5 Easy DIY Swing Set Plans to Build This Weekend

There’s something about the simple joy of a swing that never gets old. 

I remember building a basic swing in my backyard years ago. 

It wasn’t fancy, just a sturdy wooden frame with a rope seat, but it brought so much fun to lazy afternoons. 

That little project turned out to be one of the best weekend builds I’ve ever done. If you’ve got a free weekend and want to add something fun and functional to your yard, building a DIY swing set is a solid choice.

This guide is all about making it easy for you. Whether you’re new to DIY or you’ve been working with tools for years, these plans are straightforward and don’t require anything fancy. 

You’ll get a practical layout for each swing set, along with materials you can easily find at your local hardware store. And by the time you’re done, you’ll have a backyard upgrade that everyone—kids and adults alike—can enjoy.

1. Classic Wooden A-Frame Swing Set

If you want something timeless and sturdy, the A-frame design is where to start. I built one like this because it’s simple, safe, and looks good in any yard.

All you need are treated lumber beams, a few galvanized brackets, and heavy-duty swing hangers. 

I used 4×4 posts for the legs and a 4×6 beam for the top support. The key is making sure everything is level and reinforced with cross braces.

I added two swings, but you can leave space for a third if you’ve got a big crew. It’s a weekend project, and if you’ve got a second pair of hands, you’ll be done faster.

2. Minimalist Single Post Swing

This design is as simple as it gets. It’s great if you have a small yard or want something a little more understated.

I made one of these for my niece in an afternoon. It’s just two sturdy posts in the ground with concrete and a top beam connecting them. One single swing hangs in the middle. 

You can paint or stain the wood to match your backyard style. If you want less clutter in the yard but still offer a place to swing, this design checks all the boxes.

3. Tire Swing on a Sturdy Frame

This one brings back memories. I had a tire swing when I was a kid, so I built one for my backyard a few years ago. 

It’s still a hit when friends bring their kids over.

For this, you’ll need an old tire, some heavy-duty rope or chains, and a sturdy wooden frame to hang it from. 

You can hang the tire horizontally with three chains for stability or vertically with one rope for a little extra spin. Just make sure the frame is solid, especially if the kids like to twist and spin like we did.

4. DIY Swing Set with Monkey Bars

If you want to kick it up a notch, add monkey bars to your swing set. I built a combo for a friend last summer, and their kids are on it every day.

Start with the same A-frame structure but extend one side to hold a ladder and monkey bar section. 

You can use metal rungs or wooden dowels—just make sure they’re sanded smooth. It’s a bit more involved, but still doable in a weekend. Plus, it adds a little extra fun for the kids who like to climb as much as they like to swing.

5. Porch Swing on a Stand

This one’s for the grown-ups, although kids love it too. I built a porch swing on a freestanding frame for my patio, and it’s my go-to spot for morning coffee.

You’ll need 4×4 posts for the frame and a pre-made porch swing (or build your own if you’re up for it). 

I set the posts in concrete and used galvanized chains to hang the swing. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and works anywhere—yard, garden, or even inside a sunroom. And it doesn’t take up much space.

Final Thoughts

Building a swing set is one of those DIY projects that pays off right away. Whether you go with a simple single swing or a full playground setup, you’ll add something fun and useful to your outdoor space. 

Each of these plans is beginner-friendly, and with a little effort, you can finish one in a weekend. 

I’ve built a few of these myself, and there’s nothing like watching someone hop on a swing you made with your own hands.