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How to build a DIY swing set?

meghannstewart
Growing in Experience

How to build a DIY swing set?

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Hi Guys

Has anyone built an outdoor swing set similar to the picture? I asked chatGPT to mock up a landscaping design using a picture of our yard and some inspo picts. It’s done a great job and we are looking to proceed. Would love to hear if anyone has any tips for the swing set before we get started. 
Thanks! 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: DIY Swings

Hi @meghannstewart,

 

To achieve something similar to the swing set shown in your render, you’d need to use large-calibre hardwood posts and a very solid beam. You’d also want heavy-duty support brackets at all the corners to hold everything rigid.

 

The posts would need to be sunk deep into the ground in large concrete footers, much bigger than what you’d normally do for a standard fence post, to counteract the back-and-forth forces generated when the swings are in use. Swing sets are usually made from smaller timber and have angled support braces out to the side to help distribute those forces, but since your design is vertical and clean, everything needs to be engineered to take the load without those extra braces. You can see in our range of swing sets how they are typically created.

 

Realistically, to build it exactly like the render, with that square, minimalist look, it’s likely something you'd want a professional carpenter or landscaper to help with, just to make sure it’s safe and secure for kids to use. 

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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Noyade
Home Improvement Guru

Re: DIY Swings

G'day @meghannstewart and @MitchellMc 

 

"I asked chatGPT to mock up a landscaping design"

 

I know nothing about AI - but it seems to be generating a design I'm seeing a lot on American YouTube videos for DIY swings.

Massive timber - 150mm X 150mm.

Serious steel fasteners.

Very deep footings 1.5 metres deep at least.

 

Here's an amusing one...

 

Noyade
Home Improvement Guru

Re: DIY Swings

A newly created park not far from me has a new swing.

Council installed.

I guess it's all about liability.

No wood.

'A' frame. Concrete base.

All steel construction.

Check out the joining fabrication...

 

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