DIY SWING SET…Build Your Own the Easy WAy!
How To Build a Wooden Swing Set..the EASY way! A DIY swing set that’s a fun and easy summer outdoor project that your kids will love, and you’ll save money in the process.
DIY Swing Set
COST: around $300 (see explanation at end of post)
TIME: 3-4 hours
Question: How hard is it to build your own playset?
Good news, it’s not hard!! While it will take time to put together, this swing set requires no cutting or major tools. It’s an afternoon or weekend project that your kids will love!
LEVEL: Beginner
We’ve been working hard on your backyard this year, adding a few more fun things for the kids to play on. One of the items that we really wanted to get was a large swing set. We’ve had a wooden play set for quite awhile, and it has a couple of swings, but as kids get a little older–7+–they start getting too big for those smaller swings..
We needed a swing set that could hold our bigger kids (8-12), and give them more of a playground experience. I started looking at large swing sets, and the prices were just not what I wanted to pay, so we decided to make our own swing set! After a bit of research, I came across something that makes it SO easy–with no need to cut any wood. It’s a simple swing set, and you don’t need any specific swing set plan. I’ve got all the instructions and tutorial below, and you’ll have a awesome swing set for your backyard play area in no time! It’s a stand-alone swing set that will provide hours of fun for your kiddos and family!
I honestly can’t believe how easy this was to put together, and how quickly it came together, considering how big it is. It’s approximately a 4-6 hour project, making it perfect for a Saturday afternoon!
The secret is a set of swing set brackets that you just slide the wood into, and screw them in. If you buy the right size of wood posts, you don’t even have to cut them down, which also saves a ton of time.
The top piece is a 4×6 post that’s 12 feet long, and it’s perfect for three swings. The legs are 4×4 posts that are 10 feet tall. We wanted them tall enough to allow the kids to swing pretty high, and to accommodate our older kids. It turned out perfectly, and the kids love it!
Affiliate links are included below. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please find my full disclosure here.
Wooden Swing Set Supplies & Materials List:
- Swing Hangers (a set of 2 per swing)
- Galvanized Bolts for the swing hangers (3/8 inch carriage bolts, 7 inches long) + Lock Washer (4 bolts and 4 washers per swing)
- Swing Chains
- Swing Seats
- Swing seats & chains–no brackets needed (another option)
- A-Frame Swing Set Brackets
- 1-12x4x6 post (pressure treated)
- 4-10x4x4 posts (pressure treated) (or 12 feet if you are going to cement them in the ground 1.5-2 feet)
- Optional: 5.5 inches x 8 ft. wood stringers for the a-frame (pressure treated)
- Anchors (we used these temporarily) OR Cement (which we highly recommend)
- Another anchor option (not cement)
- Drill (we used a Hammer Drill, which is AWESOME!)
Putting together your Wooden Swing Set…
You’ll need the posts and the brackets first–and in the set I purchased (linked above), all the bolts needed came with it. Make sure you are using pressure treated wood–that will make it last outside much longer. We also used galvanized bolts and screws for the same reason.
We laid out the top beam first, with each end resting on top of a scrap 4×4 post, to keep it off the ground and easier to work with. Then we slid each end of the post into their respective brackets, and drilled the bolts into place.
Next we slid the 4×4 posts into their respective brackets (bottom sides, then top) and bolted them in. It really is as easy as that, when you use the awesome a-frame brackets!
Once all the posts were bolted in securely, we carefully brought the swing set into a standing position, and moved it where we wanted it to be. We started it right where we wanted it, so we didn’t have to move it too far. This took the two of us, and you might even need a third person to help you get it into standing position. I have had some questions about this process, and we lifted it up on either end, then walked it forward, moving our hands down the sides as necessary. I honestly don’t remember any specific details, but we were able to do it together.
We decided to add the wooden stringers connecting the two posts on each side, and we cut them at 5.5×8. This isn’t necessary–you can do it without as well. But if you want to, it’s a super easy step. If you don’t have a circular saw or another way to cut wood at home, Home Depot will also make cuts for you when you buy it there, and these would be really easy to do. I’ve seen some locations charge for this service, but I know others that haven’t. It’s definitely worth asking about!
We anchored the swing set down for now, but we are planning to cement it in place. You’re seeing it with just mulch (used it as fill), but wood chips are next, after it’s cemented in. We highly recommend that you cement them in place, but I did add some anchor options to my supplies list.
