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A swing is considered the simplest and most convenient means of relaxation and entertainment in a summer cottage. To make a wooden swing with your own hands, you will need drawings and photos of finished models. All this can be found in our article. Using ready-made diagrams, making a swing will be quite simple, and using improvised means and wood will allow you to reduce financial costs to a minimum.
Creating a swing should begin with the selection of materials. The most practical material wood is considered for this purpose. It is relatively easy to process and affordable.
Let's consider the main advantages and disadvantages of wood as a building material for swings.
Advantages:
- Environmental Safety. The tree does not contain harmful compounds that negatively affect human health.
- Aesthetic appearance. A wooden swing fits organically into the overall natural picture of a dacha or garden. In addition, the ability to decorate some elements yourself allows you to give the swing the desired look.
- Low cost and availability of source material.
However, in addition to all the advantages, there are a number of significant disadvantages. Wood is a rather fragile material. For a long time and safe operation swings, you need to regularly treat the main parts of the structure. Also, the disadvantages of wood include:
- Sensitivity to weather conditions. Snow, rain and direct sunlight negatively affect all wooden parts.
- Susceptibility to rot, fungus and destruction by insects. To protect against such influences, it is necessary to treat the wood with special antiseptic compounds and varnish.
- Destruction due to temperature changes. Sudden drops and increases in ambient temperature can cause cracks to appear, ultimately making it impossible to use the swing safely.
Which wood to choose
Note! Despite the fact that insects prefer other types of trees, you should not neglect treating the wood with special compounds. In combination with the characteristics of these rocks, this will only increase the reliability and durability of the structure.
It is also recommended to take oak to create any buildings made of wood. This wood is extremely strong and durable, and buildings made from it are of the highest quality. The only disadvantage of oak is the cost of the building material.
For lack of others tree species Linden is used. It resists impact well low temperatures, has increased strength and has an aesthetic appearance.
Types of garden swings
The number of types of swing designs is quite large, but they all come down to three main types, or are their modifications:
There is nothing difficult in creating a swing if you have enough materials, necessary tools. For planning, you can use our step-by-step instructions and drawings, or make your own diagrams based on them. Below we will look at how to make the base of a swing.
Frame manufacturing and installation
To construct the main part of the swing, it is necessary to purchase and deliver building materials in advance. To do this, you will need wood with transverse dimensions of 150x45 mm of the following length:
- 2100 mm – 1 board (for crossbar).
- 2775 mm – 3 boards (for legs).
- 320 mm – 2 boards for spacers at the top of the base.
- 990 mm – 2 boards for spacers at the bottom of the base.
Below is a drawing of a classic A-frame type.
When cutting parts of the base yourself, you can use the following scheme for spreading and aligning the legs.
After preparing and cutting the materials, it is necessary to connect the legs with the spacers and crossbar with screws. Fastening is carried out in the places indicated in the diagram.
The lower part of the structure is dug half a meter into the ground. This way the bottom brace will be level on the ground.
The base crossbar must be strictly horizontal to the surface. This can be checked bubble level. If everything was done correctly and the swing was installed on a flat, prepared surface, then there will be no problems. Otherwise, you need to level the swing by deepening one of the parts.
Important! Since some of the legs will be in the ground or concrete base, it is necessary to process these parts bitumen mastic. This will extend the life of the swing by reducing the impact of moisture on the wood.
It will be quite simple to prepare materials and assemble a swing with your own hands from wood, if you have drawings and photos of the desired model at hand. The video below provides a detailed explanation of the basic principles of assembling a swing.
Making a seat
To assemble the seat you will need lumber with transverse dimensions of 70x35 mm. Depending on the purpose of use, the length of such materials will be as follows:
- 955 mm - 2 support bars.
- 600 mm – 2 rear support posts.
- 1200 mm – 2 seat bars.
- 275 mm – 2 armrest supports.
- 600 mm – 2 armrests.
Also required are boards for the seat with dimensions 70x25mm of the following dimensions and functional needs:
- 1284 – 8 seat slats.
- 1300 – 3 backrest slats.
The assembly drawing of the seat parts is shown below.
To give additional strength, the support bars are reinforced from below with seat bars. Slots 35mm deep and 70mm wide are cut into the support bars to install supports for the armrests and rear pillars. After installation, they are fixed with screws.
