horizontal beam with metal corners.

For decoration, you can put several pillows on the seat or sew a separate cover so that you can spend time comfortably on the swing.

Double outdoor swing

Double outdoor swings on wooden stands are an option for families where children do not want to take turns riding. Making them is just as easy as making single ones, you just need a little more time.

A double outdoor swing also requires additional calculations - in the drawing for the project, do not forget to think about the location of the seats so that when swinging they do not touch each other.

If the swing is a solid bench, then keep in mind that it will be quite heavy, so you should calculate the load on the fastening in advance. We advise you to study the table provided in the section “calculation of strength for beams of wooden swings”. Designs of this kind have their own characteristics:

1. Wider top beam. If the seats are not connected to each other, we recommend making the length 4500 mm, but if the seats are connected - 3000-3500 mm.
2. Reinforced base (column foundation).

Materials and tools

We propose to make the double garden swing for the dacha original - for two children with separate seats. This way, the children will get maximum pleasure while relaxing together.

Tools:

• shovel;
• construction meter and pegs;
• hand drill;
• bucket;
• container for mixing concrete;
• saw or grinder;
• hammer (regular and rubber);
• drill with drills;
• adjustable wrench;
• grinder with a metal disc;
• welding machine;
• screwdriver

Materials:

• beams 100x100x3000 – 4 pcs;
• timber 70x200x4000 – 1 piece;
• bolts with eye nuts;
• carabiners for chains;
• metal chain 3000 mm long;
• plywood sheet 3 mm;
• paint (blue, red);
• professional pipe with a thickness of 10 mm and 50 mm.

Step-by-step instructions for a double outdoor swing with your own hands

Building a swing for the garden with your own hands begins with choosing suitable place on your site. Make sure that the area is open and permanent buildings are located at least 5-7 meters from the site.

	1. We are preparing a project. After this, we mark the boundaries of the swing with pegs on the site. To make the structure more attractive, you can paint it in bright colors, but more on that later.
	2. For the upper part of the swing frame we use a corrugated pipe with a diameter of 50 mm. It is necessary to weld two pieces 600 mm long at an angle of 45 degrees to the crossbar (if it is made of corrugated pipe) to form an isosceles triangle. If the crossbar is made of timber, then we use nuts and bolts, pre-drilling holes required diameter. At a height of 250 mm from the base of the tubes, weld a spacer so that you get an A-shaped structure as in the photo. If you use a crossbar made of timber, it will be able to withstand a weight load of approximately 250 kg.
	3. Drill 4 holes for bolts with eye nuts.
	4. It is necessary to prepare vertical timber supports for a two-seater garden swing. We attach them to triangles made of corrugated pipe. We drill 5 holes in each triangle and tighten the screws. We do the same with the remaining legs. Finally, we coat the lower part of the beams with an antiseptic for longer service.
	5. Take plywood and a jigsaw. Using a pencil, draw an equilateral triangle with sides 600x600x500 mm. Cut out a triangle and round its corners. After this, use self-tapping screws to attach it to vertical bars, closing them.
	6. Now you need to make a columnar foundation. By using hand drill We make holes 400 mm deep. Add a layer of sand (100 mm) to the bottom. Next, install the swing legs and fill concrete mortar. We wait 2-3 days until it hardens.
	7. Installation of seats. To do this, take several steel rods with a diameter of 10 mm and bend them as shown in the figure. Next, we connect them into a single structure using welding. At the top along each edge we weld fastenings for chains. We repeat the procedure for the second seat.
	8. Finally, you need to connect the seats to the upper horizontal beam using chains. We measure 4 pieces of 1800 mm each. Next, we attach it to the eye nuts using carabiners. All that remains is to decorate the swing. We take blue and red paints and paint the seats, as well as the pillars. Let it dry for a day and enjoy.

Wooden swing balancer

You already know how to build a swing for your dacha with your own hands, but if you don’t want to deal with suspended structures, we can offer a balancer-type structure - an option for shared leisure time with your child or for general children’s entertainment.

Features of balancers

Children's homemade swings made of wood of this kind are good because they are difficult to break or damage. It’s worth considering that such entertainment is only suitable if you have two children or are constantly focused on playing with your child, since it makes no sense to ride a balance beam on your own.

In addition, balancers are several times more dangerous than conventional structures, and therefore there is no need to neglect safety rules when using them. For balancers, handrails and backrests are made in the safety frames.

