DIY Tree Swing

wood and rope tree swing hanging from tree branch with green field behind it

We’re in the process of updating the play area in our backyard. The swings that we had were broken and I wanted some nice wood swings that could be used by both kids and adults! Making your own swings is really pretty simple and doesn’t take very long. Once I told Mike what I had in mind, he whipped up two swings quickly – slowed down only by his wife stopping him to take pictures. 😉

young boy swinging on wood and rope swing with green field behind him

wood swing with rope with grass behind it

Supplies for tree swing:

Wood (we used pine wood)
Rope (we used ¾” nylon rope – make sure the working load limit is a high enough weight for whomever will be using the swing)
Saw
Drill
Router/Sand Paper

lighter burning end of rope and bottom of a tree swing

sanding piece of wood with orbital sander and sandpaper

board with rope coil on it and man cutting a piec eof wood with saw

How to make tree swing:

Measure the length you want your swing to be and cut the board that length.
Using sand paper or a router, round the edges of the cut board (Mike has a router so he used that. If you don’t have one, you can use sandpaper – it just will take a little longer).
Sand any rough spots along the swing.
Measure and mark the holes that your rope will go through. Drill holes, making sure to use a drill bit that’s as big as the rope you’re using.
To attach the rope: leaving the rope as one long length, slide one end of the rope though a hole starting on the top side of the swing.
Run rope along the bottom of the swing and up through the next hole (see picture above). Tie a knot.
Take the remaining rope and thread it through the holes on the opposite side, starting on the top side of the swing and running it along the bottom and up through. Tie another knot.
The rope of the swing should now be a giant loop; find the center of the rope and cut apart so that your rope is now separated.
To make sure the cut ends of the rope don’t unravel/fray – you can melt the bottoms with a lighter or wrap them with twine.
Hang from tree branch or swing set, making sure all knots are very secure.
For more info on different knots and how to tie them, you can always search the web for how to tie knots. Watching videos is helpful you’re a newbie knot tier. This site has a lot of different knots, what they’re useful for and how to tie them.

Be sure to follow our DIY & Craft Pinterest Board for more inspiration!

-Manda