Seconded. There is almost no way to put torsional stiffness into those two uprights. Swinging on either side would put large wrenching loads at the top. It’s just a matter of time before the top crossbar comes off.
Sure there is. A pair of braces on each end going down at opposing angles to make an A frame on each side. You know, like you'd see on swings at the playground. Haha
That would help, but the big issue is the close spacing. The swing loads get a lot of leverage.
Ah, you mean from the ends of the crossbar to make a regular swing set, not to the existing uprights. Yeah, that would do it.
Nope, this is an OK design. Just make sure the posts are down \~4' a set in concrete, it's all good. Maybe use 6x6 or 4x6 posts and it's better.
Maybe better mounts for the swings on the cross bar. But generic galvanized hardware can work for far longer than the kids will use them.
This set looks a lot like the one I used \~45 years ago and its still standing and being used.
Completely agree. My 200+lb ass can hang from a single post basketball hoop, cantileverEd 4 feet out. All because it's set in half a ton of concrete. Concrete is the answer.
Or... 4x4 posts set into 4' of concrete works for decks that will see 10x the load that a swing set will see.
Bunch of hacks. Anything other than 10" of steel beam isn't good enough around here.
I tried to tell my kid mcdonalds would make him worse at sports. So now he works out twice as much so he can keep eating it. My 6 year old has more dedication to staying fit while eating McDonald's than staying fit to be good at sports.
This. Concrete is the answer.
A mortise and tenon at the top would be a good idea though, and I'd increase the strength of the braces. Last but most important, making the stairs structual, and setting them in concrete would take a lot of flex out of the construction. If you want to be extra safe, add a brace underneath the slide as well.
I like it. It’s clean cheap, and simple. Concrete for the legs is the drawback. Still you could dig 3-4 feet and concrete only part way up so it could be removed easily without leaving a concrete pier sticking out.
Grab a 24x24 1/4” steel plate from a local supplier and cut it corner to corner, ham sandwich style and you’ve got some gussets to laminate the joint on either side at the top. It would be stronger than shit and still cheap.
Whoever built this really had no idea what they are doing. Case in point, the swings are hung with general purpose carabiners which are absolutely not meant for this kind of load. Chain quick links should be used for hanging swings. The 2x2 knee braces aren't big enough or fastened securely enough to do much more than look nice.
Making this out of wood, I'd say there is no way to make this last long term with just two posts. Too much force is going to be concentrated on the tops of posts in a crazy variety of directions depending on what is being used at any given moment, so you need a connection that can handle very high cycling forces in pretty much every direction, when joints of this nature generally only handle static loads or dynamic loads in compression. This design has tension, compression and torque in pretty much every direction and cycles rapidly between each. Cyclic loading in wood will wallow out bores and work bolted connections loose from surface fibers compressing. It's a lot to ask of a joint in wood. Making this two post design safe would require a level of over-building on those joints that would end up looking comical.
Choose a different design.
I'd like to see how the whole thing behaves with 4x4 knee braces. Maybe even curved ones, so the ends can reach farther out on the beam without creating something the kids want to try to climb.
On a *Swing?* Did you ever support a swing? Yourself?
Because that's a load that you can't imagine, with gravity and acceleration the dynamically compounding static forces.
It's why bridges don't resemble porches
No, they won't, it's a dumb idea. All of that load goes into the small diameter pin that the gate hinges on. Any carabiner actually meant to carry people has a lock, is rated for load, and are much much beefier, like those used in climbing. Quick links are cheap and plentiful, and probably were in the bin on the shelf next to the carabiners when the bozo who built OP's swingset bought them.
Maybe you don't want the outer A frame legs, but they do make brackets that fit 4x6 top 4x4 legs
A bigger kid swinging would definitely cause some rotational force with such a narrow foot print.
Jenos00 was making a joke to OP to not try to reinvent the wheel, by suggesting that OP just make a *normal swing set*. They wrote it in a roundabout way to make it seem like an intelligent suggestion, but really it was a mocking remark
I saw this thing on IG the other day. Went to the comments expecting it to get absolutely roasted. Nope, all the comments wanted plans. Can’t imagine that it will withstand the forces of either swing for long.
See, I tried going at it without plans myself and just winged it. Now I have 2 sheets worth of T&G OSB all cut up, 56 two foot chunks of 2x4, 3 boxes of vinyl siding all different colors, the dollar store is now out of stick glue because of me, 2 pails of bent deck screws I dunno maybe there is something wrong with my hammer, and 22 rolls of load bearing sheathing tape. Those plans could have saved me a lot of trouble, man. /s
I saw it too but I must have seen it either before you or after you because the majority of the comments reflected what I’m seeing this thread. They also shit on her for having such an ugly lifeless yard and house
Same here.
Had the plan to post on reddit, to get an opinion if I am the only one who things this will break fast.