The seat slats are screwed to the supporting parts. To make it more convenient, you can cut a small recess in the support bars according to the drawing.
A part for attaching to the rear pillars is cut out of the armrest parts and secured with screws. The second fastener is made from the top of the armrest to the end of the armrest support.
Parts of the backrest strip are attached to the rear support. Suspension mounts are installed in the base of the seat.
Important! After assembling all the parts, it is necessary to carefully process the parts of the seat, round the edges and remove all traumatic areas.
To add extra softness, you can sew small pillow, or purchase a ready-made model in the store.
Fastener selection
The mounts are the most critical point in a swing. If they are not of good quality or installed incorrectly, the likelihood of getting injured on a swing increases greatly.
For garden swings, ropes or chains are most often used as suspensions. The rope is very easy to use, and some of its models have high internal friction, which limits the speed and force of swinging, thereby protecting against high risks of injury. However, the ropes at the attachment points can quickly fray.
Chains are more reliable, withstand high loads and take a long time to break down. If the chain links are rubbing heavily against each other, this is immediately obvious. A chain with large links can pinch children's fingers, so for children's swings they choose a chain with a small link.
Rigid mounts are usually used where a bearing mechanism can be installed for smooth rolling. Installing such a mechanism on a wooden swing is problematic and requires special skills and equipment.
To attach the suspension to the main structural parts - frame and seat, you can use the following mounting parts:
Attention! Mounting parts in the seat are installed only in its support beams. Do not attach the seat to the upper parts, as under load they can easily tear away from the main part.
Canopy
A canopy will provide excellent protection from direct sunlight and rain. If you have a wild imagination, you can create completely unimaginable structures in design and functional purpose. However, the installation of the canopy may require revision and modification of the design. We recommend that you foresee the presence and shape of the canopy in advance, which will help change the drawing in the desired direction.
The simplest and relatively inexpensive canopy is a roof made of a polycarbonate sheet mounted on a metal profile. The sides of the canopy determine its shape. It can be classic pyramidal or semicircular. To give rounded shapes, you need to use a pipe bender.
Cross bars metal profile will create additional strength hanging structure. They can be welded to the main beams of the canopy or bolted. The canopy is attached to the wooden frame with transverse metal struts to the legs and mounting devices to the crossbar.
The polycarbonate sheet is attached to the metal base with special press washers - self-tapping screws with wide heads or bolts. It is necessary to pre-drill holes in the metal profile required sizes for installation of mounting parts. The size of the sheet and the canopy as a whole should be such that it cannot be caught during swinging and cause injury.
Once the canopy is fully installed, you can paint the polycarbonate in the desired color. It should be remembered that the increase in weight on the swing legs should be compensated by increasing the thickness of the starting materials.
It will be quite simple to assemble a swing from wood with your own hands, having at your disposal the necessary drawings and photos of similar models. The swing will make it fun. Tips for landscaping on the site will help transform the appearance of your home and summer cottage.
Remember the childhood sensations of swings? This is not only pleasant, but also useful - monotonous rocking trains the vestibular apparatus, and also calms the nervous system. The second property is very useful nowadays. Such a pleasant treatment - relaxation after a busy day. Moreover, anyone with “straight” arms can make a swing with their own hands. There are, of course, complex models, but there are many more simple ones.
About designs
Like most outbuildings, swings are most often made of wood. The posts and crossbar are made from timber, logs, the seats are made from planks and even from parts of home furniture.
A little about the designs. There are three main types of hanging swings, or as they are also called - boat swing, sofa, bench, etc. The main difference is in the type of supporting structure: there is A-shaped and U-shaped. You can see an example with racks folded into a triangular structure above, and in the photo below an example with a U-shaped rack. This is more likely with a hanging bench and it is built according to the same type, only taking into account swinging loads.
There is a third type - this is a complex structure that requires certain skills - it is based on hinged joints and they swing from the feet resting on the floor. We will immediately provide photos and diagrams for those interested (you can expand them to full screen if you click on the arrows in the upper right corner of the picture).
We make a swing with our own hands from wood
Most often, they make their own design in the form of the letter “A”. It is simpler and requires less material consumption. Let's look at the components and fastenings in more detail, talk about materials, protection against destruction and stability.
