How to build an a-frame swing

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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