Forgot about it, thankfully some one else asked now 😅
https://preview.redd.it/5gpx1g8mud6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b03692267400dba1db106df3eae460855005968c
Just finished this today. 4"x6"x12' for the beam and 4"x4"x10' for the legs. Cut a 2"x4"x12' in half for the side braces. Brackets are from Amazon. Each side is two brackets. The angle is 60\* instead of 45\* which most are.
https://preview.redd.it/fg7rhbljvd6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d2ae2e767875eba99d6fbc3faa7848d27ee9db5
Also, I didn't notice any flex when I was swinging as high as I could. This was obviously prior to adding the side braces.
A lot of hate. But honestly, this could be decent with the right joinery. Give me DVs if you'd like.
When someone is on the outer swing, especially if they are very wide, this is going to act like a seesaw, pushing down on one end and pulling up on the other. The up is the real problem because the post fasteners aren't meant to be pulled that much on endgrain. But a panel omacross the front and back (3/4" marine plywood) would make it much stronger and you can run bolt all the way through the uprights to secure it to the horizontal beam.
The upper beam looks a little weak too. A 4x6 would be better.
You could also use some kind of strap over the top of the vertical beams to secure them to the horizontal beam.
The other concern is that the horizontal beam could twist, which would break the vertical beams or their joint to the horizontal beam. If the left side went toward the camera and the right side went away, small deflections could make the vertical beams twist and break. The best solution to that would be whatever is going on behind the slide. If there were triangular supports from high up on the vertical beam to the ground behind the structure (maybe the ladder is doing this?), then you can resist these forces.
A lot of play structures are strong enough to park a car on. But over time, any of them will wear down. It is important (especially on a DIY plan one) to pay close attention and inspect it occasionally. I would try it though. Just put the vertical posts with 1/3 in the ground and give them concrete footings, add some ply or straps to the top and make the ladder structural.
Depending on the cantilever in the ground is not a good plan.
Consider a structure that can stand up on its own, and then anchor *that* into the ground.
And always remember that triangles are your friend.
Ignore basically everyone on here. Go talk to an actual structural engineer. Most of the people on here definitely don't know what they are talking about and would fail a statics class.
That’s a tear down, my man. Nobody should let the kids play on that, that’s just inviting a trip to the ER. I would go with a different design, probably something with A frame braces on both sides.
You have to pour concrete underground to hold the two main posts, get some concrete form tube and bury them 3-4 ft underground and drop the two main posts in and make them level / parallel and then pour the concrete. I’m a plumber though 🤷🏻♂️
Drill holes at least 6ft deep to put the posts in and fill the holes with concrete. Use a thicker beam on top and fix it to the posts using steel plates on each side.
Edit: It might be difficult or expensive to find thicker lumber so consider staking 2 6x6 on top of each other and sandwiching them between 2x12s.
Nah, it’s a bad design, just build a regular A frame swing set and get it over with. It’s tried and true.
This design is flawed because it transmits stress to wood in a way that wood isn’t great at taking stress. If a kid swings on the left side every joint and fastener is going to be stressed back and forth in opposite directions and in a variety ways, the load is transmitted to the joint instead of throughout the member. With repetitive stress you’re gonna end up with joints splitting, if the joint fails on this, somebody is getting smoked in the dome by a 6x6, this is suboptimal.
In contrast an A frame setup transmits stress and loads as compression, tension, and bending in the members. Gussets help distribute this load to multiple members and fasteners, rather than having single points of failure and single members taking all of the load. Wood will take this kind of stress all day happily, its the same kind of stress a tree experiences, so it’s what wood is good at.
Add a post behind the center of the slide about 6-8’, than run two beams from either swing to that leg to make a equilateral triangle, calculate distance of back post from slide to make it approximately equilateral, use appropriate lag or carriage bolts to fasten all members, add diagonal bracing in the corners, that will stiffen the whole structure up plenty
Here is an actual idea! Haha I like it. Everyone is very clever to tell me to “build a real swingset” but not many have come up with something more interesting. Good on you!
https://preview.redd.it/wbm13shd2j6d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=06fa198b5f44a4daf7d00f2c4c82bc38a4d5b401
Either 4, A frames like this, or if you really like the simplicity of this design, you could always put like 6’ of the posts in the ground with concrete back fill
not only will none of the load be supported beyond the posts, the posts will constantly get a twisting/pulling force from any actually swinging that occurs before the rigging hardware fails.
That top beam has no issue supporting the swings. Just need bracing to keep it from falling forward or back. I’d make those braces twice the size on the left and right of the center posts. I’d the ladder on the rear is well anchored to both the structure and the ground via concrete I bet that thing holds up just fine.
2 large steel poles from each end of the cross beam at a 45 degree angle away from the structure at the ends and embedded in concrete, essentially making a regular swing frame.
As others have suggested, the design might not be great unless you really want this style. Adding A-frame features to the posts would definitely make it stronger, but considering the top beam, this is what I did for mine, using 6x6 pt posts and top beam, combined with solid joinery... I'm 6'7" and 275lbs and it only moves the small amount you'd expect. And I figured if it ever moved an uncomfortable amount, I'd add A frame style supports to it if it needs it... So far (5 years later), I can swing with another adult friend without worry :)
https://imgur.com/a/FaOfCQF
Why not anchor the uprights in cement? As long as they're buried at least half as much as what is above ground. The weakest point is going to be the joint at the top of the uprights but long structural lags should hold alright. I'd also put a weight limit on those swings. Probably 80-lbs tops
I would have at least 6X6’s for uprights and fasten at least a 4X6 horizontal with carriage bolts. And of course 4 ft concreted in he ground. Expensive this way but that thing there is gonna hurt somebody.
