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Free Arbor Swing Plans Free Arbor Swing Plans
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Free Arbor Swing Plans

Read the instructions completely before building this project. There is a revised material list at the bottom of this post along with comments regarding changes needed. The DIY site has information that is different from their actual plans.

An arbor swing is a lovely way to accent your garden or yard.  These free plans are the perfect way to start building this piece today.  There is even a video tutorial coupled with it, but only the last one minute and twelve seconds deal with the Arbor Swing.

You will need to gather the following materials:

  • 6 x 6 Posts
  • 2 x 12 Boards
  • 4 x 4 Posts
  • Carriage Bolts
  • Concrete Mix
  • Screws
  • Galvanized Carriage Bolts
  • Nuts
  • Washers
  • Anchor Bolts
  • 2 x 6 Boards
  • 1 x 6 Boards
  • 2 x 4 Boards
  • 1 x 4 Boards

Arbor Swing

You will also need these tools:

  • Wheelbarrow
  • Hoe
  • Power Auger
  • Reciprocating Saw
  • Miter Saw
  • Electric Drill with Screwdriver Attachment
  • Safety Glasses
  • Dust Mask
  • String Level
  • Ladder

The plans have photos to reference along with the text.  The video clip will only give you a quick overview of the project but could still be of some help.  Click the link below to get started on this project.

Free Arbor Swing Plans

REVISED MATERIAL LIST

2×12:
Quantity Needed: 2 @ 12′

6×6:
Quantity Needed: 4 @ 12′

2 x 6’s
Quantity Needed:
2 @ 8′

Cuts Needed:
2 @ 24″
2 @ 28″

1 x 6’s
Quantity Needed: 0
(with the alteration to the ‘plan’ described below.)

FORGET THE 1×6 mentioned in the DIY plan. Also, avoid ‘ripping’ the 1×6 in half. The arm in the photo is clearly a 2×6.

REPLACE THIS WITH YOUR 2X6’s and use your excess material from the prior step.
Cuts Needed: 2 @ 20″

Note: The plans on the DIY site mention the use of 1×6’s for this part, however, it is clear from the photos that a 2×6 is being used. Frankly, I would want the 2×6 for long term durability.


2 x 4’s
Quantity Needed: 4 @ 8′ (please read the changes listed below)
Cuts Needed:
2 @ 13.5″
2 @ 24″
2 @ 39″
1 @ 48″
The plan does not mention this, but you will need the stringers that your bench rests on and that the chain is attached to. These should be 2 x 4’s at about 56″ in length. We are estimating that number since the overhang isn’t defined (48″ seat width + 2 @ 1 1/2″ arm uprights + 2 @ 2 1/2 overhang on each end = 56″)


1 x 2’s
Replace with 1 x 4’s. I would also consider replacing the 1″ lumber with 5/4 thickness instead. This will add to the strength and durability.
The DIY plan is clearly wrong in this instance and their finished product is using 1 x 4’s, not 1 x 2′. You could use 1 x 2’s if that is the look you are going for, so you can make your alteration from there.

1 x 4’s
Quantity Needed: 6 (7 if you add the lower back support mentioned below)
Cuts Needed:
1 @ 48″ upper back support
11 @ 25″
5 @ 48″

1 @ 48″ Not shown in the plan, but I would consider a lower back support for durability.

2 x 2’s or 3 x 3’s or 2 x 4’s

Quantity Needed: 2 @ 8′

Cuts Needed:

9 @ 20″ (approximate)

These are for the cross pieces on top of arbor. This item wasn’t mentioned, and isn’t necessarily required, in the DIY plan but this is a big visual feature of the project.

There isn’t any structural value here but there is visual interest and the slightest hint of shade which also adds to the visual.  When looking at the photo, these items appear to be 3″ x 3″. However, you could use what ever you choose here. I have used 2″ x 2″ and even 2″ x 4″ in the past. Experiment with the look.

This is a great project with a plan from DIY that is lacking in detail.
  • A great project for any home
  • Multi-function (use the swing on a porch)
  • Almost entirely made of simple cuts.
  • Inaccuracies in the plan compared to the item in the photos. Please view our notes in conjunction with the 'plan' at DIY.

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  • Sam Maniscalco

    March 24, 2015 #1 Author

    Is there a list for the exact number of 2 x 6’s, 1 x 6’s, 2 x 4’s and 1 x 2’s needed to make this project. Thank You! Sam

    Reply

    • WoodworkCity

      March 25, 2015 #2 Author

      Sam,

      Unfortunately, the DIY plans don’t have a full material list, and what they have is incorrect.

      We did a breakdown from what we can tell from the project photos and probably have a more realistic material list. Check out our “Revised Material List” above along with the notes on some suggested changes.

      Good luck!

      WoodworkCity.com

      Reply

      • Sam Maniscalco

        April 7, 2015 #3 Author

        Thank you very much for the up dated plans and material list. It is on my to do list.
        Sam

        Reply

        • Sam Maniscalco

          April 14, 2015 #4 Author

          I seem to be having a little problem laying out the curve for the seat. This has to be just right are the swing will not be comfortable. Any suggestion on laying out the curve for the seat or do I just put my own?

          Reply

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