January 16, 2012

Knock-Off Wood: FURNITURE PLANS: Swing Set for the Playhouse!

garden swing bench Knock Off Wood: FURNITURE PLANS: Swing Set for the Playhouse! Look what Kevin built in one day!

I’m embarrassed, this took me a week!  Here’s what Kevin said:

“Started at 1 pm and that was 7 pm. My father in-law helped from about 3 till the end. I should also say that we are both experienced carpenters. that said, I wouldn’t let it deter anyone from building one. It’s a really nice plan.

Just a few notes. first, our cost came in at just over $600 (we used treated lumber on the deck). Secondly, I am going to be adding some cross bracing on the platform legs to make it more sturdy.

Thanks Ana our kids will have an awesome summer.”

You are very very welcome! thanks so much for sharing!

SWING SET ADD ON
I was so inspired by Kevin’s (and a few other playhouses) that you have shared that I wanted to post the plans for the swing set arm to the playhouse. This swingset can also be used freestanding.

It’s pretty simple to build and I know you can figure this one out on your own, but since I was already drawing up plans for Grace’s playhouse, I thought I would save you a little math and a little time.

FREESTANDINGYou could use this same design to build a free standing swing set too! I would recommend pulling the ends of the legs out just a tiny bit so that the truss ends do not sit perfectly straight. by angling the trusses in at the tops, it removes any danger of the swingset collapsing from the side. Just a tiny bit would be fine, I’m talking a few inches.

Is anyone else thinking a freestanding adult swing or bench? I would love to see a hanging daybed . . .

____________________________________________________________
This free furniture plan was brought to you by
extremepersonalmeasures.com/
Thanks Denise!
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Plans follow. Just click on READ MORE below.

SHOPPING LIST FOR SWING SET ADD ON2 – 12′ 4×4 Posts
1 – 12′ 4×6 Post
1 – 8′ 4×6 Post
2 – 8′ 2×4
16 7″ Bolts, washers and Nuts
1 – Saddle Bracket to connect a 4x to a 2x perpendicular like this one
1 – 4×6 rafter post hangers like this one
2 – 4×4 post cap/bases like this one
Eye bolts like this one

TOOLS

Saw that will cut a 3 1/2″ thick post
Measuring Tape
Drill
Crescent Wrench (for tightening bolts)
Square
Level
Shovel for leveling

CUT LIST2 – 4×4 Posts @ 127 3/4″ (Legs)
2 – 2×4 @ 18″ (Top Supports)
2 – 2×4 @ 78″ (Bottom Supports)
1 – 4×6 Post @ 12′ (Swing Header)
1 – 4×6 Post @ 8′ (Porch Header)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
You will need to find a large area that is level and flat. make sure you predrill all bolt holes with a bit sized for the bolt. Tighten each bolt with a wrench and periodically check for tightness with use. Check for square and level with each step. Be safe and have fun.

DIMENSIONS AND COMPOSITIONDimensions and composition are shown above. In addition, the truss legs are made of 4×4 posts. Composition is preferably an outdoor appropriate wood or wood painted with an exterior paint and properly maintained.

1: LEGSCut the 4×4 posts as shown above. Lay out on a flat and level surface.

2: TOP SUPPORTSUse bolts to attach the top supports as shown above to the legs. You will need to drill a hole the size of the bolt shaft first and then insert your bolt.

3: BOTTOM SUPPORTS
Attach the bottom supports as shown above.

4: ASSEMBLYAssemble the swing set as shown above. use lag screws or bolts to attach the brackets. The swing set does not have to be mounted to the center of the front porch. make sure the header is level and if needed, dig with the shovel under the legs until the swing set header is level.

5: EYE BOLTSYou may wish to add the eye bolts to the swing set header before installing. Install the eye bolts at an appropriate distance apart as recommended by your accessories (swings). You will need to predrill a hole and then insert your eyebolt. I highly recommend a washer added before the nut is screwed on. Attach your swings to the eye bolts.

6: MODIFICATIONSYou could also install your swing as shown above. if you did not plan for a swing but want to ad one on now, you could also purchase an additional 4×4 post, 8′ long, and attach it to the playhouse deck using brackets, and then attach the header and truss as shown above.

In return for providing you with free furniture plans, I request that you add comments on your building experience to assist other building the same projects. Photos of your work is greatly appreciated, please add to our flickr brag board group flickr.com/groups/knockoffwood .*** ***All rights reserved. Private use only. Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of the publisher, Ana White, Knock-Off Wood*** ***While I do strive to produce accurate plans, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. not every plan that I post have I had the opportunity to build myself. Some plans have not been tested. It is recommended that you draw out the plans and have a clear understanding of how the project will fit together before beginning. I hope that if you do find a flaw in any plans, you will contact me immediately***

Knock-Off Wood: FURNITURE PLANS: Swing Set for the Playhouse!