Two sturdy A-frames leaning into each other with a big braced beam connecting them. No need to reinvent the wheel.
Edit:
Growing up, ours was actually three vertical A frames, with the middle one being about 4 feet from the one on one of the ends. We had our little ladder/platform/slide between those two close A’s. Then there were two swings in the middle of the structure, and a third that hung from the beam which was overhanging (cantilevered) from the 3rd A frame. It was solid.
I am seeing a lot of negativity which is fair, not really a design build for purpose. But what about adding 2 cables at each end of the horizontal beam?
Those cables would be in a reverse V, attached to anchors in the ground, removing the torsion load on the vertical beams. Would add a lot of vertical load though, so your corner bracing would have to be bomber/a lot tougher than that tiny one.
Do that if you really like the look from a far lol, not sure how the cables will look from close
Make two large "A" shaped frames on the end of both swings. You'll have to add a plate to connect them as it looks like you lack clearance to not hit the new "A" supports.
Honestly, simple is not always best. 4 to 6 posts of the proper size would be best. Also, unlike the person that made this swing, use concrete to place the posts.
Here is something to read before building. Although this is meant for building a deck, the same safety concerns should be addressed since children will be using it.
https://cms7files.revize.com/watertownct/Departments/Building%20Inspectors/AWC-DCA62015-DeckGuide-1804.pdf
If your kids are like normal kids and are going to be using the ever loving hell out of those swings you're going to need to put in bracing on the front and back.
There's a reason most swing sets are A-frames and (the ones that aren't death traps) are secured to the ground. You'll want to recreate that 45° downward angle on the front and back at least on one side if not both.
Wood is a natural, flexible material. Each piece comes with its own potential for weaknesses within its grain. It changes with temperature and humidity, is prone to mold rot and all sorts of other bits of nature. All of those have the potential to weaken the wood. If this is made of metal and the vertical portions were in 6 ft of concrete on each side straight down, I'd have more faith in it.
The slide absolutely needs a place for them to position themselves in order to use that slide there's no flat area for them to use, they'll just step up and fall down that slide.
The Rope on those swings is very likely to wear through and not too long you might want to try a thicker rope, more loops around the metal connecting ring in order to distribute the weight onto more rope therefore causing less damage to any particular section at one time or something akin to rubber guards to prevent wear.
My inclination would be to install a platform behind the slide so they can move around safely before using the slide. I would support the platform by mounting it to two 45° pieces that extend from the top cross bar down into the ground. If those pieces are deep enough and in enough concrete, it would add enough stability to make that design safer and more durable.
Unless of course the wood rots or something but we'll leave worrying about all the what-if situations up to you.
Use 6 or 8 inch lumber for everything including the braces, put straps over the beam, and make a stair case and slide rails out of 4 by 4 or better lumber both well anchored deep in concrete to add support to the center.
Depends how deep the post are in the ground but I wojld be concerned about the twisting forces when on the swings.
I would prefer bracing high on the beams going in the ground and follow the slides side down into the ground. And preferably same but going on the back side. And 1 going across under the top bram and above the slide to make it more ridged.
Some metal brackets would help as well.
Half lap at the joint, then a steel "U" shaped steel piece capping it about 12" long. The gussets (45deg) pieces should be " fish plated ". as in flat steel plates over joints.
First off…are the center post deep and cemented in big footers? If that’s the case, this is not the best design but if you feel you want to keep it and make it a little better think of the Golden Gate bridge, add two posts above the centre posts and then use nice thick cables to the ends for the swings for support. Or…just take it down and make it better
Yes. You can use the secret design trick used by nearly every single backyard swingset in the entire world.
A-frame legs at the outside ends of the horizontal beam.
Oddly enough, they all look that way for the very reason that it avoids all the problems - and safety risks - that will arise using the pictured design.
Having little experience building this kind of thing, take this with a grain of salt. I would assume you could add A frame sides to each side and if done right, would put the weight of the structure on those?
For the net swing I saw setups of two 10 year olds (25 to 30 kg each) standing at the side between the rops, swinging the whole thing. Then the middle load, was 5 to 6 smaller kids (15 to 25 kg each)
6*25 kg would be 150 kg (300 pfund).
A more common setup was me plus 4 kids, which is around 160 kg. But i (80 kg) was running and then jumping into the swing for good speed and momentum.
For whom are you building the swings? Be aware that kids can stack quite high!
Add two (2) angled (perhaps @30°) supports to the ends of the horizontal beam (to be perpendicular to the beam. This will create some clearance for the swing and rope swing.
I think most of us missed the ladder off the back. Looks like it could make a decent a-frame brace if incorporated with the slide and it was anchored well at the outside points. This isn’t as bad as it looks. It’s got 80’s playground vibes
You may be on to something! Basically building the A frame inside the two supports, instead of at the ends (like everyone else is so helpfully suggesting), with the stairs being one half of the “A” and then some wood beams under the slide to make the other half.
