Structure How-To

1. Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)

Swing Structure pattern

Download Adobe Acrobat

 

Download our pattern for detailed
measurements.

2. Using a paintbrush, paint or stain all wood members as desired, then let dry. Apply polyurethane or other varnish to protect the finish; let dry.

3. Using a pencil and circular or table saw, mark and cut half-lap notches in the 4x4 posts (A) and top beams (B), the center notch in the top beams (B), and the notches in the ends of the cross beams (C). Drill counter-bores and pilot holes at the joint locations, then lag-screw and glue each swing frame assembly together.

 

Dig postholes into the ground.

4. Dig postholes approximately 30 inches deep, spacing as shown. Pour 6 inches of crushed rock in each hole. Set the frame-assembly posts in the holes, and brace them level and plumb with 1x4 temporary supports fastened to stakes in the ground. Lay a 2x4 atop the cross beams (C) and use a level to make sure the frame pieces are on the same elevation. (Add crushed rock to raise the low posts as necessary.) Once the frames are firmly braced, level, and plumb, mix concrete and pour into each hole to ground level. Let set two or three days before proceeding.

5. Notch the ends of the 4x4 swing beam (D) with the saw. To prevent the beam ends from splitting, install 3/8-inch carriage bolts as shown in the detail illustration. Fasten the swing beam to the frames with lag screws and glue.

 

Top peak of swing structure.

6. Miter one end of each roof brace (E) to 45 degrees. Mark and cut half-lap notches in the square ends, and drill counter-bores and pilot holes for the lag screws. Loosely screw each pair of braces together at a 90-degree angle, then lag-screw the mitered ends in position atop the swing frame assemblies. Tighten the lag screws where the roof braces meet (see photo). Lag-screw roof beams (F) between the roof braces, angling them as shown.

7. To make the lattice panels, place the stringers (G) about 91-3/16 inches apart on-center on a flat surface. Use a carpenter's framing square to keep ends aligned. Fasten a slat (H) to each end of the stringers with deck screws and glue, then every 9 1/2 inches along the stringers' length. Position the panels on ends of swing frame assemblies and drive 1-1/4-inch deck screws through the slats to fasten the lattice to the posts.

8. Drill pilot holes in the swing beam (D) to accept the eyebolts for the canvas swing. Also drill pilot holes in the roof braces (E) to accept the eyebolts for the striped canopy; position pilot holes so eyebolts will suspend the roof's top tabs at the peak of the roof braces. Screw eyebolts into holes. Wait to drill pilot holes to suspend the canopy's bottom tabs until you've constructed the canopy.