How to Build a Tree Swing

with Chrystie Fiedler, This Old House magazine

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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Steps

In this video, we teach you how to make an old-fashioned rope swing.

1. Cut a 1x8 piece of oak into two 16-inch long pieces. Glue and clamp the two pieces together to make the seat.

2. Brace the seat with another piece of wood screwed underneath.

3. Use a compass to draw the biggest circle you can on the board.

4. Using a drill/driver and a spade bit, drill a 1-inch wide hole through the middle to fit the rope.

5. Using a jigsaw, cut out the circle, then cut the design.

6. Sand the wood with 80-grit paper, and round over the edges.

7. Paint the seat to make your design.

8. Have a parent hang the swing. Choose a strong branch at least 6 inches thick.

9. Drill a 1-inch hole through the branch. (Don't just tie a rope around the limb or it will kill it and make the swing dangerous.)

10. Thread an eye bolt through the hole. Hold it on with a washer and two nuts to hold it on.

11. Tie the rope tightly around a metal thimble. Hook the thimble to the eyebolt with a clip.

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