How to Easily Build the TALL Wood Swing Set
Materials List
Qty 1 - 10 ft 4x6 Doug Fir Lumber
The "4x6" lumber should actually measure approximately 3 1/2" by 5 1/2" to fit the brackets. It should not measure a true 4.0" by 6.0". Can substitute other lumber for Douglas Fir.
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Qty 4 - 12 ft 4x4 Doug Fir Lumber
The "4x4" lumber should actually measure approximately 3 1/2" by 3 1/2" to fit the brackets. It should not measure a true 4.0" by 4.0". Can substitute other lumber for Douglas Fir.
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Qty 2 - 8 ft 4x4 Lumber
This is for the horizontal cross pieces on the legs.
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1 Quart Exterior Stain
This set was stained with Behr Premium "Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer" in Chestnut color.
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4" Paint Roller with Tray for Same
Can get at hardware store.
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Copper Green Wood Preservative
Can get at hardware store. Get 1 quart "Brown" color version. If you cant find this brand, any brand will do.
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Pair of A-Frame Steel Brackets
From room2zoom store, here.
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5/8" Polypropylene Rope
Looks like real rope, but soft. Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, etc.
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3/16" Chain Link
If desired instead of rope. Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, etc.
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"Jungle Gym Swing Hangers"
From Amazon. You need 3 pair. Here is the Link.
"AGPTEK Swing Seat" Heavy Duty
From Amazon. Different Color Options. Here is the Link.
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Qty 2 - Carriage Bolt 3/8 x 4 1/2"
Common Zinc Bolts.
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Qty 4 - Hex Lag Screw 3/8" x 6"
For attaching the horizontal 4x4 cross pieces to the legs.
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Qty 12 - Hex Bolt 3/8" x 7"
For attaching the swing hangers.
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Qty 26 - 1/2" Washer
Anywhere.
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Qty 30 - 3/8" Washer
Anywhere.
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Qty 14 - 3/8" Lock Nut
Anywhere.
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Box of 50 - Headlok 2 7/8" Screw
Anywhere, or Amazon (Same price). Here is the Link.
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3" Painting Brush
Dollar Tree
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8" Square Plastic Container
Dollar Tree. Used to hold and soak the 4x4 lumber feet with Copper wood preservative.
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Black Matte Spray Paint
Anywhere. (The swing hangers of this set were painted black.)
Tools List
3/8" Drill Bit (At least 6" long)
Need longer than normal to drill through 5 1/2" beam. Here is the link to best deal I have found.
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5/16" Drill Bit
For predrilling into legs for lag screws. Size 1/4" also works if the lumber is not too hard.
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Wood File - Sometimes Needed
Steps
1. Plan - Measure Your Space
The Tall Swing Set measures 12' 0" wide by 13' 0" deep (front to back). The set is 10 feet 9 inches tall to the top of the beam.
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2. Purchase Materials
Order the A-Frame Brackets first, they will take 2 to 7 days to arrive. Most of the parts from Amazon will arrive in 2 days. And many things can be sourced locally--See the Materials List above.
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3. Stain & Soak Lumber
Stain the Lumber. Do not stain the last two inches of one end of the 4x4 lumber. Then after stain dries, stand the 4x4 lumber upright in a plastic container and soak the unstained ends for 3 to 12 hours in a wood preservative.
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4. Attach Swing Hangers
Measure and drill holes in beam for swing hangers. The centers of swing hangers go at 16", 36" and 50" from each end of beam. That means that a swing hangers pair that holds one swing are separated 20" on centers, and that the swing hangers of adjacent swings are separated 14" on centers. Attach hangers to beam with bolts, washers, and nuts.
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5. Attach A-Frame Brackets
First attach brackets to 4x6 beam. Then attach all legs to brackets while frame structure still lying on its side on he ground. Stand the A-frame structure up with the help of three other adults. Then attach the horizontal cross pieces across the legs.
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6. Attach Swings
Hang swings with the carabiners.
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