It is no secret that children love different entertainment and games; by building a swing with your own hands, you can greatly surprise and delight the child. Rocking will train the vestibular apparatus of the young dreamer and have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. The large size of the product can accommodate the whole family and will contribute to a cozy atmosphere and fruitful communication to maintain team spirit.
Brief overview of the article
- Components of the structure
- Types of frames
- Materials for production
- Selection of components
- Seat place
- Rack locations
- Reliability of the finished frame
- Work on the cross member
- Seat attachment
- Metal frames
- Contact with soil
- For children
- DIY swing photo
Components of the structure
Beautiful do-it-yourself garden swings are often assembled from wooden parts; the frame in the form of posts and crossbars is built from strong timber or logs. A comfortable seating area can be made from treated boards or pieces of durable plywood.
People with a creative mindset use improvised means and incorporate parts of old furniture and unnecessary upholstery into the design.
Swing made from an old tire
What do you need
How to do
1. Estimate the approximate length of the rope so that it is enough from the branch to the ground, and add 1 m as a reserve.
Wrap the tape in the right place so that the edges do not fray, and separate the piece with a sharp knife.
YouTube channel Chris Notap
2. Cut the bike tube and put it on one end of the rope.
YouTube channel Chris Notap
3. Tie this part so that you get a loop wrapped around the camera. This will protect the rope from chafing and prevent it from cutting into a branch.
YouTube channel Chris Notap
4. Throw the rope over the branch and tighten the loop. For convenience, you can use a thin cord with a weight attached to it.
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5. Form a knot at a height of approximately 1.5–1.7 m from the ground.
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6. Cut two more pieces of rope, each about 2 m long. Thread them into a knot on the hanger, and then tie one knot at each end to secure it.
YouTube channel Chris Notap
7. Tighten a knot on the main rope from the branch. You should now have three ends that will hold the tire.
YouTube channel Chris Notap
8. Divide the tire into three approximately equal parts and drill holes with a diameter equal to the thickness of the rope, moving away from the edge of the tire. On the back side, make a few more holes to drain rainwater.
YouTube channel Chris Notap
9. Insert the ropes into the holes, put on the washers, and secure the ends with clamps.
YouTube channel Chris Notap
10. Release the tire and try to swing.
YouTube channel Chris Notap
What can be changed
Types of frames
There are several options for implementing the design; do-it-yourself hanging swing drawings are called:
- With a boat.
- The sofa.
- A bench.
These specimens differ from each other in the type of supporting structures; they can be with racks or in the form of various geometric shapes, such as a triangle or a U-shaped arrangement. Some options are similar to a pergola with a bench or soft seats suspended from fasteners.
Chair swing
What do you need
How to do
1. Saw off the chair legs with a hacksaw near the seat.
YouTube channel deco dino
2. Using a drill, make one hole in each corner of the seat.
YouTube channel deco dino
3. Sand the surface of the chair with sandpaper.
YouTube channel deco dino
4. Coat the resulting swing seat with fresh paint and let it dry.
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5. Divide the rope into four equal parts. Thread each piece through the hole and tie a couple of knots.
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6. Using the free ends, hang the structure from a thick tree branch.
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What can be changed
Materials for production
Depending on the expected load, appropriate sections of lumber are selected to ensure high-quality operation.
Reliable do-it-yourself swings made of metal are not in great demand among owners of country houses due to the complexity of the work, but wooden structures are quite simple and even a beginner can do it.
Each person decides for himself what material to choose and how much money to invest in the implementation of his plan. Without a welding machine and other tools for metal processing, you can turn to specialists in this matter and hire them for a fee.
How to extend the service life
No matter how simple a swing for a summer house may look, they also need some attention. In order for such garden furniture to function as long as possible, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules:
- Do not exceed the permissible load . Ignoring this important condition will lead to premature wear of the mechanisms and structure frame.
- Avoid shock loads . It is worth knowing that the passport implies a static (distributed) and not a point load. In other words, the swing was not designed for sudden jumps, sitting down and swinging to the sides, even if they are performed by a user suitable for the parameters.
- Do not increase the swing amplitude . One can hardly call a comfortable vacation that ended with the swing overturning.
- Proper care . Information about what and how to clean, wipe and lubricate can be found in the passport or description.
- Protection . Swings of any kind must be protected from moisture. To do this, during bad weather or the absence of the owners, they are covered with a cover or hidden under a canopy. Wooden structures are regularly treated with special impregnation.
A cozy place for an evening relaxation Source stroymix-v.ru
Selection of components
One adult or child needs a little space, so for the do-it-yourself wooden swing stands, use a section of 50 by 70.
