The swing used in this project measures about 4 feet wide, so the 6x6 posts need to be 9 feet apart inside edge to inside edge. This will leave about 2-1/2 feet of clearance to walk between the swing and each post. Determine the final position of the swing, then carefully measure and mark the location of the individual posts. Use an auger to dig a hole for each of the posts. Make sure to dig the holes deep enough; for this project, the crew digs holes 3 feet deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. Remember, the same power that makes an auger effective at digging holes makes it hard to control; if you don't think you can control the auger safely, have a friend help or call in a pro. Mix 80 pounds of post concrete in a wheelbarrow according to the manufacturer's instructions. Position a 12-foot post in the hole, make sure it's plumb on all sides; have a helper hold it in place. Fill in the hole around the post with concrete until the concrete is level with the ground. Repeat the process for the other post.
Make sure the posts are on the same plane, level and plumb. Let the concrete set overnight. Once the concrete is dry, carefully measure each post to 8 feet off the ground; use a string level to make sure the marks on the posts are level with each other. Use a reciprocating or circular saw to cut the posts flat at the marks. Set the excess wood aside to make the swing supports. Position one 2x12 crossbeam across the front of the two posts, level it to the top of the posts and temporarily hold it in place with a screw at each end. Repeat the process for the other beam, sandwiching the posts. Make sure the beams are level and lined up with each other. With the beams in position, drill a hole through the beams and post. Slip a washer over a rust-proof carriage bolt, insert it through the hole, then secure it with a washer and nut. Tighten with a socket wrench. Repeat for the other end of the crossbeams. To add visual interest, screw short pieces of 4x4s to the top of the crossbeams.
Place the trim pieces 6 to 12 inches apart, perpendicular to the beams. Retrieve the one-foot pieces of lumber that were trimmed from the top of the posts. Measure the width of the swing. Measure and mark the center point of the crossbeams. To center the swing supports, measure out from the center of the crossbeams half the width of the swing. Make a mark at this point, then repeat on the other side of the center point. Position a one-foot piece of 6x6 between the crossbeams at one of these points and tack it in place with screws. Position and attach the other 6x6 scrap on the other mark. To attach the pieces permanently, drill through the crossbeams and supports, then install carriage bolts, nuts and washers as above. Drill up through the bottom of the swing supports and install heavy-duty anchor bolts. These anchor bolts will hold eye bolts, which in turn will connect to the swing chain. This simple, custom swing is a good fit for the freestanding arbor frame above. Use a jigsaw and cut the seat supports on a curve for a more comfortable seat.
Draw the curve before cutting and make sure the pieces match exactly. 2x6 (1-1/2" x 5-1/2") back uprights (cut two): 28" seat supports (cut two): 24" Rip a piece of 1x6 lengthwise to 3-1/2" wide, then cut two pieces 20" long for the armrests. 2x4 (1-1/2" x 3-1/2") front uprights (cut two): 13-1/2" arm rails (cut two): 24" stretchers/back supports (cut two): 39" back cleat (cut one): 48" 1x2 (3/4" x 1-1/2") top rail (cut one): 48" back seat slats (cut eight): 25" seat bottom slats (cut five): 48" Use a belt sander or a hand sander to sand down the edges of the wood. To save time – and help make sure the holes line up properly, pre-drill pilot holes before starting to assemble the swing. Throughout assembly, use galvinized or stainless screws to attach the various pieces of lumber. Attach the back upright, front upright, seat support and arm rail for both sides of the swing. Attach the 2x4 seat supports and screw the 1x4 seat bottom slats to the supports and the sides of the swing.
The seat supports should be cut on a curve for a more comfortable seat. Attach the seat back stretchers and back cleat; the cleat goes at the top of the seat back, while the stretcher connects to the bottom of the swing. Attach the 1x4 seat back slats to the stretcher and back cleat. Attach the sides to the back and bottom of the swing. Attach the armrests to the arm rails. Determine where the swing chain should attach to the seat supports, and drill holes at those points large enough to accommodate anchor bolts. Also drill a hole through the armrest large enough for the chain to pass through. Install anchor bolts in the seat supports, then screw eye bolts into the anchor bolts. Install the chain, and the swing is ready to hangSometimes, we would want to swing in order to relax. The swinging motion makes us feel free and calm just like how a baby falls asleep on a cradle or on a swinging hammock. Because of the sweet sensation we feel from swinging, even chairs are hanged on the air.
It does make us feel good when we read a book or just relax on a hanging chair.But hanging chairs are a bit expensive especially those with beautiful designs. What if you just make something on your own? Yes, that is actually possible. What is good in just making it is that you can’t just save money but you can decide on the design that you really love. So, if you don’t know how to make a hanging and swing chair, here are 20 epic ideas for you!This hanging chair from Beautiful Mess is genius! I also like that the print of the fabric are different on both sides.Learn how to make this Macramé furniture so you can have one in your house.Tid Bits from the TremayneThis hanging chair is perfect for a nautical themed bedroom.Don’t throw away your old chair. Remove the legs, add some ropes and you will have something like this!Just a fabric, wood and rope can be turned into a lovely hanging chair. Don’t forget to add the pillows!You can connect pallet this way and make a unique swing.I like how this was made.
So easy and simple but it turned out very gorgeous!Made from fabric, this is a reading chair for a child.Imagine how it feels like to sit on this beautiful hanging chair. Why not make one for you?Your porch will look more relaxing with this one. You can use rustic rope or chain links to attach this to the ceiling.If you have some pallet, turn it into a swing like this!Pallet swings is a good idea both for indoor and outdoor use. Add some throw pillows for some soft touch.This one looks pretty modern but it wasn’t that hard to make!So You Think You’re CraftyAside from the fabric, add some comfy pillows to make it even more inviting!Looking at this chair will give us the idea of how it is made using fabric, string and wood.Got some bean bags? Simply add a hole on the edges and attach some chains. You can also make one like this that will make your toddler feel like they are enveloped inside like a tent.That baby sure is very happy to swing on this chair her mother made for her! How lovely this is!