DIY Garden Swing

If you have a sturdy tree in your backyard, you can build yourself a beautiful high-backed swing for an affordable $150. The DIY plans we found here is from Sunset.com - and we couldn't resist adding it to our garden inspiration list. The swing hangs securely from sturdy, 5/8-inch-diameter nylon or hemp rope that runs through the swing's arms and frame. Most cuts can be made with a circular saw, handsaw, or saber saw, but the angled back support would be more easily cut with a table saw but a full-service lumberyard can generally do this for you as well. Add a splash of color with a transparent stain, and protect it with several coats of exterior satin-finish polyurethane. Lastly, accent with comfy outdoor pillows and pour yourself a tall glass of iced tea! You can download the full plans by clicking below.

Materials

  • Two 8-foot 2-by-4s
  • 220 1¼-inch deck screws
  • 32 2½-inch deck screws
  • Nine 10-foot 1-by-4s
  • Countersinking bit
  • One 10-foot 1-by-6
  • Two 10-foot 2-by-4s
  • 5/8- or 3/4-inch-diameter rope

Click to download plans >