How to Make Wooden Swings, Simple DIY Board Swing Design Ideas

how to hang chain swing
Hanging a chain swing for a safety test

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Creating a simple swing with a wooden board is a fun and quick DIY project that requires no fancy tools or advanced carpentry skills. All you need is patience and the desire to turn a board into a fun addition to your backyard, making your kid happy. A simple garden swing becomes a fabulous yard decoration that sets a playful, carefree mood in your home. Lushome offers a visual tutorial and quick instructions to help you build a board swing safely and efficiently. Anybody can make it.

These DIY swings are easy to make using a sturdy wooden board, such as oak, birch, or cedar. You will need approximately a 2″ x 8″ board, about 24–36″ long. A ¾” thick synthetic rope (polypropylene or polyester) or strong chains are suitable for durability and weather resistance, and hanging a garden swing from a robust horizontal beam or branch. Sandpaper and exterior wood finish help smooth edges and surfaces, beautifully stain the DIY swing, and complete the DIY project.

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Cut the wooden board and round the corners for comfort using a jigsaw or sandpaper. Drill two holes near each end with a 1″ bit, about 2″ from the sides and 2¾” from the front edge. Sand to smooth all surfaces and edges to prevent splinters, and seal. Apply exterior polyurethane or paint to protect against the weather.

Measuring a wooden board
Cutting wood and marking the holes

Measure the rope long enough from the horizontal support or branch to the desired seat height, then add extra for knots. Cut two equal lengths of rope and melt the ends to prevent fraying. Loop the rope over the branch and secure it with a strong knot, such as a bowline or overhand loop. Ensure the ropes are spaced evenly and hang straight. It is better to form an inverted “Y” shape on each side of a swing board for stability.

Drilling the holes
Sanding and painting wood

Thread the rope through the holes in the board, tie secure knots underneath the seat to hold it in place. Adjust for level and height before tightening, then test the swing for safety. Sit on the swing to set the knots and check stability. Ensure the swing is level and the knots are securely tightened.

Safe and stable rope swing design
Two rope swing design ideas

Hanging with a chain

You need to cut the chain to the desired length using a cutoff wheel or bolt cutters. It is better to have two long chains and two short chains to form an inverted “Y” shape on each side of a swing board for stability. Use eye bolts in drilled holes and connect the chains with chain quick links. Ensure the chains are spaced evenly and hang straight. Sit on the swing to check stability. Ensure the swing is level and the chain connections are securely tightened.

Using eye bolts for chain swings
Using quick chain links to hang a swing
Hanging a chain swing for a safety test
Stable chain swing design

  by Ena Russ   
   16.07.2025

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