Materials
Let's talk about what to make a wooden swing from. The choice of lumber cross-section depends on the planned load. If it is assumed that one adult will sit, the posts and the top crossbar are at a minimum - 50 * 70 mm. If it is expected large quantity There are two or three “seats”, then the section of the beam is at least 100*100 mm, preferably 100*150 mm. It has been experimentally established that this design, when using 100*100 timber, can normally withstand a total load of about 200 kg. If you need more, take a larger section, or place logs))
About what the bench/sofa is made of. The frame will use a 70*40 mm block, the backrest height will be at least 600 mm, and the seat depth will be at least 480 mm. You can experiment with the depth of the seat and the angle of the backrest: there are options for a “lying” position. Accordingly, the length of the sofa and the dimensions of the structure change greatly due to this. For fastening, use 200 nails or studs of at least 10 mm in diameter.
How to position the racks
A diagram with dimensions and a list of required materials is shown in the photo below. To be honest, few people make them from such materials as indicated in the specifications. More often they install beams.
There are varieties of this design: with or without a lower frame. If the swing is installed on a rigid platform and the fastenings are made rigid, on studs, without the possibility of play, then such a structure will stand without problems. If in doubt, you can make a timber screed along the bottom, nail it to the covering with pins, or drive the staples into the ground.
A crossbar has been added here, there is nothing to move apart. The most simple design, but the “legs” can move apart
For those who are afraid of lateral loads - the design in this axis is not the most reliable - you can suggest installing the racks with a slope. The area will be large, but the stability will be high.
If installation in the ground is intended, parts of the racks that will be buried must be treated with bio-protection. A cheap option is to place it in a vessel with used oil for several hours. Dry, then bury. They bury it to a depth of at least 50 cm, pour a little crushed stone on the bottom, set up racks and concrete it. If you are afraid that this is not enough, attach several strips of metal crosswise at the bottom. The hole will have to be dug larger, but the retention area will be larger.
Methods of fastening the crossbar
In all swings of this type - with the bars of the posts sawed at the top - the problem is the attachment point of the crossbar, to which the bench is then attached. In the photo above it is solved reliably, although not entirely aesthetically pleasing. The trouble is that aesthetic methods are difficult to implement. And, if you're not selling, it's quicker to make something inelegant but reliable. So, in order to secure the crossbar, an overhead beam is attached below the intersection, pulled to the racks with pins. The cross member rests on it, which is held against lateral shifts by posts and fasteners - nails and studs.
Another way to install the crossbar is to attach the side posts in an "X" shape. With this option load-bearing beam fits perfectly. It is additionally secured with nails, and the posts are tightened with studs. See the next photo for this option.
Everything is fine, but the length of the sofa is not enough...
Using the same principle, a swing is assembled with your own hands from logs: the sides are fastened crosswise, and a support log is laid on top. If timber is sometimes assembled with nails, then in the case of logs, pins are mainly used.
For those who are familiar with carpentry, there are other options: half-wood. Such a project is in the photo gallery below with close-up some key nodes.
How the racks are fastened together - view from the inside
Photo gallery of homemade swings on chains
And a few photos of different swings made on the basis of an A-shaped structure.
Made from thin logs under a reed roof - looks great Chic option- 3-seater, or maybe more, swing Another option, in which all the “finishing touches” were added - stands in the form of the letter “X” and on a slope One of the modifications is more difficult to manufacture This is a whole swing house....cool Right away and stairs...
Attaching the swing to the crossbar
The mounting for the swing also requires clarification, that is, it is not obvious to everyone how to hang a bench-sofa on the crossbar. First, the crossbar is drilled from bottom to top through. A bolt is passed through the hole, to which a ring nut is attached. One or two wide washers are placed under the nut head so that it does not press down under the weight.
It turns out that the ring nut is located at the bottom. You can attach a carabiner to it, throw a rope or cable, etc. Just pay attention that the carabiner should hang normally and freely on the ring-nut. And two chain links should fit freely in the carabiner. Therefore, it is advisable to buy everything together in one store: you can try on the entire knot at once.
By the way, in the rigging store you can come across other devices that can be adapted to attach chains or ropes from the swing seat. For example, such as in the photo below.
They are designed to lift a load of 0.5 tons, so there is no point in using them for children, but for swings for adults it is fine.