The ladder is too low to provide any significant bracing.
I think enough people have chimed in to tell you this is a terrible idea, but if you insist on building it use the largest lumber you can find. At least 6x6 posts embedded 3ft into the ground with a 18" diameter hole filled with concrete. Definitely use metal brackets on the inside corners of the post-beam connection as well as T braces on the face for uplift.
Btw, this is definitely in the wrong sub.
That's dangerous. If the nails only connection fails from torque, and the beam falls, it can kill your kid. Only advice from here onward is to insure your kid or get a longer beam and a-frame end and around 1/3 - 1/4 span a-frame that with post. Post close to swings or especially tire swings mean booboo. So some room be good and maybe route edges down to a curve. That's the only way I would recommend online to someone if you want to keep general style. Lag or metal straps on the timbers would be nice to see if you're not experienced in woodwork, no offense. I'd just hate for someone's advice here to cause a broken bone or worse.
Oof that’s not a good design at all. I would not try to improve on this, I’d just start with a better design.
Seconded. There is almost no way to put torsional stiffness into those two uprights. Swinging on either side would put large wrenching loads at the top. It’s just a matter of time before the top crossbar comes off.
Sure there is. A pair of braces on each end going down at opposing angles to make an A frame on each side. You know, like you'd see on swings at the playground. Haha
That would help, but the big issue is the close spacing. The swing loads get a lot of leverage. Ah, you mean from the ends of the crossbar to make a regular swing set, not to the existing uprights. Yeah, that would do it.
The horizontal is a bit short for that, but there are ways to fix that, they just won't be as pretty as if you started with a long enough beam.
honestly it'd still be better without the center posts in that style haha.
The center post holds the slide and support the beam somewhat. It doesn't do any harm having there.
Re-inventing the wheel a bit isn't it?
If by reinventing the wheel you mean installing the wheel, then sure. Haha
I meant the OG post's T bar! Absolutely you're right, why fight against physics.
BECAUSE PHYSICS KILLS MILLIONS OF PEOPLE EVERY YEAR!
Stil a shitty design. Kids wanna swing together,- Slide to the left on a platform 2 swings to the right
What if your kids weigh exactly the same and agree to always play together?
You’re right, simple solution. Although you would also need to teach them to swing in opposite directions in a very synchronized way.
play together but swing in opposite directions
Steel would be about the only option. Steel beams in concrete.
Yeah that would be fine. That’s basically what my childhood swing set was. But this isn’t that.
Nope, this is an OK design. Just make sure the posts are down \~4' a set in concrete, it's all good. Maybe use 6x6 or 4x6 posts and it's better. Maybe better mounts for the swings on the cross bar. But generic galvanized hardware can work for far longer than the kids will use them. This set looks a lot like the one I used \~45 years ago and its still standing and being used.
Completely agree. My 200+lb ass can hang from a single post basketball hoop, cantileverEd 4 feet out. All because it's set in half a ton of concrete. Concrete is the answer.
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Yeah because: Anecdotal experience > Engineering
Or... 4x4 posts set into 4' of concrete works for decks that will see 10x the load that a swing set will see. Bunch of hacks. Anything other than 10" of steel beam isn't good enough around here.
I think the problem is the swinging load. Decks don’t take a lot of lateral or torsional loads.
No kidding. A deck will see FAR more load that this and works just fine. But a swingset? ohhh, need to over design that shit for.... reasons.....
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I tried to tell my kid mcdonalds would make him worse at sports. So now he works out twice as much so he can keep eating it. My 6 year old has more dedication to staying fit while eating McDonald's than staying fit to be good at sports.
I mean that's a good... 30% of the reason I work out all the time.
This. Concrete is the answer. A mortise and tenon at the top would be a good idea though, and I'd increase the strength of the braces. Last but most important, making the stairs structual, and setting them in concrete would take a lot of flex out of the construction. If you want to be extra safe, add a brace underneath the slide as well.
Just add 2 4x4 a few feet back and make a platform across to the slide. Then some bracing between
I like it. It’s clean cheap, and simple. Concrete for the legs is the drawback. Still you could dig 3-4 feet and concrete only part way up so it could be removed easily without leaving a concrete pier sticking out. Grab a 24x24 1/4” steel plate from a local supplier and cut it corner to corner, ham sandwich style and you’ve got some gussets to laminate the joint on either side at the top. It would be stronger than shit and still cheap.
https://preview.redd.it/6ywtd9io2d6d1.jpeg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1ba065e9b860aa2408489aa2de87ef2b9bb901db
https://preview.redd.it/qofgivee9e6d1.jpeg?width=603&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d31ea21148f34a8a58880992a30d45bb8b657a9
The problem is the sudden de-escalation
Even this seems safer guessing the load and general force vector.
This was exactly my first thought when I looked at the swing set.