**I added this note above, but if you are going to cement them in, then I suggest buying 12 foot 4×4 posts for the legs, so your swing is still 10 feet high.
Next up…hanging the swings! I ordered separate seats and chains, because I needed a longer length chain than usual because of the swing set height. Along with the seats and chains, I also ought the swing hangers that attach to the top post. If you purchase similar ones, make sure to check if they come with the bolts to hang them. Ours didn’t, so we bought the right bolts and washers to attach them.
After the pressure-treated lumber is totally dry, we recommend adding a water-repellant sealer to the wood, so it will help prevent cracking and splitting due to weather (hot or cold), but especially where it’s sunnier. Doing this regularly (once a year is best) is a good idea for maintenance, so your swing will last longer!
MEASUREMENTS BETWEEN SWINGS:
There are 16 inches from the each edge to the first bracket. The brackets for each swing have 20 inches between them (this is for the actual swing–the two brackets holding the swing up.). Then between each swing, there are 18 inches.
So from edge to edge, it goes:
- 16 inches–from edge to first swing,
- 20 inches–the two brackets for swing #1,
- 18 inches-the space between the first swing and second swing,
- 20 inches–the two brackets for swing #2,
- 18 inches–the space between the second and third swing,
- 20 inches–the two brackets for swing #3, and 16–the space between the third swing and the other edge.
TOTAL MEASUREMENTS OF SWING SET:
8 feet deep x 16 feet wide x 10 feet high
NOTE: The dimensions for the finished swing are 16 feet–because the legs are at an angle, and stick out past the 12 foot top post. The finished dimensions are for those that need to fit it in a certain space.
The very second those swings were on, my kids were swinging, and they haven’t stopped since. They LOVE it! Such a fun and easy summer project, that will be a wonderful addition to our backyard for years to come.
Question: IS IT CHEAPER TO BUILD YOUR OWN SWING SET?
If you’re looking for a solid wood swing set, then it’s very likely yes. We built this for around $300, which is less than what it would have cost to purchase one at the time we made it. Cost of lumber can vary, so it’s worth researching, but overall this is a great option to save some money and have a sturdy swingset for your kids to enjoy.
TOTAL COST: around $300
This amount reflects the prices of wood and supplies at the time we built them. Wood can greatly vary in cost from area to area, so there could be a difference for you—either more or even less. But to purchase a swing set of this size and durability, it would be much more. I’m so pleased with the swing, and with the cost savings!
UPDATE:
I thought it would be helpful to add an update so you could see how it’s held up since we put it in 4.5 years ago. It’s gotten a lot of use, from a lot of kids, and it’s completely solid and sturdy. We still absolutely love it!
DISCLAIMER:
We are not experts, nor engineers! We built this for our kids, and wanted to share in case others wanted to as well. If you have any concerns about safety, weight limits, or overall stability, please contact other sources. The Eastern Jungle Gym Company may be able to help answer specific questions–they are the makers of the a-frame brackets that hold the structure together.
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Thank you for sharing. I need something like this.
You are so welcome! xoxo
This is great! How long are your swing chains? The link you provided is for 66” chains. Seems to short but not sure. Thx!
Yes, those are the exact ones we used! I like my swings up just a bit higher, and not so low to the ground, so these worked perfectly for us.
The swingset looks great! Can you tell me what the final dimensions (total area) of the finished swingset is?
I can go measure…I just need to wait until the storm is over. :) Will you email me, so I can make sure I remember to answer you? [email protected]
Did you ever end up doing the final measurements? Thanks!
Yes! Measurements are approximately (for three swings):
16 feet wide
8 feet deep
10 feet high
Hope this helps! xo
Hi, thank you for sharing this. I am planning to build this tomorrow as I got the same brackets and material. Did you have to pre drill for the bracket screws? Could you please send me a picture of how you used the anchors to my email? [email protected]
Thank you.
Hello! You don’t have to pre drill for the bracket screws if you have an impact drill, which we have. If you don’t, you would need to pre drill. And I’m not sure when I will be able to pictures of anchors to you, but we highly recommend cementing them in place. Good luck, and have fun!!