This type of mount has a significant disadvantage - a creaking sound is heard when swinging. You can get rid of it for a while by lubricating the unit, but this operation will have to be repeated periodically. The solution is to make a unit on bearings, but you can’t do without welding.
DIY metal swing
Their design is exactly the same. The material is different, and the method of fastening it is different. This is welding. For those who are familiar with it, it will not be difficult to cook something similar. And for inspiration, a photo report.
Below is a drawing of this swing with dimensions. Some clarification is required. In the figure there is a pipe welded around the perimeter (this plane is shaded). It is buried and therefore not visible in the photo. It was made in order to increase stability: friends have considerable masses. For the same reason, metal plates are welded onto the ends of the racks. The installation was complicated, but the swing is firmly in place.
It took 22 meters to make profile pipe 50*50 mm, for a seat 25*25 mm - 10 mm, boards 2000*120*18 - 7 pieces and the rest - fasteners, paint, anti-rust.
There is another way to attach the swing to the crossbar. He's in the photo.
A way to attach a metal swing to a crossbar
A swing made from a profile pipe has an original shape - the posts are not linear, but curved. If it is possible to do something like this with wood, it can only be done by a master.
Baby swing
For children, you can make the same design, but smaller in size.
There are several other models for , as well as . Here are the first ones - a swing-scale or a balance beam.
Swing for children - balancer or scales
Everything is clear, questions may only arise regarding the fastening unit. Below is a drawing with dimensions. To decorate the upper part, steel plates are fixed inside. To make them swing, a hole is drilled into which a pin is threaded. You can improve the “rolling” by inserting bearings.
You can quickly and easily make a swing-nest from a tire (car tire). Bolts with eye nuts, but of a smaller diameter (don’t forget about the washers), are installed into it at the four corners; ropes or chains are attached to them, and you can even throw them on the appropriate branch on a tree, or hang them on a horizontal bar.
It so happens that for many of us, swings are associated with childhood or weddings, but are not necessarily perceived as an essential element of the garden. At the same time, many readers of our blog will probably be interested in learning how to make a swing, so undeservedly forgotten, and especially with their own hands. They can be done in a rustic style using metal or wood, as a seating area for an Italian patio, under a pergola or children's version swing - you will definitely like some of this.
A swing as a home decor item is not so often found in the dachas and country houses of our compatriots. We propose to radically change this situation. We will talk about making your own garden decor due to the need for a rational approach to spending.
It’s probably not worth mentioning that such exterior items are quite expensive on sale. The cost of wooden models in Europe reaches 700-900 euros. In Russia, prices start from 200-300 dollars. Making them is not so difficult. Working in the garden and outdoors is a useful hobby in every sense.
Traditional English swing benches
Swing benches belong to the traditional decoration of a classic terrace English home. This tradition also existed in Tsarist Russia; swings were built on verandas and terraces, as a rule, under an existing canopy. Fastening to the roof beams provided the required reliability without unnecessary investments.
You can make a swing from any material available at your dacha for your terrace entirely with your own hands and without the involvement of helpers. To do this, you don’t have to make a base and a canopy, but just build reliable fastening to the ceiling and make seats. Even a woman can handle this kind of work, you just need to make sure it’s reliable. roofing slabs so that the work is not only easy, but also of high quality.
In American cottages, such models in the form of benches with textile pillows are found on open terrace. In Italian Tuscany, hanging wooden seats very often they are arranged under a canopy for flowers - a pergola, which vaguely resembles a Russian gazebo and often serves as a summer kitchen.
Swing-bed or swing-bed
Swing-bed is an alternative form of terrace swing of a larger size. A similar swinging bed can be built in the garden, under a canopy, tree canopy or awning. If you add a canopy to the design, then in the summer you can sleep freely on such a swing, enjoying the pleasant coolness of the night. Use one of the ideas presented in the photo.
Photos, design and drawings of a swing bench for a terrace and garden
Pergola as a supporting structure
Freestanding A-frame structures without canopy
Free-standing A-frame structures with canopy (diagram and drawing)
Methods of fastening elements of the swing support structure
Rustic swing for wooden houses
If you are a happy owner of Russian wooden house built from timber, be sure to appreciate the rustic style swing. The company GardenLand.ro offers its original models for about 900 euros. Like garden decor made in Russia by the family workshop Eclectichome.ru using natural materials.