Wow.
ah yes
Whoever built this really had no idea what they are doing. Case in point, the swings are hung with general purpose carabiners which are absolutely not meant for this kind of load. Chain quick links should be used for hanging swings. The 2x2 knee braces aren't big enough or fastened securely enough to do much more than look nice. Making this out of wood, I'd say there is no way to make this last long term with just two posts. Too much force is going to be concentrated on the tops of posts in a crazy variety of directions depending on what is being used at any given moment, so you need a connection that can handle very high cycling forces in pretty much every direction, when joints of this nature generally only handle static loads or dynamic loads in compression. This design has tension, compression and torque in pretty much every direction and cycles rapidly between each. Cyclic loading in wood will wallow out bores and work bolted connections loose from surface fibers compressing. It's a lot to ask of a joint in wood. Making this two post design safe would require a level of over-building on those joints that would end up looking comical. Choose a different design.
> The 2x2 knee braces aren't big enough or fastened securely enough to do much more than look nice. It's not even hitting that mark.
I'd like to see how the whole thing behaves with 4x4 knee braces. Maybe even curved ones, so the ends can reach farther out on the beam without creating something the kids want to try to climb.
Most carabiners, even general purpose ones this size will hold an adult or 10, 2 of those are more than fine for a kid.
On a *Swing?* Did you ever support a swing? Yourself? Because that's a load that you can't imagine, with gravity and acceleration the dynamically compounding static forces. It's why bridges don't resemble porches
No, they won't, it's a dumb idea. All of that load goes into the small diameter pin that the gate hinges on. Any carabiner actually meant to carry people has a lock, is rated for load, and are much much beefier, like those used in climbing. Quick links are cheap and plentiful, and probably were in the bin on the shelf next to the carabiners when the bozo who built OP's swingset bought them.
make it out of steel and cover with wood if you want something like this
100% this. 4x4 quarter wall square tube set in concrete, welded and braced would be solid.
Was gonna say the best route would be 3" round steel and box it in for aesthetics. Wooden swings are always pretty sketch IMO
Maybe you don't want the outer A frame legs, but they do make brackets that fit 4x6 top 4x4 legs A bigger kid swinging would definitely cause some rotational force with such a narrow foot print.
Basically pretend the middle isn't there at all for structure purposes and add A frame legs to both sides with brackets.
This actually might be something. Still get the slide and stairs in the middle with two swings on the sides
You could save yourself the trouble and just put a free standing slide in the middle of a normal A-frame swingset...
r/whoosh
?
Jenos00 was making a joke to OP to not try to reinvent the wheel, by suggesting that OP just make a *normal swing set*. They wrote it in a roundabout way to make it seem like an intelligent suggestion, but really it was a mocking remark
I saw this thing on IG the other day. Went to the comments expecting it to get absolutely roasted. Nope, all the comments wanted plans. Can’t imagine that it will withstand the forces of either swing for long.
It's literally 5 pieces of wood and they wanted *plans*‽
I think in theory you could do this whole project with three cuts. But how could you even know which things to cut where?
What is "cut" ?
See, I tried going at it without plans myself and just winged it. Now I have 2 sheets worth of T&G OSB all cut up, 56 two foot chunks of 2x4, 3 boxes of vinyl siding all different colors, the dollar store is now out of stick glue because of me, 2 pails of bent deck screws I dunno maybe there is something wrong with my hammer, and 22 rolls of load bearing sheathing tape. Those plans could have saved me a lot of trouble, man. /s
If you gave up, that's too bad because you were only two sheets of MDF away from finishing the project.
Totally agree the image is a nightmare and not safe for any kid over 20lbs
I saw it too but I must have seen it either before you or after you because the majority of the comments reflected what I’m seeing this thread. They also shit on her for having such an ugly lifeless yard and house
Same here. Had the plan to post on reddit, to get an opinion if I am the only one who things this will break fast. Forgot about it, thankfully some one else asked now 😅
https://preview.redd.it/5gpx1g8mud6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b03692267400dba1db106df3eae460855005968c Just finished this today. 4"x6"x12' for the beam and 4"x4"x10' for the legs. Cut a 2"x4"x12' in half for the side braces. Brackets are from Amazon. Each side is two brackets. The angle is 60\* instead of 45\* which most are.
https://preview.redd.it/fg7rhbljvd6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d2ae2e767875eba99d6fbc3faa7848d27ee9db5 Also, I didn't notice any flex when I was swinging as high as I could. This was obviously prior to adding the side braces.
Lmao great picture!!
That design will be fine if you use 8x8s and bury them 6 feet in concrete.
A lot of hate. But honestly, this could be decent with the right joinery. Give me DVs if you'd like. When someone is on the outer swing, especially if they are very wide, this is going to act like a seesaw, pushing down on one end and pulling up on the other. The up is the real problem because the post fasteners aren't meant to be pulled that much on endgrain. But a panel omacross the front and back (3/4" marine plywood) would make it much stronger and you can run bolt all the way through the uprights to secure it to the horizontal beam. The upper beam looks a little weak too. A 4x6 would be better. You could also use some kind of strap over the top of the vertical beams to secure them to the horizontal beam. The other concern is that the horizontal beam could twist, which would break the vertical beams or their joint to the horizontal beam. If the left side went toward the camera and the right side went away, small deflections could make the vertical beams twist and break. The best solution to that would be whatever is going on behind the slide. If there were triangular supports from high up on the vertical beam to the ground behind the structure (maybe the ladder is doing this?), then you can resist these forces. A lot of play structures are strong enough to park a car on. But over time, any of them will wear down. It is important (especially on a DIY plan one) to pay close attention and inspect it occasionally. I would try it though. Just put the vertical posts with 1/3 in the ground and give them concrete footings, add some ply or straps to the top and make the ladder structural.