For several people, the load on the seat will be greater, so the crossbar must be suitable; the ideal beam would be 100 by 100 mm. But some masters play it safe and add elements of a larger cross-section.
The proposed option for a large number of people can withstand up to 200 kilograms in total. If the family has fairly large people, then you can resort to using logs for supports, this will significantly increase the strength and load.
Safety precautions
Before allowing children into the attraction, you need to tell them about the rules for its use:
- do not load the swing too much;
- do not swing above a certain height;
- hold on to the lines with both hands;
- do not approach while someone is swinging;
- do not brake at full speed, much less jump off;
- If you fall, do not raise your head immediately, but only after stopping the swing.
But even if, in your opinion, no one participating in the entertainment is in danger, one of the adults needs to be nearby and keep the situation under control.
Seat place
To decorate a bench or sofa, you can be guided by a photo of a swing made by yourself; all kinds of images show excellent options for finished products that are easy to repeat with your own hands. The frame is usually assembled from bars; it is worth paying attention that the backrest should not be lower than 600 mm, otherwise it will not be very comfortable to sit on such a bench.
The recommended depth starts from 480 mm, but it can be edited according to the wishes and preferences of the owner. Most often they experiment with backrest tilt; by choosing the ideal position, you can achieve the most comfortable resting position.
Swing made of polypropylene pipes and plywood
What do you need
How to do
1. Cut a seat measuring 30 × 30 cm or 30 × 40 cm from plywood. Drill holes in the corners for attaching the rope. If desired, coat the plywood with paint.
Cut the polypropylene pipe into pieces: 15 cm - four pieces, 25 cm - two pieces, 35 cm - two pieces. Drill through holes in each section along both edges.
Divide the rope into two equal pieces. Then fold each one in half, thread it through and secure it in the carabiners. These will be the left and right hangers.
YouTube channel “Marcel Yarmakov”
2. Take the longest piece of pipe and thread one rope from the right and left hangers into the holes on each side.
Rack locations
There are ready-made diagrams for working with swing supports for a dacha with your own hands; they can be easily found on the Internet in a video version or as illustrative examples. All sorts of materials are offered for constructing a frame, but most people trust massive logs or high-quality timber in this matter.
Among the varieties, one can distinguish both designs with a lower frame and without it, but both versions are quite famous among carpentry connoisseurs. For a tight fit to the ground, auxiliary supports are added, nailed with pins; if the base is quite strong and stable, then you can do without them.
Plank swing
What do you need
How to do
1. Step back 250–300 mm from the edge of the furniture board, attach a square and draw a line with a pencil.
YouTube channel “Mikhail Le-Dantu”
2. Use a hacksaw to saw off the future swing seat along the line.
YouTube channel “Mikhail Le-Dantu”
3. Mark with a pencil the places for attaching the rope in each corner, departing 20 mm from the edges.
YouTube channel “Mikhail Le-Dantu”
4. Drill holes. Select a diameter such that the rope passes with difficulty and does not dangle.
YouTube channel “Mikhail Le-Dantu”
5. Saw off the sharp corners of the board with a hacksaw and then file it down. If you want it to be neat, first mark the shape with a template, coin or other round object.
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6. Round the top edge of the board with sandpaper or a plane so that the child does not get hurt.
YouTube channel “Mikhail Le-Dantu”
7. Cut two identical pieces of rope and burn their ends.
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8. Thread the ropes through the holes in the board on each side so that the free ends are on top.
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9. Secure the ends of the ropes to any strong support, such as a wall bars.
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What can be changed
Reliability of the finished frame
In order to be on the safe side before installing it on soft ground, you can look at the instructions on how to make a swing with your own hands for possible options for this.
Such documents usually suggest using the available space and placing the racks at an angle. The structure will require a little more space, but stability and reliability will be many times higher.
If, for greater stability, the racks will be immersed in the ground, they must be treated with available protective equipment. It is possible to use metal staples or strips for greater effect.
Classic board swing
What do you need
How to do
1. Cut a piece of board about 50 cm long with a hacksaw or other saw that you have on hand.
YouTube channel Jeremy Rabe
2. To protect from precipitation and give a more aesthetic appearance, paint the resulting seat.
YouTube channel Jeremy Rabe
3. Using a drill a couple of millimeters larger than the thickness of the rope used, make two holes - at both ends of the board. Step back 2-3 cm from the edge so that the seat does not break, and drill exactly in the vertical center for an even suspension.
YouTube channel Jeremy Rabe
4. Divide the rope into two equal parts, make loops at the ends and secure to a suitable branch. Place the ropes at a distance approximately equal to the width of the seat.