So I used your list of material & it shows a 12′ 4×6 but your measurements for the swings and the dimensions of the finished product show that 4×6 should actually be 16′ long. You should probably update that so other people don’t make same mistake I did
Great question!! The dimensions for the finished swing are 16 feet–because the legs are at an angle, and stick out past the 12 foot top post. The dimensions are for those that need to fit it in a certain space, and I can’t give just the 12 feet top post, or that wouldn’t be accurate for the finished product. But I’ll note that in my post, so it’s more clear. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!!!
This awesome! Just out of curiosity…how much did it cost to make?
The wood was around $50, plus all the swings and hardware, which would depend on how many swings you do. For 3 swings, it was just less than $300, including everything.
This is a great plan and a great description!
I am also planning to build this for the grandkids, but I am not sure whether you ordered all the stuf from the Canadian Amazon site or the USA site.
At amazon.ca the total cost (without the wood) is close to CAD 550.00 wit shipping and tax… And that’s only for a double set, not a triple.
Sorry, I stand corrected: I messed up my amazon.ca quantities and the price in my previous message.
The actual total cost for a double set (not including the wood) is CAD 407.10…
Yes—I ordered from the USA site. Also, prices can change over time, but when we built it, it cost right around $300 USD.
Thank you for this! We just ordered the brackets, swings and the swing connectors today. We are going to build this on Saturday for our girls. They are super excited!!
Can’t wait to get it up and enjoy summer vacation playing on it. :)
Hooray!!!! I’m SO excited for you!! Our kids absolutely love ours…and I’m thrilled for your girlies. Enjoy!!! xoxo
Where did you get the seats? Sorry if you had a link to them, I didn’t see it. This is perfect, thank you!
Nevermind, found it!
Glad you found it!!!
Hi, can you tell me the weight limit on this? My son is 11 and 111 lbs and he loves to swing.
I don’t have an official weight limit, but our best guess is around 175. One of my 9 year old boys is the size of a 14 year old–weighs 140 pounds, and easily swings on it. Hope this helps!! xo
Do you happen to have a closer-up picture of how you attached the anchors to the wood?
I don’t right now, but I can take one! Will you email me, as a reminder? :) [email protected]
I am looking for the same photo if you have it. Can you email it to [email protected]
Correction to email: [email protected]
Is it the photo of the anchors that you’re looking for? After a year of having the swings, we are recommending that you anchor the posts with cement.
After a year of having them, we are highly recommending that you use cement to anchor the posts in the ground.
Any idea on how many bags of cement we should aim for?
This is what we use…it’s no mix, super easy, and you only add water!! https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-50-lb-Fast-Setting-Concrete-Mix-100450/100318521
We use two bags per post. I can’t guarantee that’s enough—you will want to make sure that’s safe for your family–but that’s what we do!
You are awesome for publishing this! Thank you so much.
This will be the Chanukah gift for our kids this month. (I’m also going to DIY monkey bars and perhaps a see-saw)
Hoping you could offer guidance on one potential alteration…
If I would want to fit a fourth swing:
1. how much longer would you suggest the 12′ beam be?
2. would this structure (with slightly longer beam) support that additional weight, or would additional considerations come into play?
Thank you,
Pete
Hi, Pete! I responded to your email, but thought I’d add it here for other readers as well.
Yes, you could do a 4th swing. You would need a 16 foot beam, but it would need to be supported with a beam down the center–two swings on each side. The swings will probably have to be a little closer together than mine, but it can work.
Thank you for this feedback.
I did find a middle bracket on Amazon.
Kids are pumped up.
Can you please tell even how far apart you put the brackets for swings? And how much room between swings?
Thank you
Christie
Christie, I’m so sorry! We are buried in snow right now, and I can’t get out there to measure. But I will! I’ll set myself a reminder to check in a few weeks.
We’re you able to get a measurement for the swing brackets?
Please remind me which bracket measurements you’re looking for! I’ve got all of the measurements of the distance between swings and brackets in my post…let me know if you’re looking for something different.
Hello! I have bought some of the items. Gotta get the wood this weekend. Did you wait for the wood to dry before you built? Also did you cut the legs at an angle?
Hello! You don’t need to wait for the wood to be dry to build, but you do need it to be dry in order to paint or stain, if that’s part of your plan. No, legs were not cut at an angle, since they were sitting in dirt. You would need to angle them if on a hard surface. Good luck, and have fun!!
Can you please tell even how far apart you put the brackets for swings? And how much room between swings?
