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A freestanding bolted 4x4 A-frame with a 4x6 header, sized to attach alongside a playhouse porch rather than stand as its own play structure.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legs | 2 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 127 3/4" | Pressure-treated 4x4 | ☐ |
| Top supports | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 18" | Pine 2x4 | ☐ |
| Bottom supports | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 78" | Pine 2x4 | ☐ |
| Swing header | 1 | 3 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 144" | Pressure-treated 4x6 | ☐ |
| Porch header | 1 | 3 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 96" | Pressure-treated 4x6 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated post, 4x4, 12 ft | 2 each | ☐ |
| Pressure-treated post, 4x6, 12 ft Swing header. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pressure-treated post, 4x6, 8 ft Porch 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 varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Circular Saw, Level. Materials: Pressure-treated post, 4x4, 12 ft
Cut the 4x4 legs to length. Lay out on a flat, level surface.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set. Materials: Pressure-treated post, 4x4, 12 ft, Pine, 2x4, 8 ft, Bolts, 7", with washers and nuts
Drill a hole sized to the bolt shaft through each leg and top support, then bolt the top supports to the legs.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set. Materials: Pine, 2x4, 8 ft, Bolts, 7", with washers and nuts
Bolt the bottom supports to the legs the same way.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Level. Materials: Pressure-treated post, 4x6, 12 ft, Pressure-treated post, 4x6, 8 ft, Post cap/base hardware, 4x4, Rafter post hanger, 4x6
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.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Eye bolts, for swing chains/rope
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.