YouTube channel Jeremy Rabe
5. Thread the ends of the ropes into the holes of the board and tie a couple of knots, choosing the desired height.
YouTube channel Jeremy Rabe
6. Try swinging.
YouTube channel Jeremy Rabe
What can be changed
Work on the cross member
If a DIY children's swing involves the use of such components, then you need to pay attention to the fastenings, the reliability of which should be at a high level. Some elements may not look very aesthetically pleasing and beautiful, but the strength of the connection will be as good as possible.
If you fasten the racks in the upper part with a cross, then the crossbar will easily fit into the resulting groove and such a connection will be reliable and without additional devices. It will be enough to minimize its movement to the left or right with nails or screws.
Soft part
The soft elements of the swing provide much of the comfort and determine the appearance. The following types of materials are used in production:
- Filler for mattresses and pillows . In most cases, the contents are foam rubber or holofiber. Foam rubber is known for its elasticity, hypoallergenicity and good air permeability. The only thing that can ruin the quality of foam rubber is high temperature and humidity. Holofiber is a more expensive alternative to filler, but it also has more advantages. This is an environmentally friendly, elastic, waterproof textile material.
- Mattress covering . Sometimes cotton or polyester is used for covering. Natural material is pleasant to the skin, but absorbs moisture and therefore quickly loses its presentable appearance. The use of polyacrylontrile (Dralon) is considered more practical. This coating easily withstands solar ultraviolet radiation, allows air to pass through and does not become electrified. Another plus is that dralon is easy to wash and dries quickly.
Seat attachment
It is quite common to use chains to suspend a structure, but for smooth and even movement, rigid supports are best. In both cases, special clamps are needed for fastening, including various bolts and eye nuts.
All contacts with wood and metal need to be thought through to the smallest detail; with constant friction against each other, small wear may occur; in order to extend the service life of such parts, all possible methods are used.
Metal frames
Before you start making such structures, you should make sure that you have the necessary tools and equipment. Having welding equipment and the skills to work with it, you can build a rather beautiful and elegant frame.
Thanks to the strength of the material, all parts are small and compact, and they will take up minimal space in the yard. The design, in general, does not differ from the wooden versions, but there are still some differences.
How to make a swing nest: step-by-step instructions for different options
Materials for outdoor attractions must not only be durable, but also resistant to moisture, ultraviolet radiation and temperature fluctuations. In addition, it is desirable that they be as reliable and safe as possible. If chains are used as hangers, the lower part must be wrapped in dense material. This way they will injure the skin of your hands less.
From a hoop and a clothesline
Since weaving a swing is a creative process, you don’t have to adhere to strict rules. The most common design is made from a steel or plastic gymnastics hoop and a household laundry cord. The internal space is filled with woven mesh. It can be knitted using any technique - finger knitting, crocheting, macrame, using needles and wooden slats. It is important that the cells are small enough and that the connections are strong and not unraveling.
If you have skill in a certain technique, it will be useful for creating your own drawing. But even without mastering the skill of weaving, it is possible to quickly and accurately make a beautiful seat with the help of the proposed master class. You will need 2 aluminum or plastic hoops with a diameter of 80 cm, a cord made of synthetic fibers 3 mm thick, 60-80 m long, scissors and a tape measure.
Here is a version of weaving using the macrame technique:
To carefully weave the seat, the circle is divided into several sectors. The cord sections are firmly fixed at the marked points and then alternately woven into the overall mesh.
Weaving pattern for the simplest knots
The first knot is performed at the top point of the circle.
Then in each row the knots are tied in a checkerboard pattern.
In the middle of the ring there will be a maximum number of nodes.
Towards the end of the work their number decreases.
If you do the weaving on 2 separate hoops and then connect them together, you will get a comfortable swing-nest with a backrest.
The sides are completely braided with cord. Can be decorated using macrame and sling techniques. There should be a strong rope inside, then they will be beautiful and durable.
From a fire hose
For the seat you will need a steel or aluminum hoop with a diameter of 900 mm, a fire hose with a cross-section of 77 mm and a thick nylon cord. First, the hula hoop is threaded into a flexible pipeline where triangular holes are cut. Trapezoidal sections are cut out of a piece of sleeve. Then a cord is inserted inside the outer case, at the same time it must pass through the cut trapezoids. The ends of the rope are pulled together and sewn together.
Then 3 more rings of nylon cord are woven in a similar way. The width of the connecting parts gradually decreases from row to row. Insulation from pipe insulation can be inserted into the sleeve along the outer rim for softness.
This seat may not seem very beautiful to some, but it is comfortable and durable. If a linen cord becomes unusable after 1-1.5 years due to rain and snow, then the fire hose is designed for long service.
