How to Build an Affordable Swing Set
Add fun to your outdoor space.
After the cost of lumber, composite wood, braces, hardware, and accessories, some backyard swing sets can require the same financial investment as that of a small car. Building a swing set does not have to be expensive and is in fact quite easy with the right materials and DIY instructions. Consider this hack to building a swing set for even cheaper. Take the materials list and divide it among families to buy for a child’s birthday or Christmas.
Make building the swing set a fun family day, and be sure to give the kids each a job.
Materials & Tools Needed
Estimated cost to build a swing set
The cost to build a swing set will vary depending on the materials that you select. Our sample homeowner made this swing set that cost approximately $250 –$300.
- Four 4' x 4' x 8' pressure-treated lumber
- One 4' x 6' x 10' pressure-treated lumber
- One 2' x 6' x 12' pressure-treated lumber
- Two swing set brackets
- Two A-frame metal brackets
- One set of horse glider brackets and seats
- Two sets of heavy-duty swing hangers
- Two swings
Step 1: Lay out the lumber and brackets.
Lay out each of the 4' x 4' x 8' t timbers on each side as these will be the legs of the swing set.
The 4' x 6' x 10' timber will be the cross piece at the top.
Most swing set brackets will come with the necessary hardware. Use the included screws and first place the 4' x 6' x 10' crossbeam into the brackets and attach with the screws. Get the kids involved. Work hard and play hard.
After the crossbeam is attached lay it back and screw in the 4' x 4' x 8' timbers that will act as the legs.
Step 3. Attach the side supports.
Cut the 2' x 6' x 12' pieces of lumber and place as the upper and lower side supports to help stabilize the set.
Place the lower side support at approximately 3' from the ground and the upper support at approximately 2' from the top. Repeat on the other side.
Attach any accessories such as a play phone, steering wheel, megaphone, binoculars, swings, etc. A standard 10' wide swing set will allow for three swings. Design to preference.
Ahna Fulmer is a world renowned transformation coach with a passion for helping others learn how to leverage imperfection to claim success. In 2018 she founded a leading DIY lifestyle blog, Hammers N Hugs, where she inspires visitors to reclaim their hearts and homes with DIY ideas, house renovations, and strategies for healthy living through her virtual fitness and nutrition business. She is a freelance writer for Wayfair and has been featured by Apartment Therapy, Home Talk, and Food Talk, to name a few.
