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How to Build a Swing Set for the Playhouse!

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Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 19:50
Difficulty
Intermediate
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A swing set plan add on that extends from our playhouse! This swing set can also be used freestanding, without a playhouse.

swing set on playhouse

 

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Reader submitted photos by  COLBY032  and MATTSL

This playhouse plan is part of a series of plans:

Swing Set hardware pieces as pictured below -

swing set hardware

Dimensions
dimensions of the swingset
140 1/2" x 110 1/2" Approximate. Dimensions and composition are shown above. In addition, the truss legs are made of 4×4 posts. Composition is preferably an outdoor appropriate wood or wood painted with an exterior paint and properly maintained.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 – 12′ 4×4 Posts
  • 1 – 12′ 4×6 Post
  • 1 – 8′ 4×6 Post
  • 2 – 8′ 2×4
  • 16 7″ Bolts, washers and Nuts
  • 1 – 4×6 rafter post hangers
  • 2 – 4×4 post cap/bases
  • Eye bolts
Cut List
  • 2 – 4×4 Posts @ 127 3/4″ (Legs)
  • 2 – 2×4 @ 18″ (Top Supports)
  • 2 – 2×4 @ 78″ (Bottom Supports)
  • 1 – 4×6 Post @ 12′ (Swing Header)
  • 1 – 4×6 Post @ 8′ (Porch Header)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Level
General Instructions

You will need to find a large area that is level and flat. Make sure you predrill all bolt holes with a bit sized for the bolt. Tighten each bolt with a wrench and periodically check for tightness with use. Check for square and level with each step. Be safe and have fun.

Instructions

Step 1

LEGS Cut the 4×4 posts as shown above. Lay out on a flat and level surface.

Step 2

TOP SUPPORTS Use bolts to attach the top supports as shown above to the legs. You will need to drill a hole the size of the bolt shaft first and then insert your bolt.

Step 3

BOTTOM SUPPORTS Attach the bottom supports as shown above.

Step 4

ASSEMBLY Assemble the swing set as shown above. Use lag screws or bolts to attach the brackets. The swing set does not have to be mounted to the center of the front porch. Make sure the header is level and if needed, dig with the shovel under the legs until the swing set header is level.

Step 5

If you feel the swing set needs it, add cross bracing from the top board into the angled legs.

Project Type
Playhouse
Room
Kids and Toys
Outdoor
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Heather (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 03:02

great! and just in time, just like you read our minds. The lumber for this is sitting in my backyard as we speak. :-) Thank you! Thank you!

Regarding attaching an additional 4x4 post to the platform base, what type of bracket would you use to attach it?

Kandace (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 04:23

so if we want to put this in our original plan (I've been waiting to finish some other projects to start this one!), we will use 4x4x8 posts on the corners that the swing will be on? Is that correct?

Julie (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 05:18

Is there a sneaky trick to printing plans? When I try to print them the pages come out blank...

jason swan (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 07:12

I would worry about lateral bracing if I was to do this - I would seriously consider adding boards (2x4 would probably do) criss-crossing top and bottom between the top and bottom stretchers on the playhouse on the same side as the swing would go on as the swing, in use, will put a LOT of lateral stress on the playhouse and possibly pull the whole thing down since there really isn't anything much keeping the house from going sideways.

Angelfacebaby (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 08:21

OOh! I definitely see an adult bench swing using your free standing A-frame plans...modified to fit an awning on top! Pretty please!! :)

Korey and Brandi (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 16:43

I love your site My hubby just built the farm house twin bed for my son!! I was wondering if you have plans for a dresser?? thanks

merideth (not verified)

Wed, 06/16/2010 - 02:33

ana, i apologize in advance for this question, but... when you say, "I would recommend pulling the ends of the legs out just a tiny bit so that the truss ends do not sit perfectly straight." do you mean the tops of the "a" should point inward toward the middle of the top bar and the bottoms lean outward? thanks!