Create a DIY Backyard Rope Swing
Skill
Intermediate
Time
One Day
Cost
Less Than $500
Resources
- 1
CUT THE WOOD FOR THE SEAT
Have a Lowe’s associate trim the rough end from a 2″x10″ [5.08 cm x 25.4 cm] board and then cut two pieces 3″ [7.62 cm] long and one piece 22″ [55.88 cm] long. Steps:
- 2
SAND THE EDGES OF THE SEAT
Sand the faces, edges, and ends of all three pieces. Drill pilot holes in each 3″ [7.62 cm] piece. Glue and screw the 3″ [7.62 cm] pieces with both edges and one end flush with the end of the seat.
Steps:
- 3
DRILL HOLES FOR THE ROPE
Mark the locations of the four 1″ [2.54 cm] holes (for 3/4″ [1.91 cm] rope). Place a piece of scrap wood beneath the swing seat and drill the holes. Sand around the top and bottom edges of the holes. Then sand to round over all sharp edges and corners on the seat.
Steps:
- 4
PAINT, IF DESIRED
Apply one coat of primer, let dry, and lightly sand any rough spots. Then apply two coats of paint – don’t miss the insides of the rope holes.
Steps:
- 5
ADD THE ROPE
Cut two pieces of rope 5′ [1.52 m] long and, to keep the rope from unravelling, heat the ends with a match or lighter until they begin to melt. Thread one end through a hole in the seat from the top and make an overhand knot underneath. Repeat on the remaining hole on the same end of the seat with the opposite end of the rope. Repeat this step on the other end of the seat.
Steps:
- 6
HANG YOUR SWING
Place a snap link on each seat rope. Measure from the tree limb to the ground and cut two pieces of rope about 3′ [.91 m] longer than that distance. (We needed about 18′ [5.49 m] of rope on each side.) See our video on how to tie a double-bowline knot on one end of each rope. Throw the knotted end over the tree limb where you’ll hang the swing, pass the other end through the loop, and pull the knot snug against the tree limb. Then tie a second double-bowline and attach the snap link with the swing rope so the seat is about 18″ [45.72 cm] above the ground. Repeat for the other tree limb rope.TIP: Rope can fray or weaken after continuous use or when left in direct sunlight for long periods. Regularly check the condition of the rope and remove or replace it if you notice frayed or broken strands.
Steps:
Safety Warning
Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, ad skill will vary, as will the conditions of your project site. Lowe’s Companies Inc., and its subsidiaries ("Lowe’s") have made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions and other content contained in this publication. However, neither Lowe’s nor the publisher will assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your home improvement or repair project or in the course of your use of the item you create or repair. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all standard safety precautions. Prices and supply may vary, so check the cost of materials and labour in your area before beginning any home improvement project. We strive to be accurate, but unintentional errors may occur and we reserve the right to correct any error. See a Lowe’s store for information regarding product warranties and any available protection plans. All prices, products and promotions are limited to Canada locations only.
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