In our segment Scott Cam built a swing set for toddlers for around $200. Scott reckons if you build this swing set for your kids you'll be a hero, yet this will be one of the easiest home projects you've ever attempted!

Siting the swing

Choose a site on level ground that can be seen from the house and that is well clear of hard objects such as walls or fences. Safety experts recommend leaving a 2.5m clear area behind and in front of the swing, measured from the extended length of the swing chain. Allow a similar clear distance from the sides of the swing as well. An area over lawn is best, otherwise include a soft fall area beneath the swing such as soft poured rubber or pine bark. The material should be laid to a depth of around 300mm. When selecting chain, check that children's fingers can't be caught in the links.

You will need

To erect a support for two toddler swing seats you will need the following materials and tools. The crossbeam allows for two swings spaced at least 600mm apart and at least 400mm from each supporting post. You'll also need a mate to help you lift the crossbeam into position.

Materials:

2 x 125mm round H4 treated pine logs (for uprights) each 3.3m long 150mm x 150mm treated pine (for crossbeam) 2.7m long 4 bags readymix concrete 4 x 200mm nut, bolt and washer, galvanised 4 x 175mm x 10mm stainless steel eye bolts 8mm galvanised chain 4 x 10mm galvanised shackles

Tools:

shovel spirit level hammer tape clamps (optional) electric or cordless drill drill bit 10mm x 200mm reach shifting spanner

What to do

To determine the distance between each post, lay the crossbeam on the ground and mark the ground at each end of the beam; these will be your post holes. Dig the holes about 280mm in diameter. Each swing post should be 900-1000mm in the ground. Concrete the posts in position, keeping them level. Your post height out of the ground should be about 2300mm; anything extra can be cut off later. (Tip: apply wood preservative to cut ends of treated pine to prevent rot or termite attack.)

Leave the concreted posts to dry while you work on the crossbeam and swings. Concrete must dry for 24 hours before the swing is used. Lay the crossbeam on the ground, on edge against the posts. Place the two toddler swings on the ground with even spaces between the post and swing, and between each swing. With the seats sitting on the ground, mark the attachment points for the stainless steel eye bolts on the beam.

The holes in the beam are drilled through the longest face of the beam, meaning the holes will be 150mm deep. The eye bolts need to be 170mm long, to allow for a washer and nut. Drill all four holes, fix the bolts and tighten with a shifting spanner while the beam is still on the ground.
Measure down 150mm from the top of one post (if they are unequal, measure down the shortest post) and hammer a 75mm nail halfway in. Rest the beam on that nail and bring the other end up on the post. Place a spirit level on the underside of the beam (you'll need a friend to help with this step). As you're raising the beam, ask your friend to call out 'level' when it is level, so you can mark the underside of the post. Remove the beam. Remember: don't be too rough with the posts as the concrete is still setting.

Drive another 75mm nail half-way in, on your pencil mark. Sit the beam on your two nails and check the level again. If you have clamps use them to clamp the beam to the posts. If not, your friend will have to hold the beam until you've bolted it.

With your beam level, drill two holes in each post about 30mm from the top and bottom of the beam. Bolt the beam to the posts and tighten with a shifting spanner.

The swing seats we used had ropes and hooks attached, but our structure height brought them too high off the ground. We recommend a seat height at about 450mm for toddlers. Holding the swing by the hooks, raise it to the required height, then measure the distance between the hooks and eye bolts. This is the required length of chain, and we needed four lengths with equal links. To attach the chain to the eye bolts use 10mm bolted shackles, tightening the shackle bolt with a shifter once attached.

Go over the entire structure, checking all the nuts and bolts and making sure everything is secure. Slot the swing hooks through the last link in each of the chains and two swings. (Remember: the concrete will still need to dry for 24 hours before the kids jump on.) As the kids get older the swings can be adjusted by using different seats and lengths of chain. Keep the swing set well maintained, and adult supervision is advised when the swings are in use.

Costing

Swings Timber Fittings
$ 100
$ 80
$ 20
Total $ 200

Further information

For more information on safety, contact your local council or Kidsafe on (02) 9845 0890. Kidsafe has Fact Files outlining safety issues with children's play equipment for $5.50 each.

Scott Cam's instructions for building this swing set are in the June 2001 edition of the Burke's Backyard magazine, available at newsagents for $4.60.

Copyright CTC Productions 2001