(+62 photos) DIY garden swing drawings and photos

Varieties of wooden swings

You can install various structures on your site:

• Children's mini swings that don't require much space. A chair or seat with a backrest is suspended on a horizontal beam, a powerful tree branch or any strong support. The main thing is to minimize the risk of injury to the child from slipping and falling.
• Swing “Nest” , where metal rings braided with cord or covered with fabric are used as a seat. You can make such structures with your own hands from a gymnastics hoop or a profile bent pipe.
• A swing-bench for several people to ride at the same time, reaching a length of 2-2.5 m. The materials are wood, metal, plastic or combinations thereof. To protect from rain and sun, install a canopy made of polycarbonate or waterproof awning fabric.
• A hanging ball chair is an original design in the form of a sphere with seating inside. In the traditional design, it is woven from flexible rattan. At home, bent metal tubes and durable plastic cord are used.

Showing your imagination, you can make a wooden swing with your own hands from anything. Home craftsmen use various items that have served their time - car tires, wicker baskets, old chairs, armchairs and even sofas.

Design features

Most of these structures are determined by the presence of a frame and various metal elements. Such devices are divided into two types:

• welded;
• collapsible.

The first option is the most problematic in terms of installation at home. This is due to the fact that it requires special equipment in the form of a welding machine, as well as the ability to use it. Otherwise, a welded structure is the best solution, as it provides high strength and sufficient rigidity, which guarantees a long service life of the installed swing device.

At the same time, the prefabricated frame allows it to be assembled by any home craftsman without the necessary skills and special equipment. However, such a structure is not without drawbacks. Whatever the threaded connection, it becomes loose over time, which leads to a loss of structural rigidity.

As a result, a backlash is created, as a result of which the swing not only begins to shake, but becomes a source of danger to human life and health, since it can collapse at any moment. Hence the need arises to use Grover locknuts and washers in order to ensure the required stability of the swing device.

Depending on the configuration of the supports, the structure may have:

• a frame resembling the letter A, where two crossbars are installed in such a way that they close at the top, and they are given rigidity by a transverse beam, which makes the swing look like the mentioned graphic sign; there are also L-shaped structures without a jumper;
• a frame in which the crossbars are connected in the shape of the letter U; this option is less stable due to low labor costs, since the installation of such swings is simpler; To give U-shaped devices sufficient strength, care must be taken to ensure high-quality concreting of the supports.

Such structures can also be divided into the following types:

• stationary, which cannot be moved due to the fact that their supports are concreted;
• portable, connected by means of anchor bolts.

How to care for a wooden swing

The tree is subject to the destructive effects of many unfavorable factors. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause wood to crack. Sun rays provoke photoaging.

Woodworms gnaw through numerous passages, and mold and fungi quickly render wooden structures unusable.

Regular care will help protect against all this:

• impregnation with antiseptic solutions;
• treatment with waterproof paints;
• varnishing with compositions for external use.

Events should be carried out at least once every 1.5-2 years.

Important. If possible, it is advisable to place the structure in a dry room for the winter, for example, a garage or shed. This will greatly extend the life of the garden swing.

Step-by-step instructions for making a wooden swing

Wooden swing

The use of wood allows you to work only with hand tools. This is convenient for garden plots in remote villages that do not have a power connection.

However, if possible, it is better to use machines and power tools. This will improve quality and significantly speed up the manufacturing process. Let's look at the procedure for assembling a wooden swing step by step:

Design selection

There can be a lot of design options for wooden swings. In order to avoid mistakes and correctly assess your capabilities, it is recommended to first create a construction project. You need to decide on the size and capacity (single or multi-seat type), choose the type of suspension (at one or two points).

The main selection criterion will be the availability of skills and experience. You should not undertake the manufacture of a complex structure if you have never had to do anything like this before. You need to approach your capabilities more critically, or invite a more experienced consultant.

Schemes, drawings

The simplest diagram of a wooden single swing from the network

Before starting work, an assembly drawing should be prepared. It is necessary for a better understanding of the process, determining dimensions and clarifying some aspects of assembly. It is not necessary to draw it according to all GOST rules; you can draw it by hand. The main condition will be a complete understanding of the design features, methods of connecting parts, their size and shape.

