Garden Swing Plans for the Backyard

A while back, when we were discussing how we were going to update our garden swing, we were also considering adding an arbor to the backyard. Then we thought, let’s combine the two together! And so we designed our own Garden Swing Frame. It is now a functional and beautiful part of our backyard!

Our first step was to figure out what we wanted. We knew we wanted it to be portable. We have thoughts of moving someday and wanted to be able to easily move this with us. And since one of the reasons for an arbor is to have some beautiful flowers growing up the sides, I made sure there were latticeworks up both sides and across the top.

Want to make your own? You can purchase the plans for $5.88

Here’s how I built it…

Supply List:
Lumber:
Treated (ground contact)
11- 4’’ x 4’’ x 8’
10- 2’’ x 4’’ x 10’
12- 2’’ x 2’’ x 8’
8- 1’’ x 2’’ x 8’
Hardware:
28- 5/16’’ x 5 1/8’’ Structural Screws
84- #10 x 3 1/8’’ Multi- Purpose Screws
120- #8 x 2’’ Trim head Screws
1- Swing Hanger Hardware Kit
96- 1 1/4’’ finish nails
Cut List:
Base: Top:
2- 4’’ x 4’’ x 55’’ 2- 2’’ x 4’’ x 120’’
2- 4’’ x 4’’ x 48’’ 16- 2’’ x 4’’ x 60’’
2- 4’’ x 4’’ x 73 1/2’’
Sides: Swing Support:
4- 4’’ x 4’’ x 96’’ 1- 4’’ x 4’’ x 73 1/2’’
4- 4’’ x 4’’ x 41’’
Upper Trellis:
12- 2’’ x 2’’ x 45’’
26- 2’’ x 2’’ x 5 1/2’’
Lower Trellis:
12- 2’’ x 2’’ x 24’’
16- 2’’ x 2’’ x 5 1/2’’
Trellis Trim:
16- 1’’ x 2’’ x 41’’

Start by building the base framework. Securing the ends with the 5/16’’ x 5 1/8’’ Structural Screws

Then assemble the sides with the same 5/16’’ x 5 1/8’’ Structural Screws.

Always make sure to keep your connections square.

Bolt the sides to the inside corners of the base with 5/16’’ x 5 1/8’’ Structural Screws.

Purchase the garden swing plans for $5.88

If you are working by yourself use a scrap piece of wood to hold the sides in place.

Attach the swing support to the upper cross piece with 5/16’’ x 5 1/8’’ Structural Screws.

Attach the rafter supports and top with #10 x 3 1/8’’ Multi- Purpose Screws.

Purchase the plans for $5.88

Build the upper and lower trellis’s with the 2 x 2’s and #8 x 2’’ Trim head Screws. And attach them to the sides by toe-nailing the 1 1/4’’ finish nails.