It’s ironic that it took having grandchildren to motivate me to build a tree swing. In my defense, it also helps that we FINALLY have a tree with a strong enough branch. We planted this beautiful honey locust 15 years ago, and I have been eyeing that side branch for some time. I love this tree.
Spring is here, and my favorite locust is starting to come alive. My daughter and her babies are coming to visit from Colombus, OH where daddy is attending dental school. So, grandma is over here ready to make 2 year old -Bridget Kate- an outdoor play spot. I think she’s going to love it!
This tree swing is not only easy to make but you can hang it without fancy knots. I don’t know about you but I have no girl scout skills. I found these awesome tree straps (aff) that made the process super easy without damaging the tree. Using them also means I can quickly and easily remove the swing to store over the winter, or after Bridget Kate and her baby brother go home [insert sad face here].
This project is just one of several scrap wood builds you can enjoy. I am honored to join some of my creative blogger friends in this monthly challenge! Scroll down to learn how to make this cute tree swing, then swing back to see the other projects! (sorry I couldn’t help myself…)
Easy DIY Tree Swing
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Materials needed
- 2 x 12 board cut @22″
- 2 x 4’s cut to the width of the 2×12, mine were 11 1/4″
- Drill with 11/16″ bit, wood screws and wood glue
- Sander or Sand Paper
- 2 Tree Straps with Hooks
- 3/4″ diameter rope
- Finish of choice (I used walnut stain with a coat of polyurethane)
Step 1: Cut wood pieces (or have the store cut them for you!)
You will need three pieces of wood for this project. I used my scrap wood pile. Cut the 2×12 at 22″ and the two 2×4 pieces the same size as the short side of the 2×12.
Step 2: Attach pieces together
Use wood glue and 3″ wood screws to attach the 2×4’s to the 2×12. I put one screw on each end of the 2×4.
Step 3: Drill a hole in each corner
Using an 11/16″ bit drill a hole in each corner. Use a piece of scrap wood on the bottom to keep you from drilling through your bench.
Step 4: Sand and Finish
Give the entire piece a good sanding. I used my sander which I love and makes the job super fast! But, sand paper and elbow grease will get the job done too. I made sure the entire piece was nice and smooth. I rounded up the edges and corners to keep Bridget Kate from getting cuts. Then I gave it a coat of walnut stain, followed by a coat of polyurethane. I let it dry overnight before hanging.
Step 5: Hang and Enjoy!
This part went so much smoother than I had anticipated and it’s all because of these handy dandy tree straps! They come with the hooks and I literally threw them over the branch.
Done and done.
If you are handy with knots, you can use rope for this part, but I went the easy and convenient route on this project. I love that they are simple to remove and keep the tree free of damage.
I used this 3/4″ thick rope I bought at Lowes. It comes in other colors too and it’s really soft to the touch for Bridget Kate’s little hands. It is super easy to handle. I was able to cut it with regular scissors and tying the knots was not hard. I cut two pieces and threaded them through the holes and tied regular knots at the bottom. Hurray for regular knots! I actually cut my rope on the spot to make sure the seat stayed leveled, so one piece is slightly longer.
And that is all my friends! I hope you like this fun and easy project and are motivated to build one for your littles or grand littles! They would love it, I’m sure!
Little Bridget Kate sure does!
Don’t forget to pin!
And if you like scrap wood projects be sure and check out these projects from my blogger friends!
Got scraps? We do! See what we did with them!
So cute! Definitely saving this one for future grandchildren…or me! I love to swing. 🙂
Thanks Kimm! I love to swing too! In fact it is strong enough to hold an adult. I’ve been swinging too 🙂
Great idea for those scrap pieces of wood. Very cute.
Thanks for stopping by Denise!
You just created something so fun! I know many happy memories will be made and shared.
Thanks Lisa! I’m hoping so 🙂
I absolutely love how this turned out – and that it does not damage the tree! I need a couple of these for my little guys…
Thanks Sarah! Yes! Those straps are the bomb 🙂
Love your swing I bet the kids love it too!
Thanks Claire! BK sure loves it!
What a super cool idea!! I am sure it will be but to awesome use. Love that there are no fancy knots required too!
Thank you,Sam!
Oh my what a cute idea, I bet your grandkids (and kids) love it. Super smart to use the tree strap on the branch. I wish I lived close enough to try it out 🙂
Yes they do Toni! 🙂 thanks for stopping by 🙂
Very nice, simple project. The stain makes it look great!
Why did you add the small blocks to the underside? I’m not sure of their purpose here.
Hi Andrew! No specific purpose. I just added them to add a little dimension.
So basically just looks. I would think it’d work just fine without them. I’m glad you liked it!
I love this so much. Can’t wait until my new willow trees are big enough! (And who knew they made straps for that?!) Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Sarah!!
Look at her go!!! I love giant tree swings, and I only wish we had a tree for a swing! I love it, and I have no doubt they will enjoy it for a long long time!!
Thanks Kim. She’s loving it!
Many thanks for this wonderful ‘diy’ swing ! I made one for my 2-year-daughter based on your blog and she loves it…so do I ! 😉
Thank you again 🙂
You are SO welcome! Glad she’s enjoying it!! (And you too!)
Hi Janice, this is a great tutorial! Thanks so much. Would you minding tell me about the rope you bought from lowes? The link you provided shows for an Amazon rope with 3/8″ diameter instead of a 3/4″ and they don’t have the other. I noticed your post says you purchased it at Lowe’s and I was hoping you could give me the brand. I know it doesn’t have to be exact, but I really want to be sure I get something sturdy. Thanks so much!
Hey Libby! Absolutely! I think Lowe’s didn’t have for a time so I changed it to Amazon, but I checked and they have now:
Click here to access it 🙂
Have a happy Thanksgiving