When the drawing itself is created. It is necessary to draw up a specification - a list of all parts with dimensions. This is an important point with which you can significantly save time and eliminate errors in your work.

If you don’t have the ability, time or desire to create your own project, you can use a ready-made diagram (drawing) taken from the Internet. There are a lot of ready-made drawings with dimensions that need to be printed and used in your work. This method is the fastest, but it will not allow you to fully use your creative abilities.

It must be borne in mind that ready-made drawings are not the only possible options. Sometimes they are used only as a basic structure, which, if desired, can be supplemented, changed in size or shape.

Tools and materials

Tools

To work with wood you will need the following tools:

• power saw (circular or reciprocating), jigsaw;
• electric plane;
• electric drill;
• hand saw;
• ruler, tape measure, square;
• awl, screwdriver (cross and straight);
• hammer and pliers;
• brush, roller, spray.

Materials you may need:

• edged boards 120-140 mm wide and 50 mm thick;
• timber 100 × 100 (for large models, timber 100 × 150 mm is used);
• chains or strong cables for suspensions;
• varnish, paint, solvent;
• nails, bolts, screws.

Only the most necessary materials and tools are listed. The possibility of creating a canopy or soft elements for the seat is not taken into account. Depending on the chosen design, additional accessories and devices are used.

Procedure

Supports

Let's look at the procedure for assembling a simple swing. Edged boards 50 × 140 mm were used. After sharpening, their thickness decreases depending on the initial curvature (sometimes up to 45 mm).

The assembly process is divided into 2 parts:

• production of support system;
• seat assembly.

Let's look at the first stage step by step:

Fastening the crossbar

1 Two triangular supports are made, connected at the bottom by crossbars. They determine the height of the seat suspension. The two boards are installed flat to each other, the top part is left connected, and the bottom part is spread to a predetermined width for stability. Then bevels are made on top to ensure parallelism of the connection.

2 The crossbar is a board that is installed between the beveled parts of the supports and is pressed with a threaded pin or a long bolt. If you do not plan to disassemble the structure, the connection can be strengthened with glue. The crossbar is attached to both supports.

Crossbar

3 The crossbar can be attached to the edge of the boards, or cut off with a slope and secured with self-tapping screws to the sides of the supports.

Cross member fastening

4 To strengthen the supporting structure, you can use additional jibs connecting the supports and the crossbar. These are not required elements, but if the swing is large, it is recommended to use them.

The second stage of assembly is the manufacture of the seat. There are different options here - from a simple board to an elegant wooden sofa.

The simplest way to make a seat

The main selection criterion will be the availability of skills and experience in assembling certain products. Sometimes working on the seat is the most difficult part of the whole process, but most often a pre-made bench or chair is used.

The suspension is made using cables or chains of the same length. The wider and deeper the seat, the less deviations from the plane there will be when rocking. To fasten the cable, you can use metal eyes, or simply throw the cable over the crossbar.

Combined swing

Very often, swings on personal plots have a combined design - the supports are made of profile steel pipe, and the comfortable seat is made of wood. This option has certain advantages: the metal is less susceptible to moisture and, with proper care, lasts a very long time.

Steel profiles do not rot or crack. Assembly is possible both with bolts and welding. The strength of the steel frame allows it to withstand high loads. A swing with a wooden seat and metal elements decorated with openwork forging looks very impressive.

How to make a garden swing from a profile pipe

This material is optimal from the point of view of distributing loads on the frame. A simple welded structure made from a 50 mm profile pipe will become the basis for the manufacture of a children's swing.

Design dimensions: height 1.8 m; strut spacing 1.4 m; crossbar width 1.6 m. Seat width 0.5 m; depth 0.35 m; height from the ground 0.5 m.

You will need:

• 16 m of 50 mm profile pipe for racks;
• 2 meters of metal corner;
• board for making a seat;
• metal loops (“ears”), swings are attached to them;
• 2 bearings.