Wild logs are used as a building material in the construction of such swings. During processing, the branches are cut and used as brackets for flower stands. We invite you to evaluate your strengths and build such decor yourself. How to make a swing in the garden at the dacha from scrap materials and do-it-yourself photos, we suggest you look below.
Installation of rustic swings is carried out individually without drawings, using the standard dimensions of such household structures as a basis. It is not at all necessary to remove the bark from the support, as was done in the GardenLand sample. But if you decide to create your own swing sample, you will need specialized tool for Russian log houses.
Coating wooden base protective equipment will help preserve the appearance of the tree. Specialized paint materials are available in wide range, most often craftsmen use budget linen impregnation.
For fastening individual elements swings, anchor bolts and fastening fittings are used to construct the roof. We talked about a similar installation in a review about wooden stairs.
The main advantage of swings made from wild logs is their stability and high strength. The design can easily support the weight of several adults. You can see how to install such rustic decor in the video.
French textile chairs or Brazilian Hammock
French swings are derived from traditional Brazilian Hammocks and are usually made from thick linen fabric or canvas, fittings and thick linen cord. The shape of the chair is given using laces different lengths. They are attached to a transverse wooden crossbar, which, in turn, is attached to the reliable ceiling of the terrace or pergola. To create the base of the seat, cushions are placed to hold the shape.
See how to make a swing in shape hanging chairs, benches and benches with your own hands photo. Such functional decor for pergolas and terraces will become a favorite entertainment for adults and children.
Textile chairs can be used without a canopy; for these purposes, we recommend making a hook on an anchor bolt, to which they will be attached as needed. For quiet purposes, portable terrace swings can be used, which in good weather can be installed outdoors without a canopy. When enough reliable basis this may also apply to different swing-bed variations.
Children's playgrounds in the garden with swings
Baby swings can have different designs and are installed anywhere in the garden plot where the child will play or be near his parents. Make small rocking chairs for a small child on the terrace. Moreover, you can fix the ceiling in advance using a hook, so that it can be replaced with any other suspended structure at any time.
Always keep in mind that older children like to strongly rock the structure, which should be taken into account when choosing hangers and a base. If the floors cannot withstand such force, use a more suitable model.
Video instructions for building a wooden swing
Conclusion
All proposed swing models can be made with your own hands, and in some cases from scrap material without any cost. The photo shows various designs, which are quite easy to assemble yourself. The ideas can be used to design a recreation area on a personal plot or to make your own playground for children.
It is not difficult to make a garden swing with your own hands if you know how to use tools. All work can be completed in one or two days.
What to make a swing from
You can construct them from almost anything you can get your hands on:
- Wood: beams, trimmings, logs, slats from boxes, boards, slats, benches.
- Metal: pipes, profiles, rods, wire, chains, rings, hooks, sheets.
- Plastic: boxes, chairs, hoops, pipes.
- Shaped parts from sewerage: tees, elbows.
- Bearings.
- Ropes, ropes.
- Tires.
- Thick fabric, tarpaulin.
- Cases and seats of old cars and motorcycles.
As you can see, we can continue ad infinitum, but we will limit ourselves to this list for now.
Beginning of work
To properly make a garden swing with your own hands, you first need to prepare a project and drawings of the future structure, based on the material you have. If you are planning to make metal Garden swing, but there are not enough parts - you can ask them from neighbors, friends, or make them from another material, for example, wood.
Prepare a pencil (pen), eraser, ruler, paper, protractor. They will be needed not only for drawing, but also for subsequent marking of parts. If you can’t immediately start drawing (you don’t know where to start), then just sketch out a drawing of the swing, “as you see it.” It will be much easier to draw from a drawing.
Don't feel like you're wasting your time drawing out all the details. At the construction stage, you will have to refer to the drawing more than once.
Installation of supports and crossbar
Installation of supports can be carried out in different ways:
- Install two vertical beams or pipes.
- Dig two capital letters L.
- Install two A-frames.
- Mount the supports like the letter X.
The photo shows different kinds installations. As you can see, the crossbars are also secured differently. In addition to such fastening methods, for example, in the first picture, you can drill the racks at the top and install metal pipe or a thick rod. An axle from a cart or trailer is used as it.
