Make Your Own Tree Swing

Our first house in Springfield had a huge Oak tree in our wild, rambling backyard so I made Sebastian a tree swing once he was big enough to enjoy it. We were so sad to leave it behind when we moved, especially since our second house had absolutely no trees large enough to support even a family of squirrels much less a toddler. Our new place came with a good-sized apple tree right in the middle so as soon as the weather warmed up I decided it was time for another swing.

1. Supplies needed: 1 - 2x4x8 piece of wood for the seat, 1 - 1x2x8 piece of wood for the top, rope long enough to hang from your branch and strong enough to support adult weight (just in case). I suggest at least 40 ft. Wood glue, 2 - clamps (or substitute heavy objects), drill and drill bit wide enough for your rope. I used a 3/4" drill bit and my rope fit through nicely. 8 - wood screws 1 1/2" long, 2 - 3/8" chain quick link, sand paper, paint. 2. Cut your 2x4x8 piece of wood into two cuts measuring 2.5' long. Cut another 2 pieces measuring 8" long. Place the two longer pieces side by side and glue the long sides together. Then glue the two shorter pieces to the ends as shown making sure they are flush with the edges, not overlapping. Clamp immediately or carefully place heavy items on top of your glued pieces. Be sure everything is in place. 3. Wait 20 minutes until dry and then pre-drill screw holes in each of the four corners of each short piece making sure not to get too close to the edges. Add screws. 4. Drill two holes in the outer corners of each end as shown. Again, be careful not to get too close to the edges and split your wood. Sand and paint (or seal) if you like. 5. Cut two lengths of rope about 5' long for to attach to the seat. Tie a double overhand knot at one end, push the rope up through the bottom and back down on the other side. Tie the same knot at the other end of your rope. Repeat on the other side. 6. Cut the remainder of your rope in half so that you have about 15 ft. of rope for each (obviously you need more if you have a high branch). Hold your rope with one hand at the end and the other about four feet up. Fold it together and then tie a knot so that there is a loop left at the end (as shown above). Attach that end to the loop on the swing with one of your chain quick links. Repeat with the other side. 7. Cut your 1x2x8 piece so that it's 2.5' long (or as long as your swing seat if you choose longer). Drill a hole in each end about 1" in and centered. 8. Measure about 5' above your seat and tie a knot in each rope. Slip the loose end of each rope through the board as shown above. Tie to ends to your tree branch using a taut line knot. Disclaimer: Please check all knots with your weight before allowing anyone to use it. Make and use at your own risk. 

The kids and I love having a swing again and it adds a lot of charm to our backyard. Don't have a yard or a tree? Make one to use inside your house! Friends of mine have one in their playroom that they attached to a beam for support. It's sure to provide hours of fun! -Rachel

Comments

[Nicole]

I would love to get someone to try this for me.
I wouldn't attempt because knowing how clumsy I am, I'd find a way to lose an eye...or arm..
But great tutorial!

http://dreamyrosefashions.blogspot.com/

[Alyce]

wow! That looks AMAZING! You are a wonder woman Rach xo

[Emmy]

woweee ! i love this DIY. so perfect. the swing sits beautifully in the yard. love it & will definitely be giving it a go !

http://eachpeachpear.com

[tahlia - the parenting files]

I wish I had such an oak tree and could create this. Actually if I had a big tree to hang it from I would do this!! x

[Miss K]

This is somehow so romantic!

[Krystin]

Love this! I would love to see more kid DIY's on a ABM. It's still summer... maybe we'll see more? The maternity DIY's have been wonderful!

XO Krystin

[Kimmy]

I love swings, sadly there aren't any trees that would be strong enough to hang a swing in my parents backyard. And I don't have a yard at my place. :/
But what a great idea for when I do. XD

[Pink Ronnie]

You guys blow my mind with the stuff that you come up with! I love this! Looks amazing…
Ronnie xo

[Cara]

This is simply adorable. I may be in my early 20's, but I still enjoy a nice swing (especially on a tree swing). I love the color combination of the swing ropes and seat.

The free-flow creativity on this site truly inspires!!

-Cara
http://everydayintrigue.blogspot.com/

[Krystle]

i've been dreaming of a swing for the giant walnut tree in our backyard..this is perfect!

[neha @ nehamade]

cute! I ALWAYS wanted a tree swing when I was growing up!

neha
http://nehamade.blogspot.com/

[missecl]

I LOVE IT! So simply and so beautiful! I have to try it!!

[nazli]

I think I am gonna make it one for my baby, she would like it! Thank you for sharing.

[Julia]

When I was a child I had two swings like this in my garden and used to love it. I could swing and chat with my friends in one time:)
thanks for sharing this DIY, it made me recall funny memories from my childchood!

Julia
http://www.thesheerstories.blogspot.com/

[Diana]

Wow this is great! I love swings (:

[Alice C.]

This is so great!! If only I had a tree that's sturdy enough!

http://stainedpalette.blogspot.com/

[Val]

for some reason, seeing any tools turns me off! haha but i can ask my dad to do it someday. this seems easy enough! love it.

Val
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/

[avital]

It's perfect! love the last picture!

[Saar Dockx]

I always wanted a swing like this!
But no tree in our garden seems fitted.
I'm building one some day though.

[naomi a]

I want this for myself! I love to swing!

www.theoccasionalindulgence.blogspot.com