Materials for creating a wooden swing for a garden plot for relaxation

First you need to prepare the pits for concreting the supports. Sand, cement, container in which the solution is prepared.

You will need: a welding machine; a grinder with an attachment or a metal saw; electric drill with a set of drills; roulette, level.

Assembly sequence:

1. First, A-shaped side posts are welded with a step between them of 1.4 m. Remember that 50–60 cm of the posts will be buried in the ground and concreted.
2. Then a crossbar with pre-welded metal loops is installed on the side supports.
3. The seat frame is assembled from the corners by welding. A profile pipe is attached to it - seat suspensions.
4. Mount the suspended structure to the crossbar on bearings.

You can learn more about assembling a swing from a profile pipe from the article on our website.

Folding swing

This design option will allow you to use the swing not only for a seat, but also as a comfortable wide bed. The bench is made of 2 independent parts, which are connected to each other via hinges.

To unfold the swing, remove the chain from the side eyes and fix it in the new position. A spacious and comfortable relaxation device is ready.

Log swing

Exercises on a log swing are very useful for the physical development of children. The simplest design, similar to a swing scale, consists of a support and a log swinging on it.

• You can use a section of the same log as a support post. The rotation unit is made of a metal rod and washers. To help children hold on, small wooden handrails are attached to the swing.
• The prepared parts are assembled very quickly. It takes very little effort, but the end result is laughter and joy for children.

Swing gazebo with table

The holiday option for a large group is quite difficult to manufacture. The swing consists of a durable frame with a canopy, 2 benches, a table and a movable platform. Thanks to the hinged mounts, even a child can swing the structure.

To make the frame, planed smooth logs or strong beams with a section of 100x100 mm, 150x150 mm are used. The tabletop and seats with backrest are made of 25 mm thick boards. Hinges are located in places where furniture is attached to the platform, as well as at the points of intersection of horizontal planes with vertical structures.

This method ensures the stability of all objects on the table - water in glasses does not spill even with strong rocking.

Swing in the form of a bench or sofa with a metal frame

This type of swing is common among manufacturers - today on the market you will find a large number of ready-made models of this type. They are distinguished by practicality and relative cheapness. Such a swing is suitable for gathering together in the evening after a hard day or on weekends with children and loved ones.

Welded swing for a summer residence

Before you buy materials and start making your own iron swing, familiarize yourself with the design features:

• this type of metal swing for a summer house can be either portable or stationary;
• a foundation for a portable structure is not required - the support is a square at the base. If you decide to make a stationary swing, we recommend keeping in mind a columnar foundation;
• Such structures are often accompanied by a canopy - this can be either a polycarbonate roof or a stretched awning.

Materials and tools

To make a swing from a profile pipe with your own hands, you will need a whole list of tools and materials:

• Round profile pipe for the frame with a diameter of 20 mm, 14170 mm (take a meter or two more with a margin);
• 4 steel corners;
• 2 steel arcs, each 250 mm long and with a diameter of 15 mm;
• 2 wooden panels;
• cable, chain or any other suspension that can withstand a load of up to 250-300 kilograms;
• welding machine;
• pliers;
• hammer;
• vice;
• grinder or hacksaw;
• building level;
• roulette;
• special anti-corrosion paint for metal;
• eye screws 5x80mm, 4 pieces.
• rigging shackle M5, 6 pieces;
• bolt M6x30, 4 pieces;
• nut M6, 4 pieces;
• spring washer M6, 4 pieces.

Step-by-step instruction

Swing with bench for several people

This type of family rocking chair will fit originally into the layout of a summer cottage. They are mass-produced in a large assortment. Portable or stationary are equipped with a canopy (awning) or with a hard shelter (wood, polycarbonate). A swing with a roof is more profitable, the metal elements do not get hot in the sun, and there is protection from rain. Additionally, mosquito curtains are installed.

Frame

• 2 racks (legs connected at an angle);
• 2 spacers (lower, upper);
• crossbar (crossbar).