There are 16 inches from the each edge to the first bracket. The brackets for each swing have 20 inches between them (this is for the actual swing–the two brackets holding the swing up.). Then between each swing, there are 18 inches. So from edge to edge, it goes: 16–from edge to first swing, 20–the two brackets for swing #1, 18–the space between the first swing and second swing, 20–the two brackets for swing #2, 18–the space between the second and third swing, 20–the two brackets for swing #3, and 16–the space between the third swing and the other edge. Hopefully that helps!!
Thanks so much. That is precisely the info I needed.
I’m so glad!!
How far apart did you place the swing hangers on the 4×6? I do want to have 3 swings on it the same as you have.
There are 16 inches from the each edge to the first bracket. The brackets for each swing have 20 inches between them (this is for the actual swing–the two brackets holding the swing up.). Then between each swing, there are 18 inches. So from edge to edge, it goes: 16–from edge to first swing, 20–the two brackets for swing #1, 18–the space between the first swing and second swing, 20–the two brackets for swing #2, 18–the space between the second and third swing, 20–the two brackets for swing #3, and 16–the space between the third swing and the other edge. Hopefully that helps!!
What are the dimensions. H x W x D?
I have a small yard and really want to build this for my little ones but not sure if it will fit.
Thank you :)
Hello! Dimensions are 8 feet deep x 16 feet wide x 10 feet high. You could also make it not as wide by only doing two swings!
What dimensions would you do, if you were only doing 2 swings?
I would do at least 8 feet–even 10 if you have the room.
Hello,
How high can this set be and maintain stability? would this work with at 15-16 feet? Twenty?
Hi, Genevieve! I can’t give you a 100% answer, because we’ve never done it. So our guess would be that it might be possible, but I highly recommend taking extra precautions, and doing some additional research before attempting it.
In order to make it that tall, you would need to put together 2-4×4’s, since I don’t know if you could find them 15, 16, or 20 feet tall. I would also research how deep you would want the holes for the cement, so make sure that it was very secure. And you would also want to put a second crossbar on each side for stability.
And I’m also curious why you want such a tall swing, lol!!
Hi there, thanks for publishing this and taking the time to answer all these questions. I have a couple more…Presumably, if you recommend concrete, you would recommend the legs being 12′ instead of 10′ so that they can be buried in the ground? Also, if I wanted to only have two swings, do you think an 8′ 4×6 on top is enough room or would you recommend 10′? Thanks, again.
Yes, if you want the swing set to stand 10 feet above ground, then you would want to use 12 foot 4×4 posts for the legs. And yes, I think 8 feet would be okay for 2 swings. It’s the same as ours–3 within 12 feet. But you can always go for the 10′ if you want a little more space in between them.
I have heavy grandkids and would like this swing to be for adults! I was going to use 12 ft 6×6 in concrete, I have 2 swings already , just need the lumber! I want it to be really sturdy! What do u think?
Hello!
Actually, the structure as it is is sturdy enough for adults in our experience. But you’ll want to double check with someone that can give you a more precise answer–just to be safe! The weight limitation is also from the swings themselves—they have a recommended weight limit that should be followed for safety. Finding swings to fit the weight limit you need is a place to start. Also, 6×6 posts won’t fit in the a-frame brackets…they’re intended for 4×4 posts.
Hope this helps! If you have any other questions, please let me know!
My daughter has been begging for a swing. I think I know what we will be doing while on social isolation! Thanks so much!
Yay! It’s the perfect project right now!! xoxo
That is perfect!!! We have a little swing set for my son now but I know in a few years he’s going to out grow that one and want a bigger one to play on. This looks just like the big ones at the play ground! Thanks so much for the directions!!
You are so welcome! It’s a great swing for littles too…you can put up a baby swing instead of a regular swing! xoxo
Oh my goodness. I loved our swing set when I was a kid. I never would have thought of building one – this is awesome!
It really is SO fun! Reminds of the ones from when I was little too. :) xoxo
HI,
what kind of wood do you recommend? Is timber pressure treated a good one? I am asking because home depot has that
on the dimensions needed.
Thanks
Yes, we used pressure treated wood, and that’s definitely recommended!
Do you need to anchor the swing set? I’m planning on building one for my 2 year old twins. Can you anchor it with a less permanent option other then cement?
