I’ve been dreaming about a garden swing for a long time. And not about those that are sold in the store, but about normal swings, on which three adults can sit at the same time without risk to the structure. Desperate to find such a swing in the store, I decided to make them with my own hands. It is worth noting that in order to repeat our “feat”, you need to have a person with electric welding skills, if this is not the case, it is better to invite a specialist welder. But about everything in order.
Tools and materials required
- 9 steel pipes of the same diameter;
- 8 pieces metal area;
- 2 arc valves with a length of 25 cm (9.8 in) and a diameter of 16 mm (0.6 in);
- some wood for bench;
- durable fabric;
- lanyard (climbing rope), which is up to 136kg(300 lb);
- paint
- welding machine.
Preparing to create a swing
One of the most important stages of the creation of this project is the exact calculation, compilation and calculation of the details of the structure. If you are going to place a swing inside the gazebo, then consider the dimensions of the gazebo itself for convenient movement in it. Since in most cases people build a swing when the gazebo is ready, therefore, the size of the gazebo should be taken into account when calculating.
Here’s what came out of the sizes that we have:
- Swing length: 2.5 m (8.2 ft);
- Swing height: 2.5 m (8.2 ft);
- Length 4 long (oblique lateral) tube: 2.6 m (8.5 ft);
- Length of 2 short pipes (side parts of the swing base): 1.5 m (4.9 ft);
Collect the swing
Creating a swing support
According to your calculations, a drawing is created. Then the pipes are prepared for welding (clearly defined dimensions are measured, the pipes are cleaned of rust).
Pipes are welded according to the planned scheme. After the manufacture of the support is completed, “ears” (a metal arch for hanging the swing) are welded to the upper pipe. The resulting structure is covered with paint only the next day.
The functionality and aesthetics of the future design largely depend on the skill of the welder. Therefore, if you doubt your abilities, contact a professional. Modern welding machines are very light, they are easy to deliver to any country house, and it is impossible to do without welded structures in many buildings.
Creating a swing seat and backrest
According to the planned scheme, the segments of the metal corner are welded. The upper rectangle is the back of the swing (size 2×1.2 m/6.5×3.9 ft), the lower rectangle is the swing seat (2x1m/6.5×3.3 ft). Holes for fastening are made in the short parts of the lower rectangle.
The base for the seat and back is cut out of wooden boards.
Creating mattresses for the seat and back of the swing
For ease of use, it is better to cover the wooden parts of the structure with soft mattresses. We used 6 cm (2.4 in) thick foam padding and covers sewn from old fabric to create it.
Fixing the swing to the support
For reliable fastening, it is necessary to use a very strong rope and a special device. As described earlier, we used a climbing rope and special fastening hooks. In addition, it is important to secure the rope so that it does not “roll” relative to the hook, for this there are special clamping fasteners.
Installing the swing
The swing should be installed in a shady place, preferably under a canopy. It is assumed that this is a stationary structure, because the structure is very heavy. And wooden parts, as you might guess, are afraid of rain and snow. If the project does not provide a canopy, then the swing in wet weather should be tightly covered with a plastic cover.
Conclusion
We have been using this wonderful swing for almost 3 years. For a long time (almost a year) they were standing in the open air, in wet weather we carefully covered them with polyethylene, and in warm evenings we enjoyed their light rocking. Not once during this time have we regretted the time, money and effort invested. Now, in the summer, when we live outside the city for a long time, the swing is used every day.
Leave a Reply