How to Build an Affordable Swing Set
Add fun to your outdoor space.
After the cost of lumber, composite wood, braces, beams, swings, hardware, and accessories, some backyard swing sets can require the same financial investment as that of a small car. Building a swing set does not have to be expensive and is in fact quite easy to build with the right materials and DIY instructions. Consider this hack to build a DIY swing set for even cheaper. Take the materials list and divide it among families to buy for a child’s birthday or Christmas.
Make building the swing set a fun family day, and be sure to give the kids each a job.
Materials & Tools Needed
Estimated cost to build a swing set
The cost to build a backyard swing set will vary depending on the materials that you select. Our sample homeowner made this swing set that cost approximately $250 –$300.
- Four 4' x 4' x 8' pressure-treated lumber
- One 4' x 6' x 10' pressure-treated lumber
- One 2' x 6' x 12' pressure-treated lumber
- Two swing set brackets
- Two A-frame metal brackets
- One set of horse glider brackets and seats
- Two sets of heavy-duty swing hangers
- Two swings
Step 1: Lay out the lumber and brackets.
Lay out each of the 4' x 4' x 8' t timbers on each side as these will be built to become the legs of the swing set.
The 4' x 6' x 10' timber will be the beam at the top. The beam and legs need to be heavy in order to ensure safety and durability. Make sure that you are able to build a backyard DIY set with heavy materials such as these.
Most swing set brackets will come with the necessary hardware. Use the included screws and first place the 4' x 6' x 10' beam into the brackets and attach with the screws. Get the kids involved to help build. Work hard and play hard. Your backyard will soon be a place for hours of fun.
After the beam is built and attached lay it back and screw in the 4' x 4' x 8' timbers that will act as the legs. This will build an A-frame. An A-frame is when two pieces of wood come together at the top to make it look like the capital letter 'A'.
Step 3. Attach the side supports.
Cut the 2' x 6' x 12' pieces of lumber and build as the upper and lower side supports to help stabilize the set.
Build the lower side support at approximately 3' from the ground and the upper support at approximately 2' from the top. Repeat on the other side.
Attach any DIY accessories such as a play phone, steering wheel, megaphone, binoculars, swings, etc. A standard 10' wide swing set will allow for three swings. These can be standard swings, baby swings, two seater swings, etc. Customize your swings to fit the needs of your children. Accommodate for the children who will be using the set of swings. You may need swings for your children's cousins. You may need swings for your children's friends from school or you may need extra swings for children in the neighborhood. DIY your swing design to preference.
Ahna Fulmer is a world renowned transformation coach with a passion for helping others learn how to leverage imperfection to claim success. In 2018 she founded a leading DIY lifestyle blog, Hammers N Hugs, where she inspires visitors to reclaim their hearts and homes with DIY ideas, house renovations, and strategies for healthy living through her virtual fitness and nutrition business. She is a freelance writer for Wayfair and has been featured by Apartment Therapy, Home Talk, and Food Talk, to name a few.
