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How to Build a Level Swing Set

Although some swing sets come boxed with a booklet of instructions and a bag of nuts, bolts, and screws, building a level swing set yourself can be accomplished in a short period of time for little expense. Prepackaged wooden and metal swing sets usually come with more add-on features that are added to the price you pay for the package. Building your own swing set out of wood will save the extra expense of the prepackaged swing sets, and if you want add-ons---such as slides and climbing decks---they can be built on later.

Things You'll Need

4 pressure-treated timbers, 4 inches by 4 inches by 8 feet
2 pressure-treated timbers, 2 inches by 6 inches by 8 feet
1 pressure-treated timber, 2 inches by 4 inches by 8 feet
Swing with chains
16 Bolts, 3/8 inches by 5 inches
Measuring tape
Portland cement
Hammer
Level
Power drill
Wood boring spade and 3/8-inch bit
Socket wrench
Circular saw
Post hole diggers
2 wing hangers with lag screws, 4 inches long

Instructions

- 1
  Select a level location for your swing set. Make certain swings have clearance for safe movement, so that nothing will be hit by the swing.
- 2
  Dig two holes 3 feet 6 inches apart. The holes should be at least 24 inches deep. Dig two more holes the same depth and also parallel to the first two. Place the 4-inch by 4-inch pressure-treated timbers in the four holes and fill around the posts with Portland cement. Level the posts using the level. Wet the cement so it will set up. Hold the posts level while the cement sets up.
- 3
  Cut the 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot pressure-treated timbers in half.
- 4
  Drill two holes in the top of the 2-inch by 6-inch by 8-foot pressure-treated timbers. Holes should be drilled at least 2 inches from the edge of the timber. Bolt these pressure-treated timbers to the top of the 4-inch by 4-inch posts.
- 5
  Cut one 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot pressure-treated timbers into four pieces, each 2 feet long.
- 6
  Drill holes in each end of the 2-inch by 4-inch by 2-foot pieces. Bolt these pieces to the sides of the swing set in the 4-inch by 4-inch posts. This will support the swing set.
- 7
  Screw 4-inch swing hangers with lag screws into the 2-inch by 6-inch cross beams to hang the swings.

Wooden Toys