NotchLoading plan…
Loading plan…
Everything here is bolted, not screwed — a swing set takes real dynamic, repeated leverage on its leg joints every time a child swings, and a bolt through a predrilled hole resists that working-loose motion in a way screws driven into end grain don't. Drill the hole to match the bolt shaft diameter before inserting each bolt; oversizing the hole even slightly turns a snug structural joint into one that can rack over time.
The header doesn't need to be centered on the porch, but it does need to be level and set deep enough that the legs are firmly planted — check with a level before finishing any leg, and dig out from under a leg rather than shim on top of one if it's sitting proud, since a shim under a swing set leg is the first thing to walk out from under repeated motion.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated post, 4x4, 12 ft | 2 each |
| Pressure-treated post, 4x6, 12 ftSwing header. | 1 each |
| Pressure-treated post, 4x6, 8 ftPorch header. | 1 each |
| Pine, 2x4, 8 ft | 2 each |
| Bolts, 7", with washers and nuts | 16 each |
| Post cap/base hardware, 4x4 | 2 each |
| Rafter post hanger, 4x6 | 1 each |
| Eye bolts, for swing chains/rope | 2 each |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| LegsPressure-treated 4x4 | 2 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 127 3/4" |
| Top supportsPine 2x4 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 18" |
| Bottom supportsPine 2x4 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 78" |
| Swing headerPressure-treated 4x6 | 1 | 3 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 144" |
| Porch headerPressure-treated 4x6 | 1 | 3 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 96" |
Some parts are longer than a 8 ft board, so there is no honest board count to show here. Open the board plan to pick a longer stock length — it names every part that does not fit.
0 boards
0 boards
3 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Cut the 4x4 legs to length. Lay out on a flat, level surface.
Drill a hole sized to the bolt shaft through each leg and top support, then bolt the top supports to the legs.
Bolt the bottom supports to the legs the same way.
Assemble the two leg frames with the swing header, using lag screws or bolts to attach the rafter hanger bracket. The swing set doesn't need to be centered on the porch, but check the header for level, digging under any leg that sits proud rather than shimming it, and adjust until it's solid.
If the frame feels like it needs more rigidity, add cross bracing from the top board into the angled legs.
Sand every exposed surface and finish with an exterior-rated product before installing the swings.
No reviews yet
Sign in to review this plan or share your build.
No reviews yet. Be the first to build this.