Bench, seat

• 4 main seat support bars (longitudinal, transverse);
• additional seat reinforcement;
• 2 backrest stands;
• 2 armrests and their supports;
• wooden slats for seating, bench backs.
• Dimensions are calculated taking into account the model.

There are 2 types of connecting parts. Welded is preferable, since the screw fastener unwinds under the influence of vibration when rocking. It is necessary to periodically tighten the bolts and nuts.

Seat installation

It is welded from a metal profile at an angle of 90 degrees. The master calculates the dimensions of the seat according to the baby. But they should not be less than 60 cm wide and 50 cm deep. Back height - from 30 cm or more. You can also provide armrests for the baby. This will make it more convenient to swing.

The process then looks like this:

• Two chain rings are welded to the frame in the armrest area.
• The welded seat is sanded, removing sharp metal burrs. They can injure the baby.
• The next stage is the preparation of wooden slats for the seat and backrest. Their number is calculated by the total depth of the seat and the height of the backrest, divided by the width of the wooden plank. The wood is cut into pieces and sanded well on all sides.
• Holes are made in the seat frame for bolts/screws with a round head. The same ones are formed on planks.
• Then the workpieces are attached to the welded frame, tightening the nuts well from the back.
• The metal should also be treated with an anti-corrosion compound and painted. The wood is coated with varnish or any bright coloring agent.
• The final stage of assembling the structure is the installation of circuits. Their length is measured so that the seat hangs 50-70 cm from the ground. The chain (2 pieces) is attached to the seat rings. And in the upper part they are hung on spring hooks-shock absorbers. They are pre-lubricated with machine oil.

Tip: to prevent the child from injuring his fingers in the links of the chain, you can put pieces of rubber hose or any similar material on it before installing the suspension.

Seat drawing

You might like this: How to build a summer shower for your cottage yourself

How to make a cocoon swing

The cocoon swing is a unique shape and the fact that it evokes a feeling, an association with secluded relaxation.

A cocoon is made from different materials:

• welded, prefabricated metal structures;
• bent plastic, polypropylene pipes;
• rattan, wicker;
• natural synthetic twine.

This is not the entire list of materials from which the cocoon is made. The main thing is to make a strong frame. Metal hoops and arcs are decorated with different means. The metal is treated with coloring compounds and wrapped with twine or woven material. The main thing is to approach your work creatively.

Wood as a material: characteristics and properties

To build a good swing, you first need to take care of selecting 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 the landscape design and are 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 difficulty 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.

Types of swings, design features

Children's swing-balancers

Before you start making a swing, you need to decide on its size, shape and other design features. To do this, you need to have an idea about the variety of types, materials used, the pros and cons of one or another option.

From a design point of view, a swing is a kind of pendulum. This is a platform (or seat) fixed to the upper support beam using rigid or flexible hangers. There are a lot of varieties, but the basic scheme remains the same in any case. The main differences relate only to the shape of the design parts, the degree of decoration, and sizes.

There is another design option that operates on a different principle. A board is used, the middle part of which rests on a support.

Such structures are available in abundance on playgrounds, but they have a noticeable drawback - only two people can swing on them, and the mass at different ends of the board should be approximately the same. They are arranged very simply, so it is inappropriate to consider them separately.

The main problem that needs to be solved when making your own project is safety for users. It is necessary to ensure the stability of the structure, to exclude the possibility of falling and injury. The larger the structure, the higher its inertia when swinging. It is difficult to stop a moving pendulum of large mass, so the age and capabilities of people must be taken into account.

Let's look at the main types of swings and some features of their design:

Classification

Swing

Swings as a form of entertainment have been known for a very long time, so the home craftsman has a lot of options at his disposal. All known models can be divided into groups that have common characteristics.

According to the degree of mobility, swings are:

• stationary _ They are rigidly fixed to the site and remain in place throughout their entire service life;
• portable _ This is a relatively small swing that, if necessary, can be moved around the site.

In winter, the swing is practically not used, so you can make a collapsible structure that is fixed with anchors. This is more convenient and allows you to free up the site for other seasonal landscaping elements (small skating rink, hockey rink, etc.).

