Outside Projects: Lawn Swing

Kits

• A kit swing is probably the easiest way to put a picturesque swing in your front yard. Kit swings come with all the components you need to build the swing and easy-to-follow instructions. At most, you will need a few basic wrenches or screwdrivers to assemble one. You can purchase kits that give you the components to build a child's swing set for your lawn, or a bench-style garden swing for adults.

Simple Child's Swing

• Using basic materials and lumber, you can build your children a basic swing set yourself without needing to purchase a kit. Embed some solid posts deeply into the ground. Ideally, you should sink the posts about 3 feet into the ground and fill the holes with concrete to create solid footings. For a moveable swing, you could build two "A-frame" sides to provide a stable base for the swing. Then, attach a crossbeam to the top of those posts. Eye-bolts in the crossbeam provide anchors for the swings. You can either purchase pre-packaged swings, or create old fashioned swings by anchoring a flat plank at the bottom of each chain.

Bench Swing

• A bench swing is a staple on porches, gardens and lawns across America. A similar frame to the child's swing set also provides a good foundation for a homemade bench swing. You need to fasten the chain for a porch-style swing to four points on the bench. Attach two chains to each side of the swing, then connect those to a connector link and a main chain that hangs from the crossbeam. This creates a stable swing.

Tire Swing

• A simple and affordable way to add a swing to your lawn is available to anyone with a tall and sturdy tree. A tire swing requires only a branch to hang it on, an old tire, a few chains and some hardware. Loop a chain over a thick branch of a strong tree like an oak, then connect it to a swiveling end. Attach three more chains to the swivel and then attach those to eye bolts that you've secured with nuts and lockwashers to the tire.