DIY swing set

spose

Looking to build a solid swing set for the kids. Pretty much all the sets I can see on line are built with 4x4s and I want something a bit more solid that I can adapt as the kids grow. I can get brackets that will take a 6x4 cross beam and 4x4 legs. Question is can I easily get lengths of treated 6x4 or will I need would I need to look at something different?

karlitob

spose wrote: »

Looking to build a solid swing set for the kids. Pretty much all the sets I can see on line are built with 4x4s and I want something a bit more solid that I can adapt as the kids grow. I can get brackets that will take a 6x4 cross beam and 4x4 legs. Question is can I easily get lengths of treated 6x4 or will I need would I need to look at something different?

Following this. The prices I’ve seen are crazy expensive. Did you buy plans or come with it yourself?

Fine Cheers

Goodwins always a good guide for finding out what's available. 6 x 2 close to 145mm x 42mm which seems readily available.
Local builders providers will get it it for you if not in stock depending on quantities I guess.
Treated timber for construction generally rough ie not planed.

I'm looking into this myself, little man has his 4th birthday in April, I'd much rather build it myself.

@spose Did you make any progress on this?

Where are you sourcing, brackets, swing hinges, rope, seats, etc...

And what plans if any are you following? I did find a source for plans online last year, I remember thinking they looked solid, but will have to search for them again, I think there was a price attached to the plans...

spose

Ya I made a set. Pretty big and solid. Got these brackets off US Amazon site…

https://www.amazon.com/Frame-Brackets-Complete-Mounting-Hardware/dp/B01M28VV0N/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3ONV0PXFOJ8X3&keywords=Swing+bracket&qid=1646610956&sprefix=swing+bracket%2Caps%2C249&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVjJTR1I0MjBVMEc1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODM4NTg2Mk45TzczOU1RWDRVNiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjU5MTg5M1RKQUtWVFI5VFpCRSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

legs are normal treated 4x4 and I got the cross beam from a local suppplier who does long lengths of larch. Put one of these then in the centre…

https://www.amazon.com/vikofan-Frame-Bracket-Playset-Swing/dp/B08RHYYW37/ref=sr_1_27?crid=3ONV0PXFOJ8X3&keywords=Swing+bracket&qid=1646610956&sprefix=swing+bracket%2Caps%2C249&sr=8-27

Thanks for the reply, can you tell me why you went with Amazon US, as apposed to using these: https://wickey.ie/swing-corner-square-9090

What was the total cost, postage, etc from the US? And did you have to wait long for them to arrive?

Was thinking of starting this weekend, but if there's a massive difference in the US product, I'll order them and wait..

Could you post pictures of your design please, for inspiration :)

I'm thinking of going with something like this: https://www.instructables.com/Homemade-Playset/

spose

The US was the only place I could find brackets that would take 6x4. At some stage when kids are bigger I’ll put a basket swing on it and no doubt it’ll end up having a few kids all piled up on it so wouldn’t trust a 4x4 or less. Only have a pic handy from when it was going up. Legs are down about 2ft and it’s 10ft to the top of the cross beam.

Lumen

This isn't a criticism, but you could get away with smaller section timber by adding bracing to the design.

It's basically a massive saw horse. :-)

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118809570#Comment_118809570

Looks odd to me, The legs look very long.

spose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118825532#Comment_118825532

They are! As I said above I sank them 2ft and now its 10ft to the crossbar

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118826195#Comment_118826195

10 ft still too high, Did you protect the timber you buried - Like this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqikN4JOuK4

spose

Your house must be great craic. 10ft is common on commercial swings which is exactly what I wanted it to be.

Lumen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118828834#Comment_118828834

Tall swings are amazing. Totally different experience.

One day I'll build one using telegraph poles 😀

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118828834#Comment_118828834

Still looks like a bodge job to me..Those legs will be rotten in 2 years and likely lead to an accident, I paid over a grand for a playset 13 years ago made from Cedar and it's still perfect today. I would rather pay for a "safe" playset. I got mine from Gorilla Playsets and it's similar to this but with a curved slide. https://gorillaplaysets.com/chateau-clubhouse-swing-set/

spose

I have no concerns with stability or how long it will last. What you shared has the cross beam and legs attached with 2 coach screws and you think that is more secure than the full sleeve metal brackets I used. Everything I put in is over spec’d to make sure it will last and not pose a risk to my kids. The legs are treated timber with additional sealing and preservative. The cross beam is 6x4 larch and the swings aren’t attached with bolts they’re on wrap around brackets to keep the beam integral. It’ll last longer than me.

TimHorton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118834420#Comment_118834420

LOL , Gorilla Playsets are the premium brand in this area, Your DIY stab at it will not last.