There are single and multi-seat types. Single seats are designed for one person, multi-seat ones are equipped with a wide seat for several people. At the same time, a large number of single or multi-place suspensions can be placed on one support beam.

According to the shape of the moving platform, they are distinguished:

• chaise longue This is a seat suspended from a support at one point;

Chaise lounge

• hammock _ Lightweight structures that can be attached to random supports (tree branches, poles, openwork veranda walls, etc.);

Hammock

• swing-sofa . This is a multi-person structure that can be used by 2-3 people at the same time;

Swing sofa

• standard models . As a rule, they are large in height and are intended for adults.

According to the material:

• metal;
• wooden;
• combined.

All varieties have certain advantages and disadvantages. For example, soft seats can be damaged by rain or morning fog, so they will have to be somehow protected from moisture.

Stationary models will have to be painted, repaired, and tidied up annually. Mobile products need storage space. All these features must be taken into account when choosing the appropriate option.

Wooden swing

Log swing

Working with wood is familiar to most home craftsmen. The material is accessible, easy to process, and has sufficient strength. In addition, wood is relatively light in weight, which makes it possible to make portable structures from it.

However, the material has many disadvantages, the main one of which is instability to water. There is a danger of warping, the wood rots, and joints are destroyed. This property requires constant attention from the owner, applying protective coatings, and performing repair work. At the same time, wooden products can be repaired in different ways and any parts can be changed.

The advantage of a wooden swing is the ability to use ready-made support elements. For example, dried trees can serve as load-bearing elements:

Logs with defects in shape are not suitable for use in construction, but for making original swings this is a very good option. They do not require processing; ordinary staples and bolts can be used for connection. The only task in this case is processing, applying a decorative coating to protect it from moisture.

However, other forms are also possible. If you have the necessary tools and skills, a swing of a fairly strict, neat shape can be made:

Metal constructions

Simple swing

Metal products can withstand significant loads. They can easily withstand temperature changes and can be collapsible or stationary.

In addition, the swing is assembled from ready-made profile elements - pipes of various shapes, channels, angles, etc. They just need to be cut to length and connected to each other. This simplifies assembly, but requires the appropriate tools and skill in working with the material.

There are different types of metal swings. They can be simple, assembled from standard elements:

There are more complex models with curved outlines, decorated with forged parts:

Forged swing

The only drawback of the material is its tendency to corrosion. It is necessary to apply a protective coating and periodically update it to keep the structure in good condition.

At the same time, modern materials provide reliable protection for several years, which simplifies the task. In addition, you don’t have to paint the entire surface, but only cover some problem areas.

To assemble the swing, welding or bolted connections are used. Both options have their pros and cons - welding requires appropriate equipment and skill. Bolted (threaded) connections require a specific position of two parts, which limits design possibilities.

Which breed is better to choose for a swing?

• Builders recommend paying attention to coniferous species (larch, pine) - they are strong and not susceptible to cracks, in addition, they suffer less from insect attacks.
• Consider the fact that some species of coniferous trees can be subject to rot, which can be combated locally by covering the fungus-affected areas with a special antiseptic (pinotex has proven itself well).
• Oak is considered an excellent raw material for buildings of any type, but it has a significant drawback - the 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 the necessary level of strength.

How to make the right choice?

What kind of swing are you interested in?

DoubleTriple

To buy a high-quality and comfortable swing for your garden, follow these tips:

Determine for yourself the possible load capacity and capacity - think about how many people can be on the swing at the same time and how comfortable it will be.

Expert opinion Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich

Never exceed the specified lifting capacity as this may damage the swing and result in injury to guests.