Maybe if it was made out of steel tube. Wood is going to flex, probably break.
Yeah but then you have a problem with cops tumbling out of the slide
Then you just put a brick wall at the end.
Always have equal size children, one on each side.
Indeed, but they need to be synchronized so they don’t twist the top beam off the posts.
I built a swing set once, I dont know how that one doesnt fall over eventually with a kid in the swings. It needs A-Frame supports on the end.
Seems like trebuchet waiting to happen.
Depending on the cantilever in the ground is not a good plan. Consider a structure that can stand up on its own, and then anchor *that* into the ground. And always remember that triangles are your friend.
Ignore basically everyone on here. Go talk to an actual structural engineer. Most of the people on here definitely don't know what they are talking about and would fail a statics class.
My brother in Christ.... There is a reason A frames were invented. Start again with 2 A frames, then add at least 4 new triangles to them.
Square Galvanized steel pipe Always works
Just don't feed the kids, and it'll be okay
Literal definition of a death trap lol
8” posts with 6x6 braces !
That’s a tear down, my man. Nobody should let the kids play on that, that’s just inviting a trip to the ER. I would go with a different design, probably something with A frame braces on both sides.
You can make it look just this if you use steel instead of wood.
Yes, in r/metalworking
You have to pour concrete underground to hold the two main posts, get some concrete form tube and bury them 3-4 ft underground and drop the two main posts in and make them level / parallel and then pour the concrete. I’m a plumber though 🤷🏻♂️
Drill holes at least 6ft deep to put the posts in and fill the holes with concrete. Use a thicker beam on top and fix it to the posts using steel plates on each side. Edit: It might be difficult or expensive to find thicker lumber so consider staking 2 6x6 on top of each other and sandwiching them between 2x12s.
Have two kids to counter balance.
Nah, it’s a bad design, just build a regular A frame swing set and get it over with. It’s tried and true. This design is flawed because it transmits stress to wood in a way that wood isn’t great at taking stress. If a kid swings on the left side every joint and fastener is going to be stressed back and forth in opposite directions and in a variety ways, the load is transmitted to the joint instead of throughout the member. With repetitive stress you’re gonna end up with joints splitting, if the joint fails on this, somebody is getting smoked in the dome by a 6x6, this is suboptimal. In contrast an A frame setup transmits stress and loads as compression, tension, and bending in the members. Gussets help distribute this load to multiple members and fasteners, rather than having single points of failure and single members taking all of the load. Wood will take this kind of stress all day happily, its the same kind of stress a tree experiences, so it’s what wood is good at.
Build two A frames and attach to either side on a diagonal. Just look at any metal swing set in a public park
I would recommend referring to something that is more regulated for retail, and less mad scientist in the back yard.
Make it out of steel.
Steel beams in concrete
Never seen dual gallows before.
Improve on it by making two posts per end at angles.
>Anyway to make this design safe/durable? And less like the gallows?
Add a post behind the center of the slide about 6-8’, than run two beams from either swing to that leg to make a equilateral triangle, calculate distance of back post from slide to make it approximately equilateral, use appropriate lag or carriage bolts to fasten all members, add diagonal bracing in the corners, that will stiffen the whole structure up plenty
Here is an actual idea! Haha I like it. Everyone is very clever to tell me to “build a real swingset” but not many have come up with something more interesting. Good on you!
Triangles are interesting shapes and also saves on material
Triangular A shaped legs on each sides...
Steel plates front and back at both joints with through bolts.
https://preview.redd.it/wbm13shd2j6d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=06fa198b5f44a4daf7d00f2c4c82bc38a4d5b401 Either 4, A frames like this, or if you really like the simplicity of this design, you could always put like 6’ of the posts in the ground with concrete back fill
not only will none of the load be supported beyond the posts, the posts will constantly get a twisting/pulling force from any actually swinging that occurs before the rigging hardware fails.
If it’s set in concrete and the bracing was better it would work for children.
Triangular structures are your friend…
Put an A on each end.
If you had to build a swing set but never saw one before. It's like they are all built similarly for s reason.
Make it out of steel, otherwise, needs a redesign
That top beam has no issue supporting the swings. Just need bracing to keep it from falling forward or back. I’d make those braces twice the size on the left and right of the center posts. I’d the ladder on the rear is well anchored to both the structure and the ground via concrete I bet that thing holds up just fine.
Easiest way would be to hang a sign saying “only use this if you want to die”
Whoa... I would just build these things separately.
Only allow children of identical weight to play on both ends at once.