Thank you,
Jason
You do need to anchor the swingset. While we recommend cement for safety reasons, we used these anchors temporarily. https://amzn.to/2NJXrQV They worked really well for us. There’s also anchors like this: https://amzn.to/2VWBRgU The reviews are really good, and according to a quick read, look like they work for wooden swingsets.
how much space do you need around the swingset?
also if i want to add another swing should i buy a middle bracket?
You’ll want several feet of extra space for the swings to go back and forth—my kids go pretty high, so at least 5-6 feet in my opinion, both front and back. You won’t need much extra space on the sides, since there’s no movement there.
If we were doing to do 4 swings, we would need a longer top post, and a middle post in between to support the weight.
Hi,
how do you recommend to put the pieces together? Asking because the woods are kind of very heavy.
thanks
i just built mine last night, using the same materials you used, just curious, does yours have any play if pushed from end to end? mine seems to have some wobble to it if i push on the end of it.
Did you anchor it in place? Ours is anchored, and doesn’t wobble.
Is it really 10’ tall if your 4×4’s are only 10’ long. Seems it would be shorter since they are at an angle. What is the real measurement from the bottom of the top beam to the ground?
The measurement we gave is accurate for the structure–from the top beam to the ground, it is 10 feet, because of the height of the top beam. The separate measurement from the swing brackets (bottom of the top beam) to the ground is just over 9.5 feet. Hope that helps!
Can I ask how you flipped it over? We built ours as instructed and absolutely cannot bring it to standing up. Help!
Kim, hello! I’m so sorry it’s giving you so much trouble. We had 4-5 people, one on each corner, and then worked together to stand it up. Two people were pushing down on the side that would be staying down, helping the ones that were pushing the top up. Did that make sense? Hopefully that helps!!
Thank you for these very simple, clear directions! My husband just finished building this and it looks great!! With this whole Coronavirus going on, and stores selling out of trampolines and what not, we had to get creative and diy. The kids love it and it will keep them busy for hours!
OH my goodness, thais makes me SO happy! Hooray!!!
Hi, Would it be possible for you to tell me how big the brackets our? We are looking at making a swing set with x3 swings on it. Would x2 brackets be enough and also is there different size of brackets. Many thanks Debbie x
Hi, Debbie! I’m not quite sure what you’re asking. The swing set we built has three swings on it, so those directions should work if you’re also looking for three swings.
Very informative. Thx.
I have a question about the lumber. Treated lumber can be toxic, especially the preservative that is used on wood going in to concrete. It can cause rashes if in contact with skin, etc. Is there a reason you chose treated lumber over cedar? I’m sure cost may be a consideration, but I’m just curious about the treated lumber.
Thank you
Sure! We chose treated lumber because of the cost and availability. Cedar would be a great choice, though. It does have more maintenance, since you have to seal it every couple of years. And treated lumber is actually on our house–it’s code where we live!
How did y’all tip this thing forward after you build it. We followed the instructions and it’s built but how did you get it into standing position from the ground?
I want to make a swing set that full size adults can sit on… what is the Max weight that this set up will hold???
I’m not positive what the max weight it will hold is–we haven’t had to worry about it since ours is for kids. I also know there are calculators out there for how much weight wood posts can bear. I think a quick google search could find it. The Eastern Jungle Gym company might also have an answer, since they created the a-frame brackets to put the swing together. Wish I could help more!
The component I’d also look at is the swing–and whatever max weight is listed on the swing you plan to use. I also found these swings that don’t use brackets, but hold 660 pounds. https://amzn.to/3dTVZb3 (affiliate)
Another person with a question about the spacing between swing brackets!….When you state 16″ from the edge of the beam to the first bracket, is that the beginning edge of the bracket or the center of the bracket where the chain hooks on? Just asking because its a good 2″ from the edge of the bracket to the center loop. I would think the measurements are based on the actual chain loops but just asking. (sorry if its a stupid question)
Great question, Phil!
Those measurements are not counting the actual brackets themselves, but the distance between them.
The following are measurements that go to the center of each bracket, and equal 144 inches total, if that’s more helpful.
Edge to middle of first swing bracket: 21 inches
Middle of first swing bracket to middle of second swing bracket (one swing): 18 inches
Middle of second swing bracket to third swing bracket (space between first and second swings): 24 inches
Middle of third swing bracket to middle of fourth swing bracket (middle/second swing): 18 inches
Middle of fourth swing bracket to fifth swing bracket (space between second and third swings): 24 inches
Middle of fifth swing bracket to middle of sixth swing bracket (third swing): 18 inches
Middle of sixth bracket and other edge of swing: 21 inches
Is a 4 swing available?