Select a place in your summer cottage for a swing and measure how long it should be so as not to interfere with the free movement of people around. Be prepared for the fact that the listed price for most models does not include sofa cushions and covers. You will have to purchase them yourself. Ergonomics and design - if you want to not only enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee while sitting, but also don’t mind spending the night in the open air, then you will need a transformer. These swings can be fully reclined and also allow you to adjust the level of the backrest to the desired position. Cheaper options include a molded seat without adjustability. The presence of lighting - when the swing is located away from the light source, the lighting will allow you to spend cozy evenings in nature reading books and playing games

If the lighting is natural, then such an addition will not be needed. Mosquito net - don’t skimp on this important element Summer is the time for blood-sucking and annoying insects that can ruin any vacation. Pay attention to the quality of the seat itself - if it is not reinforced with reinforced mesh, then there is a possibility that the structural element will sag with frequent use. Removal of soft elements - if pillows and mattresses are removed, then you can clean them at any time, as well as put them away for storage in the house. Mono-structures lack this; therefore, there is a risk of moisture absorption and the development of fungal damage. Adjustability of the awning - changing the angle of the upper protection will allow you to control the shadow, as well as protection from precipitation. The wider the roof, the better. Pay attention to the design

Some options require additional anchorage to the ground.

Be sure to pay attention to the issue of winter storage. Some models require moving to a closed, dry room, while others are not afraid of snow and heavy rain.

Unusual swing options

If you want to make something special for your children, we recommend that you pay attention to the unusual designs of homemade garden swings 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 fastenings 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.

Choosing the right location on the site

Before you start making garden swings, you need to choose the right location for them on the territory:

1. The area should be level so that it is easy to install the support posts.
2. The swing can be placed in the barbecue area, just try to position it so that sparks from the barbecue or stove do not fall on the wood.
3. The required distance from buildings, fences or trees must be strictly observed.

To protect the wooden structure from the sun, wind or precipitation, a special canopy is installed, or the swing is installed on an open veranda or terrace. It is good to install a garden swing next to a small garden pond, which is easy to create yourself, in the shade under a tree, surrounded by flowers and climbing plants.

Decoration and arrangement

A wooden swing for relaxation can be decorated in various ways. These can be either decorative pillows thrown on the seats or 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 hardwoods are somewhat easier to work with - although they are more reluctant to finish, the end result will look much better.

You can paint the swing with the following materials:

• wood/metal paint;
• stain;
• varnish;
• 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.

How to choose a swing for the garden

There are long-established parameters that can guide the buyer to the right choice and purchase of a quality product.

We recommend paying special attention to them:

Price segment and manufacturer. This is where you should start. Having determined your own financial capacity, you need to choose a product, focusing on many indicators, which we will definitely talk about later. But, right away, we would advise choosing a manufacturer whose product reviews are only positive;

Material of production and type of swing. Here, too, a lot depends on the budget, but in any price segment you should always give priority to quality: good wood, metal, plastic elements, their environmental friendliness and safety, build quality, gluing, connections, and so on;

Design size. Having determined the first few points, you should choose the optimal size. Here it’s a little simpler: if a swing is needed simply for relaxation, a double one is enough, but if the family is large or a group of friends is expected to spend frequent holidays at the dacha, you can choose a three-seater one;

Maximum load. It depends on the number of seats and the class of the product, ranging from 150 to 400 kg. If possible, it is better to purchase a model with a maximum load, so the design and all mechanisms will suffer less from overweight;

Diameter of load-bearing element

Pay attention to the thickness and strength of the frame. There must be a margin of safety for heavy weight, especially if the swing is three-seater and designed for a load of up to 400 kg;

Support shape

Often stability, and therefore safety, depends on this factor. Also, the possibility of placing the structure on different surfaces of the site depends on the shape of the support and the base itself: on the lawn, in the garden on soft soil or on a hard surface (asphalt, concrete) near the house, patio, pool, gazebo, and so on;

Design features. The amplitude of rocking, the height of the seat from the ground and adjustment, the ability to change the angle of the backrest, the shape and adjustment of the armrests (shelves, cup holders), the fixation function and other parameters and maybe even minor nuances will allow you to determine and set the required level of comfort;

Equipment. Ease of use also depends on this parameter: seat cushions, back cushions, special soft capes, waterproof awnings, gift blankets, additional cup holders, the ability to connect portable lighting, etc.