If you made racks from wide boards– you can drill them out and install bearings in the holes. Cover them on both sides with perforated sheets of metal, which are nailed to the board. A rod must be inserted or pressed into the holes.
A more advanced method of fixing the horizontal line involves a special design mounted on poles, made by welding three sections of metal pipes.
There are several options for mounting supports:
- Install on the ground or dig into it. The option is bad. Due to dampness, the end of the beam will rot and the whole thing will collapse to the ground.
- Wrap the butt of the support with polyethylene or paint it.
- Concrete the support.
- Install on a special podium or terrace.
The second and third options are more acceptable. You need to wrap the end so that the film extends 20-50 cm outwards. This will protect the bottom of the protruding part of the pillar from dampness in winter (into snowdrifts). The same must be done when filling the pillar with cement. The formwork should protrude from the ground.
Suspension and mounting structures
To prevent children and especially adults (due to the greater weight) from falling, it is necessary to hang the swing securely. To do this you need to find:
- fairly strong ropes - you can use parachute lines (withstand 150 kg each) or mountaineering ropes;
- chains - even those used to tie dogs are suitable, but preferably thicker ones;
- thick wire or long metal rods with a caliber of at least 10 mm.
Mounts can be completely different:
- From a rope. Throw a rope over the crossbar and secure it at the bottom of the seat. Or pull it through the saddle and tie it with a knot at the top.
- Hook or ring.
The second method has several options:
The first two are designed to grip shaped crossbars: rectangular and round. They are a kind of clamps with hooks.
The last two are designed to strengthen hooks or rings in the through hole of the crossbar.
Manufacturing of seats
Everyone has long been tired of classic boards and half-logs on swings.
We will talk about several unconventional methods for making swing seats. They are easy to make and do not take much time.
Option 1.
Most easy way– use old chairs or benches made of any material that have broken legs. It's beautiful and practical. There are several ways to attach them to a swing:
- We drill 4 holes in the seat of the chair (blue), pass ropes through them and tie a rod or thin metal tube at the bottom. He won't let the rope slip back.
- We screw or nail boards to the seat (yellow) and drill them. We thread the ropes through the holes and tie them large knots. For safety, such knots can be omitted to prevent them from unraveling and passing through the hole. It's better to just tie the end of the rope around the board.
- Instead of holes in the seat, we cut out grooves and wrap a rope around the chair (pink). But the child may jump, the rope will become free and slide to the side. To prevent the rope from jumping out, we stuff boards from below.
Option 2.
You can make a seat from tarpaulin or fabric, but it is not very comfortable, since it hugs the person sitting on both sides, squeezing him. For convenience, you can install a spacer above the seat on a rope or chain and then the degree of girth will decrease.
Option 3.
Make a pseudo seat from a tire. Hang it on the ropes. Stuff soft unnecessary things into the sector facing the ground.
For convenience, take large tires, for example, from the rear wheels of a tractor.
Option 4.
Hoop as a seat. Take a hula hoop and wrap it with ropes along the diameter:
If this is difficult for you, you can put a ring in the center of the hoop and thread the ropes through it. First, place a small circle in the center and reinforce one cord so that its two ends are on the same side. Then strengthen the twine with opposite side. And so on.
Option 5.
For this, use an old, durable basin, tub, or even a trough.
But just sitting on wood, plastic or metal is not very pleasant. For greater comfort, you can put cushions for garden swings on the seat, made of foam rubber and covered with thick fabric or leather. If you carefully make soft seats during assembly, then no pillows will be needed.
How to make a garden swing from wood
There are two ways:
Option 1.
They represent a seat made of any suitable material, suspended by one or two ropes on a branch.
From the photo you can see that the ropes can be tied in different ways, the main thing is that they do not slip:
- on the left side, two ropes are thrown over a branch and secured below with four knots;
- in the top right picture, one rope is suspended from a hook;
- on the lower one there are two ropes hanging on hooks.
Option 2.
Perform the swing completely out of wooden parts. That is, make the supports and crossbar from beams or logs, and the seat from boards, slats or wooden benches and install it as stated above.
