Relax and enjoy your
garden getaway.

Basics

The wooden part of the structure is not difficult to build if you have intermediate woodworking skills and basic tools. A fabric "roof" keeps harsh sun at bay; the swing is made of cotton canvas and plywood that's softened by a cushion. For best results, use waterproof outdoor fabrics, including awning fabric. That way you'll be worry-free when the rain clouds move in.

• Paintbrush
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Circular saw or table saw
• Drill
• Posthole digger
• Level
• Scrap 2x4
• Stakes
• 1x4s for temporary supports
• Carpenter's framing square
• Hammer

Note: The 4x4, 1x4, and 1x2 lumber may be pressure-treated pine, cedar, or redwood as desired.

• Paint or stain
• Exterior-grade polyurethane or other varnish
• Four 4x4s, 8 feet long, for posts (A)
• Four 4x4s, 36 inches long, for top beams (B) and cross beams (C)
• 1/4 x 3-inch lag screws with washers
• Crushed rock (enough for 6 inches in the bottom of each posthole, plus more for leveling posts)
• Concrete mix for four footings
• One 4x4, 85 inches long, for swing beam (D)
• Four 3/8 x 3-1/2-inch carriage bolts with nuts and washers
• Four 4x4s, 25-1/2 inches long, for roof braces (E)
• Two 1x4s, 78 inches long, for roof beams (F)
• Four 1x2s, 56-1/2 inches long, for lattice stringers (G)
• Twelve 1x2s, 32-1/2 inches long, for lattice slats (H)
• 1-1/4-inch-long deck screws
• Exterior-grade wood glue
• Four 3/8 x 5-inch eyebolts