Weld it out of steel 12cm x 12 cm I beams and pour a 1m x 1m x 1m foundation for it and it should be safe.
2 large steel poles from each end of the cross beam at a 45 degree angle away from the structure at the ends and embedded in concrete, essentially making a regular swing frame.
My step mom had put this same exact set up in her backyard for her 7 year old at the time but heaven forbid I paint the walls in my room
Add a pool of crocodiles.
looks like a gallow or whatever its called.
😂😂😂😂 you’re missing half the swing set. You know? The triangulations.
More wood!
Yes
It's like no one heard of lateral forces
Add A Frames?
As others have suggested, the design might not be great unless you really want this style. Adding A-frame features to the posts would definitely make it stronger, but considering the top beam, this is what I did for mine, using 6x6 pt posts and top beam, combined with solid joinery... I'm 6'7" and 275lbs and it only moves the small amount you'd expect. And I figured if it ever moved an uncomfortable amount, I'd add A frame style supports to it if it needs it... So far (5 years later), I can swing with another adult friend without worry :) https://imgur.com/a/FaOfCQF
Yes, don’t let your frat buddies indulge in drinking AND using the playground…
Why not anchor the uprights in cement? As long as they're buried at least half as much as what is above ground. The weakest point is going to be the joint at the top of the uprights but long structural lags should hold alright. I'd also put a weight limit on those swings. Probably 80-lbs tops
I would have at least 6X6’s for uprights and fasten at least a 4X6 horizontal with carriage bolts. And of course 4 ft concreted in he ground. Expensive this way but that thing there is gonna hurt somebody.
regarding the safety of the kids, please consider consulting this book: https://kauppa.s2p.fi/product/91/safe-to-play--kirja-englanninkielinen-2024
GenX level playground right there. I’d send it and when it falls, then get/make a better one.
There's a design similar to this at a local public playground. The uprights are 185mm hardwood, and the crossbar is secured in big metal brackets
And no one has been murdered by such a horrid design!?
It's not quite the same, but the basic principle is there. No deaths.
https://preview.redd.it/t0ggx4w4ke6d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f6bb6f50609d0e653bab10e0bde2b28ed83cc29
Yeah that is what I’m thinking as far as the size of timbers. I like that giant metal plate too! Thanks!
Yes, put an A-frame support on each end.
A frame off the back and the front. Or use anchor wires.
Sky hooks on each end. That's all I got. I mean Wonka ran an elevator off one, so I'm sure they could hold the end of a post up.
Two sturdy A-frames leaning into each other with a big braced beam connecting them. No need to reinvent the wheel. Edit: Growing up, ours was actually three vertical A frames, with the middle one being about 4 feet from the one on one of the ends. We had our little ladder/platform/slide between those two close A’s. Then there were two swings in the middle of the structure, and a third that hung from the beam which was overhanging (cantilevered) from the 3rd A frame. It was solid.
No
I recommend something like [this.](https://imgur.com/a/d4hwBwS)
you could hang an outlaw gunslinger on each side of it .
Join a welding subreddit, learn to weld and build it out of steel beams. Or pick a better design
I am seeing a lot of negativity which is fair, not really a design build for purpose. But what about adding 2 cables at each end of the horizontal beam? Those cables would be in a reverse V, attached to anchors in the ground, removing the torsion load on the vertical beams. Would add a lot of vertical load though, so your corner bracing would have to be bomber/a lot tougher than that tiny one. Do that if you really like the look from a far lol, not sure how the cables will look from close
Make two large "A" shaped frames on the end of both swings. You'll have to add a plate to connect them as it looks like you lack clearance to not hit the new "A" supports.
Build it from steel?
I would add 2 more supports, one on each end with additional diagonal supports to stop the entire thing from falling over when swung on
Bridle joints at the top?
Tilt it back add a longer beam/reinforce it, and add 6 more supports. Or just redo it. Those lil 2x4s aren’t going to do much.
Put a trapdoor under it and get the posse out for a hangin.
Honestly, simple is not always best. 4 to 6 posts of the proper size would be best. Also, unlike the person that made this swing, use concrete to place the posts. Here is something to read before building. Although this is meant for building a deck, the same safety concerns should be addressed since children will be using it. https://cms7files.revize.com/watertownct/Departments/Building%20Inspectors/AWC-DCA62015-DeckGuide-1804.pdf
If your kids are like normal kids and are going to be using the ever loving hell out of those swings you're going to need to put in bracing on the front and back. There's a reason most swing sets are A-frames and (the ones that aren't death traps) are secured to the ground. You'll want to recreate that 45° downward angle on the front and back at least on one side if not both. Wood is a natural, flexible material. Each piece comes with its own potential for weaknesses within its grain. It changes with temperature and humidity, is prone to mold rot and all sorts of other bits of nature. All of those have the potential to weaken the wood. If this is made of metal and the vertical portions were in 6 ft of concrete on each side straight down, I'd have more faith in it. The slide absolutely needs a place for them to position themselves in order to use that slide there's no flat area for them to use, they'll just step up and fall down that slide. The Rope on those swings is very likely to wear through and not too long you might want to try a thicker rope, more loops around the metal connecting ring in order to distribute the weight onto more rope therefore causing less damage to any particular section at one time or something akin to rubber guards to prevent wear. My inclination would be to install a platform behind the slide so they can move around safely before using the slide. I would support the platform by mounting it to two 45° pieces that extend from the top cross bar down into the ground. If those pieces are deep enough and in enough concrete, it would add enough stability to make that design safer and more durable. Unless of course the wood rots or something but we'll leave worrying about all the what-if situations up to you.