Mike [email protected]
You’d have to make some adjustments for a 4 swing, including a brace in the middle, but I’m sure it’s possible! I’d reach out to the Eastern Jungle swing company to see what they recommend–they are the makers of the a-frame brackets that create the swing.
Quick question…
How do you get 12 feet with the following dimensions:
16 inch space
20 inch space
18 inch space
20 inch space
18 inch space
20 inch space
16 inch space
This totals: 128 inches (10.6 feet) not 12 feet as suggested for the top rail?
Hi, Mike! Those measurements are not counting the actual brackets themselves, but the distance between them. The brackets are 3 inches each, and with 6 of them, that’s the foot and a half difference.
The following are measurements that go to the center of each bracket, and equal 144 inches total, if that’s more helpful.
Edge to middle of first swing bracket: 21 inches
Middle of first swing bracket to middle of second swing bracket (one swing): 18 inches
Middle of second swing bracket to third swing bracket (space between first and second swings): 24 inches
Middle of third swing bracket to middle of fourth swing bracket (middle/second swing): 18 inches
Middle of fourth swing bracket to fifth swing bracket (space between second and third swings): 24 inches
Middle of fifth swing bracket to middle of sixth swing bracket (third swing): 18 inches
Middle of sixth bracket and other edge of swing: 21 inches
Hope that helps!!
Hello, my husband and I will be building this swing set this weekend. I have a question…I purchased swings with 60” chains and after ordering them, I noticed that you used 66” swing chains. Do you think the 60” swing chains will still work ok with the plans you’ve provided here or do you think I’ll run into issues? If so, is there anything you can recommend to make this project work properly without having to buy longer swings?
Thank you!
Melissa
Hi, Melissa! It really depends on how big/tall your kids are. If they are smaller, then it might be difficult for them to get on—the swings may not be long enough. If they are for older kids, then you might be okay.
I’m wanting to build something like this for my kids. Any idea how much weight it can take or do you think there’s a cut off age for swinging on it?
You should first look at the swings you use—they all have a weight limit that would most likely be met before the structure. I can say that three of our kids can easily swing together at the same time, and they are ages 6-14. I would suggest reaching out to the Eastern Jungle Gym–the makers of the a-frame brackets. They would probably have a more specific weight limit.
Hello! We actually just built this. It is lying down on the ground with all posts in. How on earth did you bring it to standing position? It’s so heavy and the posts are so long that we can’t figure out how to stand it up? Please help!!
Hi thanks so much for this, I followed your links and got all the stuff. I don’t completely understand best practice for using the anchors, I can get them into the ground of course, but what’s the best way to anchor them to the bottom of the four swing set posts?
We only used the anchors for a very temporary time. It’s highly suggested you cement them in. However, we bolted them in to the bottom of the posts through the rings that are on the anchors. Hope that helps!
Hello, I’m going to build this this weekend, but with 2 swings instead of 3. I’m still using 12′ 4x4s and a 12′ 4×6, and I’m going to, at the very least, bury the 4x4s 1-2 feet deep and possibly add concrete. The A frame brackets are designed to be used with screws and I was thinking it would be better to modify the brackets to accommodate bolts to protrude all the way through the 4×6, and do the same with the tops of the 4x4s. Did you use the screws that were provided with the brackets? Don’t you think it would be better to drill holes all the way through the brackets and posts and use bolts with nuts? That way you could tighten them overtime. I suppose if you’re holes ever wear out, you could do it at some point.
We did use the screws that came with the brackets, and they’ve held tight with no issues at all–and it’s been 3 summers of use. They’ve completely sufficient for us. You could drill through for bolts/nuts, but if you are using these brackets, there are holes on either side that line up on both sides of the bracket. You’d have to be able to drill perfectly straight to make sure you could get through both of those holes. But it really is what you feel comfortable with and want to do.
Btw for anyone who decides to build this, the brackets are available from Walmart as well. They don’t have the sticker on the side but they’re $20 cheaper than Amazon.
Good to know! I can’t vouch for them, since I’ve not used them, but it’s always good to have options if you’re looking.
Could you use 14 ft instead of 12 ft, so that the finished swing is 12 ft high if the feet are buried? Or do you think this would cause an issue? Thanks!
