This step by step woodworking project is about how to build an a-frame swing. Building a simple garden swing from wood is easy and it will entertain you for many hours in a row. There are many aspects that you should take into account, before undertaking the project by yourself. Buy the best quality lumber you could afford, if you want to get a professional result with a neat appearance.
Building an A-frame garden swing is a simple woodworking project, so any person with basic woodworking skills can get the job done in just a few hours. There are many designs and shapes you could choose from, so we recommend you to study the alternatives before starting the actual construction (wooden fort, playhouse). Dig holes in the ground and set the posts into concrete, as to build a sturdy swing.
On the other hand, you should also fit 4×4 braces between the a frames, in order to add support to the construction. Plumb the A-frames with a spirit level before fitting the top beam, otherwise the corners won’t be right-angled. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the project, as to learn how to make the bench swing. Plan everything with great care, if you want to keep the costs under control. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
Made from this plan
Building an a-frame swing
Building an a frame swing
Materials
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 106″ long POSTS
- B – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 33″ long, 2 pieces – 11 1/2″ long BRACES
- C – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 30 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
- D – 1 piece of 4×4 – 108″ long TOP BEAM
- 5 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10′
- 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
- swing hangers
- 50 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
- 50 pieces of 5″ screws
- glue, stain
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw, pocket hole jig
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Tips
- Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
- Adjust the size of the shelves, according to your needs and tastes
Time
- One Day
Related
- Part 1: How to build an a-frame swing
- Part 2: How to build a porch swing
How to build an a-frame swing
Building the a frames
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the posts for the A-frame. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to build the components from 4×4 lumber. Cut the ends of the posts at 17º or to any other angle that fits your needs. Make sure you cut a notch inside the top of the posts, otherwise you won’t be able to install the top beam.
Building the top of the posts
You can see in the diagram how to make the cuts to the top of the 4×4 posts. Mark the cut lines with a pencil and remove the excess (the yellow area) with a circular saw. A jigsaw would work as well, but the cuts won’t be as straight, so it would require some sanding.
Fitting the side braces
The next step of the project is to fit the 4×4 braces between the A-frames. Cut the braces at 17º and fit them between the components. Drill pilot holes trough the exterior of the posts and insert 5″ galvanized screws into the braces. Make sure there are no gaps between the joints and add waterproof glue, if you want to get a professional result.
Setting the posts into concrete
After you assemble the A-frames, we recommend you to set the posts in concrete. In this manner, you will create a rigid structure for the garden swing. As you can see in the plans, we recommend you to dig 18-24″ deep holes in the ground before fitting the A-frames into place.
Fitting the top beam
After the concrete has dried out, we recommend you to fit the 4×4 top beam into place. Make sure the corners are right-angled, before drilling pilot holes trough the top beam and inserting the 6″ wood screws. Drill pilot holes through the top of the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the top beam. Place a spirit level on top of the beam, to check it is perfectly horizontal.
Fitting the braces
One of the last step of this garden project is to fit the the top braces, in order to add support to the wooden construction. Cut both ends of the 4×4 supports at 45º and align it at both ends. Afterwards, drill pilot holes and insert several 3 1/2″ galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints, in order to increase the rigidity of the structure.
Building the braces
Use the diagram to build the braces for the a frame swing. Remove the yellow area using a circular saw, after taking accurate measurements. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Building an A-frame swing
The A-frame swing has a nice appearance and a rustic look. If you choose the right location, this swing will enhance the look of your property. In addition, it will bring the kid in you to the surface.
How to build a garden swing
Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. In order to build a professional garden swing, you have to fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper along the wood grain, after the compound has dried out.
Thank you for reading our project about how to build an a-frame swing and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.
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Just wanted to let you know that the 3-4×4 @ 10′ and the 2- 4×4 @ 8′ does not provide enough material to make the frame. At least one more 10′ is needed to make the posts.
Thanks for letting me know. It was a typing error I have corrected.
you actually need 5 pieces of 4x4x10 lumber. 1 piece for the 108″ beam and 4 pieces for the 106″ posts cause a 8 foot piece wont make it.
Hey I’m having trouble understanding your directions on how to cut the tops of the 4×4 posts… Could you possibly clarify?
Cut the yellow area, after drawing the lines as shown in the diagram.
Ok hahaha it made more sense when I drew it on the wood and which type of saw would you recommend using for those specific cuts?
I would use a circular saw. You can use a handsaw as well.
I was wanting to see if you could tell me what the total height would be if i cut all my wood at the measurements you provided thanks.
8′
Do you believe that a #9 diameter screw will work on the 5″ rather than #14? Or you think they might be to thin in diameter?
Yes, it’s too thin.
Was wondering what the total weight this bench could old. I am a big guy and want to make something very sturdy for myself
Hi Jack ..love your simple easy to read process of building the A frame swing …however you say to use 4 inch by 4 inch thick lumber , but your diagram shows you are using 3.5 inch by 3.5 inch ….would the 3.5 inch lumber be sturdy enough ?…or would you recommend the 4 inch?
4×4 is the nominal size. 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ is the actual size. See this table: http://myoutdoorplans.com/imperial-to-metric-conversion/
This is the sturdiest of the designs for an A frame swing I have seen so far on the net. But with those support braces could it fit two ordinary hanging swings that could be enough for adults as well as kids instead of one long bench swing?
Yes, that will work. The bench is designed for 2 people so making two separate swing chairs is similar.
What is the weight capacity for this swing frame?
Is there anyway to make this shorter?
I’d like it to only be about 4ft tall and just wide enough for a baby swing.
Just the good old cutting the Posts. Don’t see other way for this.
In the part where you say to add the braces the text says cut the braces at a 17 degree angle but in the picture it says cut them at a 73 degree angle. Which is correct?
Set the miter saw at 17 degrees.
Can this frame just rest on concrete floor without any deep footing in the ground?
Also how much weight this frame can carry when the swing is hanged and person seating on it
It can hold 300 – 350 lbs. Yes, you can place the frame on concrete, but don’t expect to swing high. If you don’t secure the frame to the ground, it will be more like a glider.
This is great thank you! Would reducing the width so it is closer to half this designs size make is less sturdy or top heavy? It would be for a single swing for sitting more than swinging.
Don’t recommend that. You would better take a look over this plan: https://myoutdoorplans.com/furniture/simple-swing-set-plans/
Didn’t work out. Top 4×4 isn’t flush.
How much does it cost for the materials?
Hiya, I’m looking at using your design to build a swing for some friends. What is the ground area of the frame? I just want to make sure it fits where they want it.
What kind of lumber is best to use for this?
The 4 x 4 top braces aren’t supposed to be cut to a 45 degree angle on both ends, just one end. The other needs the notch cut out to fit on the the brace in the a-frame. That’s going to cost me some additional money to buy another 4 x 4, unless I can figure out a way to make it work.
What plans are you following? This plans shows a detailed diagram on how to cut both ends.
How deep is the A frame from front leg to back leg?