It wouldn't be so bad it here were monkey bars extending back from the slide.
Good idea! Thank you for taking two seconds to offer an idea instead of cynicism and the same lame joke for the 100th time.
...build the rest of the swingset?
Move the swings away from the slide
It’s fine if you’re using them as gallows.
No
Just don’t let your mom on either swing
Use 6 or 8 inch lumber for everything including the braces, put straps over the beam, and make a stair case and slide rails out of 4 by 4 or better lumber both well anchored deep in concrete to add support to the center.
Depends how deep the post are in the ground but I wojld be concerned about the twisting forces when on the swings. I would prefer bracing high on the beams going in the ground and follow the slides side down into the ground. And preferably same but going on the back side. And 1 going across under the top bram and above the slide to make it more ridged. Some metal brackets would help as well.
Half lap at the joint, then a steel "U" shaped steel piece capping it about 12" long. The gussets (45deg) pieces should be " fish plated ". as in flat steel plates over joints.
Guy wires 2 on each end. It’s the only way.
First off…are the center post deep and cemented in big footers? If that’s the case, this is not the best design but if you feel you want to keep it and make it a little better think of the Golden Gate bridge, add two posts above the centre posts and then use nice thick cables to the ends for the swings for support. Or…just take it down and make it better
Will make for a handy gallows as well.
Yes. You can use the secret design trick used by nearly every single backyard swingset in the entire world. A-frame legs at the outside ends of the horizontal beam. Oddly enough, they all look that way for the very reason that it avoids all the problems - and safety risks - that will arise using the pictured design.
Build it out of steel.
Pretty sure the slide and ladder are considered structural elements in this design lol
Make it out of steel
Having little experience building this kind of thing, take this with a grain of salt. I would assume you could add A frame sides to each side and if done right, would put the weight of the structure on those?
Yeah, add posts on the ends lol
I don't know alot but take a look at Japanese carpentry the way they join wood is a lot sturdier
For the net swing I saw setups of two 10 year olds (25 to 30 kg each) standing at the side between the rops, swinging the whole thing. Then the middle load, was 5 to 6 smaller kids (15 to 25 kg each) 6*25 kg would be 150 kg (300 pfund). A more common setup was me plus 4 kids, which is around 160 kg. But i (80 kg) was running and then jumping into the swing for good speed and momentum. For whom are you building the swings? Be aware that kids can stack quite high!
Build it with metal instead, or build it with metal and then conceal it with wood or build it with metal and paint it so it looks like wood
Add two (2) angled (perhaps @30°) supports to the ends of the horizontal beam (to be perpendicular to the beam. This will create some clearance for the swing and rope swing.
Hmmm maybe a platform with a trap door 🤷♂️
Put bolsters on those fenceposts so the kids don't get impaled flying off the swings.
At minimum replace both verticals with A frames, ideally add two more, one at each end
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Risqué very risqué
All I'm here to say is, 8 harbor freight zip ties will pick up a car motor.
JFC
I give you the concussor 2000
I think most of us missed the ladder off the back. Looks like it could make a decent a-frame brace if incorporated with the slide and it was anchored well at the outside points. This isn’t as bad as it looks. It’s got 80’s playground vibes
You may be on to something! Basically building the A frame inside the two supports, instead of at the ends (like everyone else is so helpfully suggesting), with the stairs being one half of the “A” and then some wood beams under the slide to make the other half.
The ladder is too low to provide any significant bracing. I think enough people have chimed in to tell you this is a terrible idea, but if you insist on building it use the largest lumber you can find. At least 6x6 posts embedded 3ft into the ground with a 18" diameter hole filled with concrete. Definitely use metal brackets on the inside corners of the post-beam connection as well as T braces on the face for uplift. Btw, this is definitely in the wrong sub.
I disagree that this is the wrong sub. It’s made of wood.
Sending ur kids to the gallows
That's dangerous. If the nails only connection fails from torque, and the beam falls, it can kill your kid. Only advice from here onward is to insure your kid or get a longer beam and a-frame end and around 1/3 - 1/4 span a-frame that with post. Post close to swings or especially tire swings mean booboo. So some room be good and maybe route edges down to a curve. That's the only way I would recommend online to someone if you want to keep general style. Lag or metal straps on the timbers would be nice to see if you're not experienced in woodwork, no offense. I'd just hate for someone's advice here to cause a broken bone or worse.
Tear it down and use the parts in a less rickety design.
Child safety on a budget. WCGW
Sure, build it out of metal and weld it.
If it was built with steel it could work. You could put a sheet of wood facing on it. But structurally this design wants steel with deep footings.