How to Build a Tree Swing

By: Chrystle Fiedler

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. 1x8 oak, maple, or other hardwood board, 4 feet long

2. ¾-inch polypropylene rope

3. 120-grit sandpaper

4. Exterior-grade wood glue

5. 1¼-inch deck screws

6. Exterior latex paint

7. Carabiner or spring clip

8. ⅝-inch-thick, 10-inch-long stainless-steel or galvanized eyebolt with washer and two nuts

9. ¾-inch rope thimble

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Tape Measure
- Combination square
- Bar clamps
- Jigsaw
- Drill/driver fitted with 3/16-inch drill bit, 1-inch spade bit, and long ⅝-inch spade bit
- Compass
- Random-orbit sander
- 2-inch paintbrush
- Small artist's paintbrush
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
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Product Gallery
Product selections for this project
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Child swinging on handmade, old-fashioned tree swing

Photo: Wendell T. Webber

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10

3 hours
$135

Difficulty: Easy to moderate There are few parts, but cutting hardwood can be tricky, and hanging the swing is a job for an adult.

All kids want to fly, and every time they ride on a swing they get closer to that Peter Pan moment. But you don’t need a whole playground to feel the spring breezes swoosh by. All you need is a seat, a rope, and a sturdy tree.

Making this swing requires few tools, and all the hardware needed to hang it can be found at your local home center. The seat is inexpensive—you can even make it out of scrap wood. Quality hardware and rope increase the cost but are important for safe swinging. In one morning you can put the parts together, get the rope in place, and start your magic ride!