Yes, we think it could work! The legs will automatically be longer because of the wood length, so you’d need more room. And I’d definitely cement them in for safety. Good luck!!
Wonderful writeup, it saved me a ton of time. Everything was on point!
You really don’t realize how tall 10′ is until you’re staring up at this massive swing set!
We opted to use cement to anchor the 12′ posts ~2′ underground, leaving 10′ exposed. Digging the holes, slanted, at the corners of a 8′ by 16′ rectangle worked perfectly.
We assembled in a different order than yours, dropping the posts loose into the holes, then sliding them the brackets to make the “A”s, then finally lifting the giant 4×6 into one side, then the other, we had 3 people in all, although could have been done with two. And after hand-ratcheting the 28th lag screw in, I smiled thinking back to the drill that you recommended.
Great weekend project, and now everybody can swing, kids and grownups alike. Thanks again!
Oh my goodness, this is the best!! I’m so glad you came back to tell me how it went. I’m also glad you explained how you assembled it, so other readers have an alternative option. And that made me smile too, about the drill. :) Happy swinging!!
This is an excellent post! I bought the same hardware set and was curious about swing spacing. Your information was exactly what I was looking for. Thank!
I’m so glad it’s helpful! Thanks so much for letting me know.
Thanks for continuing to answer all of these questions! What makes you recommend the concrete? I’m planning on putting this on the side of a playhouse tower, so it’ll be fixed at one end and have only one side of the A-frame on the other. I’m worried about the A-frame side sinking into the clay over time and torqueing the fixed end. My initial plan was to set the A-frame about 12″ down on a bed of gravel, but your post is making me wonder if I should do something else.
The main reason we suggest cement is that it’s because it’s the most secure way to anchor swing set posts that we know of!
Been wanting to make this for a couple years! Finally ordered the kit off Amazon and just made my wood list! It’s happenin soon!! My kids are so excited! :)
YAY!!!! This is so exciting!!! You’ll have to let me know how it goes!
Could you please let me know where I could purchase the materials other than the wood, which I know from Lowes. Can I buy as a kit or is it individual pieces? .I have left my email below. My daughter and myself are going to attempt to build for my grandson.
Thank you
Hi, Debbie! It doesn’t come as a kit, but I do have a checklist with direct links in the post so you can get exactly what you need. Let me know if you have another questions!! You can totally do this, I’m excited for you!!!
Thank you for sharing! The big swings for adults that I ordered from https://treeswingstore.com/adult-tree-swings/ just arrived yesterday and I’m about to set it up tomorrow after work. I really needed some tips on how to put it up properly and of course sturdily to make sure it’s safe for us to use!
You are so welcome! I’m so excited for you–hope it went smoothly.
How on earth did you stand the swing set up? It’s so tall and heavy, we can’t possibly do it with two people. We’re going to have to call in reinforcements, I think.
We had two adults, and then our bigger kids helped on the sides as we lifted it up. I’m so sorry it was so difficult. Hope you were able to call in reinforcements to help you lift it up, and now enjoying your swing set. :)
Love this tutorial! Thank you for sharing!
How long were the chains you ordered? When I follow the link it says 66″ which is the same as most of the standard swings available, and that seems short for how high this swing set is! Did you use more than one set?
Hi, Sara! I didn’t use more than one set. The swings are probably a bit higher than normal, but they’ve been fine for my kids. If you need longer, you’ll probably want to open your search.
Hi, I am about to build this, the only thing it is not clear to me, is, how you put the anchors ho hold it to the ground. Maybe just on outside of each leg?
Do you have a calculation about the max. weight that can hold? maybe 3 heavy kids 140Lb each?, how about adults not too heavy? I am 162Lb. I am thinking on put removable swings, to remove them to hang a hammock, and vice-versa.
Thanks in advance.
Hi, Douglas! We don’t have an exact max weight calculation, but when we were building, we looked at the maker of our hardware (Eastern Jungle), and their similar playsets for sale, and the limit is 500 pounds, so we’ve personally used that as a guide.https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/eastern-jungle-gym-classic-swing-set-kit-wood-included-ejgm1016.html
We do highly recommend cementing the swing set into the ground if using it as a swing–it’s not just the weight limit of the wood, it’s the swinging motion that pulls on the legs. If you choose to use anchors, I suggest double checking their weight limit and usage, to make sure they’ll work for swing sets.
Best of luck!