Selection of covers, mattresses and pillows

Covers for swings are most often chosen in 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, and 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.

Tools and materials

One of the important advantages of this project is the ability to get by with a minimum of tools if you buy pre-prepared boards.
Curvilinear cuts of armrests, rear pillars and seat supports can be easily made with a jigsaw. The rest of the cuts are straight. Of course, a miter saw will come in handy here. But if it is not there, it is not critical. To cut most of the parts, a simple hand tool will be enough: a wide miter box, a good saw and a sharp chisel. The requirements for the cutting accuracy of most parts are low. But it will be difficult without a screwdriver; at the assembly stage it is the workhorse of this project. In order not to go broke buying lumber, use simple pine boards. But there is one important nuance: they must be antiseptic. This is especially true for the support elements of the swing. For outdoor structures, it is better to purchase wood that has undergone industrial antiseptic treatment in an autoclave - today this is the most progressive way to protect wood. You can buy ordinary boards and carry out antiseptic treatment yourself, using purchased or homemade bioprotection products. Read more about this here.

Pine is not the most outstanding wood, but it will last a very long time if you choose the material wisely:

• use radial or semi-radial cut boards - such lumber is more stable under changes in humidity, as a result it warps and cracks less, and varnish and paint last longer on it.
• Choose lumber from the heartwood portion of the wood, as sapwood is more vulnerable to rot. It is easy to distinguish these layers by the orientation of the growth rings at the end of the board and by color: sapwood is noticeably lighter than heartwood.
• give preference to boards with densely spaced growth rings - they are less prone to shrinkage/swelling and are better able to withstand outdoor use.

Wood that is exposed to the open air all year round will have a hard time in any case. In order for the structure to last as long as possible, at the final stage you definitely need to think about a protective coating. The most reliable option is painting. Read about how to choose paint for wood here. You may also find our tips useful on how to avoid defects when painting outdoor wooden structures.

Creative ideas

Most people prefer to make a classic garden swing with their own hands from metal or wooden beams. If the design is created for children, it is worth considering the design taking into account their hobbies.

For boys, the theme of airplanes, cars and other vehicles is relevant; girls will like decorations in the form of ribbons and flowers.

Thanks to a wide variety of ideas, you can make a beautiful swing with an original appearance. To produce a simple seat, you can use a regular car tire. Using hangers, the tire is attached to a tree branch or a ready-made support. The result is a stylish garden decoration.

Unusual swings made from pallets are extremely popular. There are single-seat models and large sun loungers, which are full-fledged places to relax. Comfortable seats are made from wooden circles, punching bags, and fitness balls.

It is important to remember that the amplitude of movement in this case will be quite high.

A convenient children's model is made from a hoop suspended on chains. The seat is wrapped with foam rubber or other soft filler and tied with ropes. Large seats are comfortable for sleeping, relaxing, lying down. The designs are distinguished by their spectacular appearance and have no age restrictions.

The swing bed performs a decorative function and has a wide range of functionality. The model is used for relaxation, sleep, various activities, and outdoor games. Suspended structures are fixed between posts or trees; products with a frame move freely around the garden or summer cottage.

Forged swings have an attractive appearance. Original patterns, smooth lines, metal elements are in harmony with almost any design of the site.

Selection of material and necessary tools

Inspired by the idea and having high-quality materials, you have the opportunity to please your family with a fun vacation spot. The choice of material for future swings is quite a responsible task.

You can make a metal swing from several types of material:

• metal corners;
• rectangular pipe;
• iron beams;
• metal rounded pipes;
• aluminum brand.

To fix the swing you will need sand, concrete and crushed stone, and for arrangement and decoration - boards for seats, paint and coatings to prevent rust. To cover a garden swing, use an awning or tarpaulin.

Before the actual manufacture of the structure, it is necessary to select materials and tools for them. Their complete list depends on the drawing and material, but during assembly you will definitely need:

• grinder with attachments for metal;
• garden auger and shovel;
• device for welding work;
• sandpaper intended for sanding metal surfaces or special attachments;
• spanners, nuts and bolts;
• hammer.