Free Arbor Swing Plans

REVISED MATERIAL LIST

2×12:
Quantity Needed: 2 @ 12′
—
6×6:
Quantity Needed: 4 @ 12′
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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.

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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″)

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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.