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

Close
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
Close
Product Gallery
Product selections for this project
Close

cutting wood to the sizes needed to build a tree swing

Photo: Wendell T. Webber

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

1. Lay out and cut the parts

Using a tape measure and a combination square, measure out the three pieces of the swing on the 1x8 board: two 14½-inch-long sections for the seat and one 12-inch-long support brace that goes underneath.

Clamp the wood tightly to a worktable. Using a jigsaw, cut the three pieces from the board.

To parents: A jigsaw can send dust and splinters flying. Be sure you and your children wear safety glasses. The helper should be sure to catch the wood, not lift it, so that the saw blade is not pinched.