Step by step instructions

Do-it-yourself outdoor swings are made as follows:

	1. Draw a drawing of your future swing-balance. Indicate the dimensions of all structural elements, as well as angles and radii.
	2. Take a board 1500 mm long and sand it using sandpaper. Next, you should cut out small recesses 20 mm thick and 100 mm wide. The recesses should be located 280 mm from the ends of the board.
	3. We cut out the parts for the recesses with dimensions as in the drawing.
	4. Now you will need a board 20 mm thick, measure it as shown in the figure. Next, using a saw, cut off the unnecessary parts of the board. Finally, take the brace and drill a hole. Let's sand it down. After this, we fix the parts to the recesses using self-tapping screws.
	5. We make vertical posts for the base of the swing. We take a board 650-680 mm long, 50 mm high and 60 mm wide. We sharpen the end of the board in the form of a stake using an ax; at the other end, using a brace, we drill a hole with a diameter of 25 mm.
	6. We take a device for attaching the board to support posts with dimensions of 40x60 mm and a length of 160 mm. Sand and rub the ends so that you get a pointed rectangle. Then, using a saw, cut off a small piece from the end, 3-5 mm long. We do the same on the other side. Next, using a long 25 mm drill, drill through
	7. Now you need a steel rod with a diameter of 24 mm and a length of 180 mm. Using a die, we make carvings on both ends by hand. Thread length – 5-6 mm. We hammer it into the drilled 25 mm hole in the block so that it fits very tightly;
	8. Assembling the structure. We connect the long board and the block together using bolts (we drill a hole through and connect). We hammer the rod into the vertical posts and tighten the nuts. For greater strength, you can weld them.

The assembly of the wooden garden swing is completed - now you and your children can enjoy their new toy in the yard!

A board swing is the easiest option

A few words about how to make a swing from boards at the dacha with your own hands. More precisely from one single board. The design is one of the most popular among summer residents and country builders.

Assembling a wooden garden swing usually requires some time and materials. Here you only need one board and a rope. We will attach this structure to a tree (oak or any other solid tree will do).

Unusual swing options

If you want to make something special for your children, we recommend that you pay attention to the unusual designs of homemade garden swings for the dacha. Their main difference is in the material, which is used either for the seat or for attaching the seat to the frame/wood.

You can create your own swing in the garden from tires, for example.

An excellent option for a wicker round swing is a tire suspended from several fasteners using a rope or chain. In order to make such a structure, you will need to punch the tire right through and thread a rope or chain through the resulting holes, securing it.

Another unusual swing option is floating benches. These are the most ordinary benches, suspended from a tree on ropes or chains. We recommend making such a garden swing from rattan or wicker and then hanging it by carabiners from the ceiling of your veranda or from a tree.

Another option is to make a swing in the shape of an object, such as a car or an airplane. This design will take more time, but in the end your children will constantly play on them. To do this, you will need to spend a lot of time making individual parts, as well as connecting them together. However, the result will justify all your efforts.

Decoration and arrangement

A wooden swing for relaxation can be decorated in various ways. It could be like decorative pillows, thrown on the seats, and intricate carvings along the edges of the beams. Lamps next to swings, including floor ones, look especially impressive. There are options to experiment with the rope - perhaps it can be braided with something bright.

Finishing features

A beautiful wooden swing cannot be imagined without finishing and decoration. At the same time, even a non-professional can try himself as a carver - for this you need to have a jigsaw and a little imagination. Remember that hardwoods are somewhat easier to work with - although they are more reluctant to finish, the end result will look many times better.

You can paint the swing with the following materials:

• wood/metal paint;
• stain;
• antiseptic.

Painting

It is best to paint a garden swing immediately after installation. The paint should be chosen specifically for wood - it will not only adhere better, but also protect the material from pests. At the same time, the paint, unfortunately, is not so durable - the swing will have to be repainted every few years.

Paint is considered good protection against pests and insects, and the appearance of a painted swing is aesthetically pleasing.

Selection of covers, mattresses and pillows

Covers for swings are most often chosen in bright colors - there is no mistake in this, but it is worth considering that the material may fade in air. It is best to select fabric for a garden swing from those that are considered waterproof (like tarpaulin or raincoat fabric). There is no chance that you will always carry the pillows into the house on time, and with tarpaulins the rain will not be so bad, and it will be much easier to dry them later.

Pay attention to the fact that people will come into contact with the fabric, not just natural factors- in order to make sitting on a swing not only comfortable, but also pleasant, you need to make sure that the fabric contains natural raw materials - for example, cotton or viscose.

The dimensions of the cover should be 3-4 mm larger than the dimensions of the seat so that you can adjust the cover. To attach the cover to the bottom of the wooden seat, we recommend using a construction stapler.

Swing seat

If you don’t want to buy seats in a store, we suggest you consider the option of making a swing seat with your own hands using available materials. Pay attention to the fact that wooden seats will be more advantageous than metal ones - they are safer and more comfortable. On the other hand, their strength will be constantly tested, and it would be good to take this fact into account when designing. For a comfortable ride, it is recommended to cover the seats with soft fabric - this also helps to avoid unnecessary injuries.