From a car tire and cord
Old rubber is an excellent material for making a comfortable, resilient seat. You will need a drill with a 10 mm nozzle, 20 meters of plastic cord with a diameter of 8 mm, a ruler or board 5 cm wide, a pointed stick,
First, the tire is marked along the contour into equal 5 cm segments. Holes are drilled at the marked points. The larger they are, the easier it will be to thread the cord.
Now the circle needs to be divided into 4 sectors. Burn the ends of the cord, if it is braided, with a lighter or torch. This will prevent the braid from unraveling. Using a stick, the wheel is covered with rope. It’s convenient to get it out from the back with a regular wine bottle corkscrew.
In the tire, which has turned into an elastic ottoman, 4 more holes are drilled. They should be located closer to the edge of the seat. The ropes for the hangers are pulled through the holes and tied in a knot; you first need to install stops from scraps of plastic tubes. From the inside it will look like this.
To drain the water that gets inside the tire during slanting rain, holes are drilled from below. Carabiners with locks are attached to the hangers. The swing is suspended from a strong crossbar and, after testing, can be used by children. By the way, the cell pitch can be easily reduced if holes are drilled in the tire more often.
You can attach the hangers not from the top of the tire, but from the bottom. Then the seat will slightly clamp the ropes, which will reduce the load on the lower connections and prevent them from unexpectedly being pulled out.
Made from polypropylene pipes and rope
Swing seat The nest can be easily made from a plastic pipe. The shape can be drop-shaped, rectangular or square.
The pipe is cut into sections and connected by soldering using fittings. For assembly, a special socket welding machine is used. It simultaneously heats the connecting element and the end of the pipe. The temperature reaches 270-300°C, which creates favorable conditions for the polymerization of polypropylene. It is important not to overexpose or overheat the plastic, so as not to deteriorate the quality of the connection.
The inside of the frame is filled with mesh or fabric. Some kind of insulation is laid around the perimeter for softness.
The seat is suspended using strong ropes. The strength of this design is average, since the plastic pipe is not rigid, and under heavy load the connections may come apart.
Hammock nest
This garden furniture can be used as 2 in one - as a swing and a chair with a backrest. If you put a pillow inside, then it will be very comfortable to relax in such a hammock.
In terms of production, a nest-hammock is similar to a swing-nest. For the seat, the ring or hoop is braided with mesh or covered with fabric. Perhaps this will even be enough if the diameter of the hammock is initially large and the cover is made with sagging.
You can complicate the task somewhat and make the back from another ring, connecting it with the seat into one structure. If the mesh is woven between 2 hangers, the back will be flat. In any case, a cozy rocking chair will appeal to everyone, including older family members.
Contact with soil
The frame can be either portable or stationary, but usually the owners try to secure the frame to the plane as securely as possible.
The work may require certain drawings and precise measurements of all workpieces. Due to the light weight of the finished structure, it is not particularly stable, so the main supports are tightly attached to the asphalt or the pillars are concreted into the ground.
Such manipulations give the structure reliability and stronger fixation at the moment of swinging. They also think about safety locks on the crossbar to prevent the seat from unplanned overturning over it at intense speeds.
Swing made from a disc and one rope
What do you need
How to do
1. Build a platform from boards. To do this, coat the side ends with glue, connect them together and tighten them with clamps. A simpler option: nail two bars across the boards, stepping back 10 cm from the edge.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
2. Sand the top of the pad by hand with sandpaper or using a machine.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
3. Using a tape measure, find and mark the center of the site with a pencil. Also put a line at a distance of 10 mm from the edge of one of the sides.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
4. Drive a nail into the center, tie a pencil to it with a thread and draw a circle with a radius length along the mark at the edge of the area. Pull out the nail: you won't need it anymore.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
5. Cut out a circle with a jigsaw and smooth out the sharp edges with a file or sandpaper.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
6. Using a drill, make a hole in the center with a diameter 2–3 mm larger than the thickness of the rope of the future swing.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
7. Using a file, grind off the resulting sharp edges in the center so that the rope does not fray when swinging.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
8. Paint or varnish the resulting seat and wait until everything dries.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
9. Thread the rope through the hole and tie a couple of knots so that it does not fall through.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
10. Secure the free end of the rope to the tree.
YouTube channel Mitch Deitrich
What can be changed
For children
The design for a child can be quite simple and unique, since the age and size of a person will change over the years, there is no need to concrete such products.
Some parents decorate the yard with swings and balance beams made from scrap materials, such as car tires. Thanks to such solutions, your beloved child will practice coordination and have fun with friends.
