Building your own swing set is a great way to get the kids out of the house and into the backyard for some fresh air and exercise. A backyard swing set can bring years of joy to the whole family and can be a lot of fun to conceive of and build.
We have put together 21 ideas to get you inspired and thinking about what you want to build. By checking them out, you can start putting together the plans for your own backyard swing set.
DIY Playset Plans
Image credits: Steve Jepsen via Amazon
Having a complete set of plans can make building your own swing set a lot easier. If you are looking for the most complete blueprints and parts lists so you don't have to worry about sourcing them yourself, this might be a great option for you.
Easiest DIY Swing Set
Image credits: Kevin via AllThumbsDaily
For an easy build, this DIY swing set could be your best bet. Even though the structure looks nice and seems complicated, it is actually easy to put together and doesn't need a lot of skill in order to get it up and going.
Pergola Swing Set
Image credits: The Gardenglove
If you already have a backyard pergola, adding a swing set is as easy as can be. All you need are the swing chains and the seats themselves and you can just attach them to the crossbeams of the pergola. This could be a great way to get a swing set without having to have a lot of construction skills.
Modern Swing Set
Image credits: Brian Patrick Flynn via HGTV
If you want a more modern and contemporary look in your backyard, this could be just the swing set you have been looking for. The nice thing about this one is that it has a large surface area for paint and other design elements that you can really make your own.
4x4 Swing Set
Image credits: KEVIN MCDERMOTT via Hunker
4x4 lumber is a great material for building a swing set out of. It is relatively cheap and readily available and it has a strong, durable constitution that is perfect for holding a lot of weight and taking a lot of abuse.
Swingset With Clubhouse
Image credits: Ana White
This swing set with a clubhouse is a fairly easy DIY project that still has some pretty amazing results. If you want to add something a little bit extra on top of the swing feature, this could be a nice surprise and give your kids their own place to hang out.
Airplane Swing
Image credits: Ana White
This airplane swing is a cute addition to your backyard that can add an element of excitement for your child or toddler. The nice thing is you can paint it or design it any way you want and personalize it to what will be meaningful to you and the kids.
Platform Swing Set
Image credits: Mother Earth News
For a nice view and a fun swing set that won't be too difficult to build, this platform swing set is a great option. If you have a backyard big enough, this swing set would be a good addition since it takes up a 16 by 20-foot space.
Tree Swing
Image credits: A Beautiful Mess
For a simple and classic swing set, a tree swing is an easy way to add some backyard fun. The best thing about this plan is that all you really need is some rope and a piece of wood. There's not much else to it and it can be built in an afternoon.
Classic A Frame Swing Set
Image credits: Eastern Jungle Gym
For a swing set that looks and feels just like the one at the playground, this simple A-frame plan doesn't require much effort or work at all. With some brackets and 2x4s, you can have a swing set that will last just like the ones at your local park.
Timber Framed Swing Set
This easy-to-build swing set is put together with large pieces of timber that use each other as their own support. If you want a swing set that lasts and has one of the most durable designs, this could be a great option.
Play Structure Swing Sets
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This set of plans has many different structures and swing sets for you to build. If you aren't quite sure what kind of play structure you want to build, this could be a great way to get some ideas and make the right decision for your kids and your backyard.
Fabric Platform Swing
Image credits: Reese Dixon
This is an incredibly unique swing set that is perfect for younger kids and kids who want to use a swing for therapeutic reasons. One of the good things about this swing set is the fact that you can re-use some fabric and integrate some interesting designs.
Motorized Swing Set
Image credits: Cleveland Motley via Instructables
For a truly interesting swing set that is also a conversation piece, this motorized swing set is a great option. Not only is it a fun and unique project, but it could also be an opportunity to re-use some electrical components that you might otherwise throw out.
Swing Set for Adults
Image credits: Pretty Handy Girl
If you would like a great place to relax at the end of a long day, this swing set for relaxation is a great choice. Built from rustic timber and designed to be as comfortable as possible, this swing set uses chair hammocks as swings and even has a handy end table for drinks.
Plastic Basket Swing
Image credits: Playtivities
For a nice re-use of a plastic basket, this swing is a fun addition to the backyard and doesn't take much to build. On top of that, you can design it to have a safety barrier at the front to prevent smaller kids from slipping out.
DIY Backyard Playground
Image credits: Creative Publishing International via Amazon
If you want to build a whole backyard playground, these plans will get you everything you need to know. With all kinds of different designs and structures, there are plenty of ideas for you to work out and create a whole play area for your kids without having to go all the way to the park.
Skateboard Swing
Image credits: Little Bit Funky
This interesting and quirky swing set is a great way to not only re-purpose an old skateboard but also teach kids balance and motor skills. If you want a swing set that can get your child ready to shred in the skate park, this is a great choice that can be a lot of fun to build and use.
Simple 4x4 Swing Set
Image credits: Howdyadewit
This 4x4 swing set is incredibly simple and uses a mortise and tenon joint system to be as strong as possible. You can also make it practically any size you want, which makes it a good option if you don't have a lot of room in your backyard.
Classic Tire Swing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If8yJXCK4tc
Nothing says summer like a tire swing in the backyard. This particular plan is great because it doesn't require any chains or metal parts. If you want a classic tire swing set that is safe and doesn't have any risk of finger pinching, this should do the trick.
Solar Power Swing Set
If you want to build a swing set that is not only fun and unique but also green, this is a great choice. If you already have solar power at your home and need another place to put some panels, you can use this swing set as an extra panel surface.
Which Swing Set Will You Choose?
There are so many different choices when it comes to building a backyard swing set that it can be tough to choose the right one. Hopefully, by looking through our list, you have gotten some good ideas and are now inspired to get started on your own project.
By choosing the swing set that will best fit your style, needs, and wants of your kids, you can build something that will make everyone happy. Having some plans to work from will keep the building process easy and safe so you don't have to worry about whether or not you are doing the construction correctly. As with any DIY project, the whole point is to have fun and create something unique and interesting that will make some lasting memories.