If you pour the foundation, attach a knocked down special shield and a podium to it and install a swing - it will be even better. After all, the supports and shield do not touch the ground. Moreover, additional beams are installed between the shield and the foundation to ensure ventilation of the shield.
We provide drawings of the two designs below.
As you can see, a wooden garden swing is not that difficult to make.
How to make a garden swing from metal
Typically, a welded structure is made in the shape of the letter U, on which the seat is suspended using hooks with clamps or through ones.
It is made from pipes with a caliber of at least 5 cm. You can simply dig in or concrete two risers, in advance drilled holes insert the axle from a wide wheelbarrow or cart and lock it with the mounted wheels.
You can weld a wire with a swing onto the axle, because the axle will rotate freely. For greater effect, you can install it on bearings, as mentioned above.
To complete the second option, you need to weld something resembling the roof of a house. Everything is clear from the drawing.
Constructions of this type can also be made from a profile. Let us warn you right away - it is not made of plasterboard. That profile is very thin and may not support a swinging person. It is designed for stationary load.
The industry produces pipes rectangular profile, T-beams, I-beams. Here you can make a swing from them. Their appearance is no different from the other structures described above.
The following options are more difficult to implement, because to implement them you need to weld several pieces together.
To bend pipes, you can use a proven method:
- the mandrel is prepared;
- the pipe is tightly clogged with sand and plugs (wooden);
- then carefully bend the future support along the mandrel.
These designs are distinguished by the fact that they can be easily carried or moved. True, this may require 2-4 people.
How to make a 3-seater swing
Typically, swinging designs require a single-seater, less often a double-seater option. But now the 3-seater garden swing has come into fashion.
The installation of the stands and suspension is identical to those described above, but the width is much larger.
To do this, you will need to make a special elongated seat that can accommodate three people, and install racks at a distance of at least 2 m.
The seat can be made in two versions:
- Classic - everyone sits facing in the same direction.
- Modern - average rider, looking in the opposite direction.
Let's consider the first option. It is easy to implement. To make it, you can even hang a bench like the kind you see in parks. But due to its heavy weight, this is not worth doing. It’s better to make a special seat yourself.
It can be made of aluminum pipes or wood. Below is the assembly procedure for the three-seater seat. Its length is 1500 mm or more, the width and height of the back is 500-600 mm.
DIY wooden swing (video)
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 a good swing, first of all you need to take care of the selection 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 difficulties 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?
Please note that some breeds coniferous trees may undergo rotting, which can be combated locally by covering the fungus-affected areas with a special antiseptic (pinotex has proven itself well).
An excellent raw material for buildings of any type is oak, which has significant drawback– high price of 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 required level fortresses
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
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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. They are considered one of the indispensable attributes of an 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 wood species, because not every wood will do to create 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 baby 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 instruction
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 in 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 a horizontal beam at a distance of 750 mm from the edges (for the construction of 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. Thanks to this material is quite massive, a do-it-yourself 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 a log swing. 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:
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 | 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 the 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.
- 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.
- Price. No need to spend a large number of money to purchase 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 “strength calculation for wooden swing beams”. Designs of this kind have their own characteristics:
- 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.
- 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 make isosceles triangle. If the crossbar is made of timber, then we use nuts and bolts, pre-drilling holes of the required diameter. At a height of 250 mm from the base of the tubes, weld a spacer so that it turns out A-frame design 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 cover bottom part beams with 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 pour the concrete solution. 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, using welding, we connect into single design. 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, then we can offer a balancer type design - an option for shared leisure time with a 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 is worth considering that such entertainment is only suitable if you have two children or you 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 designs, 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 instruction
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. 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 complete - 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. fasten this design we will go to wood (oak or any other solid tree will do). 
Unusual swing options
If you want to make something special for your children, we recommend paying attention to unusual designs homemade garden swing 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
Wooden swings for relaxation can be decorated different 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 with hard rocks trees are somewhat easier to work with - although they are more reluctant to be finished, 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 will 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 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 soft cloth- it 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 back. 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 in place of the holes - 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 attach to horizontal bar above:
- Drill a hole through using a drill;
- Insert the bolt with washer;
- Screw the ring nut onto the underside of the crossbar.
If you are attaching to a seat:
- Drill a hole for fastening;
- We thread the bolt and washer;
- 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 fastenings various forms 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 balance 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. |
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