Types of seats for swings

The design of the swing seats differs:

• with a backrest - for both children and adults;
• without backrest. Relevant for teenagers - may be too dangerous for children;
• with and without armrests;

By size:

• for garden swings - in the form of a bench or sofa;
• single seat for an adult or teenager - no more than 600 mm in width;
• for children's swings - single-seater with a width of no more than 500 mm, or even less.

According to the material of manufacture:

• plastic;
• tarpaulin;
• tree.

How to make a swing seat with your own hands

Making a swing seat with your own hands is extremely simple. You can knock it down from boards:

You will need:

	Prepare the seat frame. To do this, sand all the bars and then knock them down using nails (or screw in self-tapping screws).
	Nail the horizontal strips. The distance between each strip is 3 mm.
	Attach bars to the seat, on each of which a crossbar for the armrests is attached.
	We recommend fixing the backrest at an angle of 110 degrees.

The seat is ready. After this, it is best to cover it with a special septic tank or stain/varnish.

If the seat on the swing that you made turned out to be unreliable (or you see that it will soon become so), then you should start repairing it.

• The most important thing is to remove the fabric and patch the holes after washing it first. You can use raincoat fabric or other strong material to patch holes (if the seat on a garden swing is torn). Often funny appliqués are attached to the holes in place - they are sold in the store.
• Repairing the seat on a garden swing can be completely radical: you can remove the seat completely and wrap the frame with a nylon cord. You will ride on such a swing for a very long time - the cord is very strong, and if something happens, it won’t take as long to re-tighten it as it would to patch it.

How to attach a swing to a horizontal crossbar?

We discussed how to assemble a country garden swing - it’s time to clarify how to secure them. The sizes of the drill, bolts and nuts depending on the design of the swing.

If you are attaching to a horizontal bar from above:

1. Drill a hole through using a drill;
2. Insert the bolt with washer;
3. Screw the ring nut onto the underside of the crossbar.

If you are attaching to a seat:

1. Drill a hole for fastening;
2. We thread the bolt and washer;
3. Screw in the ring nut.

To prevent the nut from being pressed through, it is advisable to place a washer under its head.

In the store you can find special mounts of various shapes and devices. There is only one drawback to such a fastening - the swing begins to seriously creak during operation if the fastening is not lubricated in time.

Roof for outdoor swings

A roof for a swing in the garden can be made with your own hands almost as quickly as the swing itself. When creating a roof, it is best to focus on the shape of the building and its purpose. Let's consider several options for materials for a wooden swing with a roof for the garden.

How to care for a swing

During construction (as well as during subsequent operation), it should be taken into account that wood for a swing does not have the same strength and reliability as, for example, metal. Therefore, you need to pay close attention not only to how you will knock down the swing, but also to how to properly care for it.

• Once every few years (usually a period of 3-4 years is taken as a basis), it is advisable to treat the surface special means against rotting.
• We recommend repainting the structure and refreshing the colors at some intervals.
• Don’t forget about metal parts (for example, handrails on swings) - they will also need to be treated with an anti-rust and darkening agent.
• Fabric covers need to be washed periodically - once every one and a half to two months.

What kind and at what price should I buy a garden swing made of wood for my dacha?

At the end of our material, we have prepared a small selection so that you have an idea of ​​how much garden swings cost and which ones are better to buy. Let's start with the most expensive and elite ones.

Name	Photo	Price	Description
		RUB 308,100	Design dimensions: 290x190x210 cm. Permissible load 300 kg. Made from larch (laminated veneer lumber). The frame is varnished, and all materials are environmentally friendly. VIP option for elite areas.
		RUB 172,900	The dimensions of this garden swing are 264x180x207 cm. Withstands a maximum load of 300 kg. Made from coniferous species wood, all materials are environmentally friendly.
Garden swing “Aristocrat”		RUB 106,799	Dimensions 224x167x200 cm. Withstands 200 kg. Environmentally friendly luxury furniture, made of solid spruce. Additionally coated with antiseptics that protect against rotting.
		RUB 95,401	Dimensions: 250x155x245 cm. Withstands a maximum load of 200 kg. Made from natural coniferous wood, coated with acrylic varnish.
Outdoor swing Kampfer Talking		RUB 47,039	Swing dimensions: 240x260x240 cm. Maximum permissible load 150 kg. The stands are made of cedar. The set includes an awning.
Swing Gloria		RUB 30,676	Dimensions: 221x265.5x212.5 cm. Maximum permissible load 200 kg. Also treated with special impregnation and moisture.
Garden swing Avola		RUB 23,690	Dimensions: 208x165x204 cm. Made of solid timber (pine). Oxford cloth awning. The swing is treated with compounds against moisture and drying out.