How to Make Children's Slides & Swings

Prepare the area where you plan to build the swings and slide. Choose a flat, level area. Uncover the dirt and lay down a layer of mulch for comfort and cushioning.

Dig holes at the corners of the area where you plan to build the slide set. Make the holes at least 2 feet deep. Cut 4-by-4 posts to the desired height for the slide structure. Allow room for posts to extend several feet above the platform where the slide will rest. Mix cement in a wheelbarrow and pour cement into the holes around the posts to hold them securely in place, filling to within 3 inches of the top of each hole. Let the cement cure. Router the edges of the supports smooth for safety.

Build support joists from 4-by-4 posts in a rectangle around the posts, at the level of the deck where the slide will rest. Use a level to ensure evenness and hammer joists in place with galvanized nails. Router the edges smooth.

Lay down a deck across the joists from 1-by-6 lumber stock. Nail in place. Working from underneath the structure, nail supporting cross-beams to brace the structure and add stability.

Construct a safety rail for the deck level. Use 4-by-4 lumber to make a second rectangle around the perimeter. Measure and cut openings in this rectangle for the entrance to the deck and the entrance to the slide. Nail short vertical beams to span the distance between the deck and the safety rail around the openings. Nail a full set of vertical beams cut to length to act as a short fence around the perimeter of the deck. Router any edges smooth that children might come into contact with during play.

Construct a small vertical ladder at the entrance to the deck. Use two lengths of 1-by-6 lumber to form the sides of the ladder, and nail 1-by-6 planks across horizontally to form the rungs. Measure lengths and distances carefully to make each rung easy for a child to reach. Router the edges smooth.

Attach the slide at the entrance for the slide area. Choose a prefabricated plastic slide for safety. Slides should come with detailed installation instructions and mounting hardware that vary by type and model.

Check the site for the swing set to ensure you have the proper clearance between the swings. When planning, make sure there is no more than 10 feet between the support posts for the structure, or the swing set may sag. Dig holes for each support post of the swing set, 12 inches in diameter and at least 18 inches deep.

Notch and cut four 4-by-4 posts to fit around a 4-by-6 top rail for the swing set. Assemble A-frame support structures for the sides of the swing set. Construct A-frame shapes from 4-by-4 posts. Clamp and nail in place, then router the edges smooth.

Mark holes for installing the swings in the top rail. Drill out the holes. Space and align the swings carefully for safety.

Set the posts of the A-frame structure into the holes. Once spacing is set, pour cement mix into the hole; fill to within 3 inches of the top of the hole.

Hook the swings onto the top rail with the mounting hardware provided. Finish and seal all wood parts to make the swing set and slide weatherproof.