How to Build a Swing Set for the Playhouse!

Difficulty

Intermediate

A swing set plan add on that extends from our playhouse! This swing set can also be used freestanding, without a playhouse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leah (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 06:29

are you using the print

are you using the print button just below the plans?

jason swan (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 07:12

I would worry about lateral

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.

Handy Dad

Wed, 08/21/2019 - 14:09

I have put 2x6 X-Braces…

I have put 2x6 X-Braces around the platform for stability. Now it doesn't sway or budge at all!

Angelfacebaby (not verified)

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 08:21

OOh! I definitely see an

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

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

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!

moiety (not verified)

Thu, 06/17/2010 - 08:40