DIY Free-Standing SWING

There’s nothing like enjoying a summer breeze while sitting on an outdoor swing you’ve built yourself. The design described here features a swing and matching support stand that are beautiful and easy to build. Most of the parts use standard construction-grade softwood and cedar lumber.

Begin with the Seat

The first step is to build four L-shaped assemblies that support the seat and back of the swing, each made from one back support and one seat support. The two supports for the middle of the seat are shorter than the outside seat supports (see template on Page 72). As you work, be sure to create two right-hand and two left-hand versions, carefully noting how the back supports overlap the seat supports. Use glue and four #10, 2 1/ 2 -inch corrosion-resistant screws at each joint. The angled ends of these parts determine the angle of the back to the seat, and the recommended angle is included on the templates. A slight variation from