DIY Life

My sister has a wooden tree swing in her yard. The children love it, often choosing it over the metal swing set that sits nearby. It's a nice place to sit and watch the children play, or just swing for a while, taking in the crisp autumn air. The wooden swing was there when they moved in. It probably had years of enjoyment before them, and they will leave it for the next family, I'm sure. If you think this would get the same kind of use in your yard, why not build one yourself?

Jon Vivian teaches us how to build a sturdy wooden tree swing. He refers to the swing as something "your children and grandchildren will remember you by." He says that you don't need any major carpentry skills. It's a project the whole family can get involved in. After the break I'll tell you how.

Materials

1. Hand saw or electric skill-saw
   
2. Try square
   
3. Wood rasp
   
4. Sandpaper
   
5. Electric Screwdriver
   
6. Drill with 1/8" and 3/8" wood-bits
   
7. Lumber
   
8. Rope
   
9. Fasteners
10. Wood preservative
    
11. Paint brush

Jon's article details each step giving you important tips along the way. You'll learn how to choose the right tress, tie a knot that lasts forever and craft the swing seat. You'll have many years of fun ahead of you with this handmade wooden tree swing.