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Stacy Fisher
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/headshotcropped-5b74856f46e0fb0050e2bca0.jpg "8 DIY Wooden Swing Set Plans for Your Backyard (1)")
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher is an expert on crafting, sewing, and frugal finds, sharing her knowledge of hands-on DIY creations, finding freebies, and budgeting. Stacy was a guest on "The Dr. Oz Show" and featured in Woman's World Magazine. She has nearly two decades of writing and editing experience.
Learn more about The Spruce Crafts'Editorial Process
Updated on 10/18/23
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These free swing set plans will give you everything you need to build your children or grandchildren a swing set that they'll have fun playing on for years to come. Since you're building it yourself, you can control the cost and quality, making it likely to last for generations.
These are full plans for building a swing set so they include building instructions, color photos, diagrams, materials and supplies lists, and sometimes even videos and user tips.
The swing set plans below vary in skill level and lumber cost. Check each plan carefully to make sure that it's right for your yard and skill level before getting started. A simple swing set will only take a weekend to build and will be fairly gentle on the budget.
After you've taken a look at these free swing set plans, check out free plans for playhouses and treehouses. The kids will love them!
01 of 08
Mid-Century Play Set with Swings
Why just have a swing set when you can have a whole play set, complete with swings, a ladder, a clubhouse, and a slide? In this project, you'll learn how to build this whole play set that gives off a lot of mid-century modern vibes. Everything from the color coordination to the tiny details like hardware, this DIY swing set really sets itself apart from the others.
Everything you need to complete this project here including a parts and cut list, written step-by-step directions, and plenty of diagrams and photos to help you along the way.
02 of 08
Modern A-Frame Swing Set Plan
Here's an HGTV plan for a swing set that will make quite a statement in your backyard with its A-frame shape. Paint it a bright color like this blue and it will really pop. It's a throwback design that's high on style. A materials list, written directions, finishing directions, and color photos are all included in this free swing set plan from HGTV.
03 of 08
How to Build Your Own Playground
View Along the Way set out to make a playset for their kids based on a popular style you can buy for thousands at the store. Their blogs take you through each part of building the playset including full plans for an attached swing set. There are diagrams, photos, and more to help you along the way.
How to Build a Swing Set
Here's a free swing set plan from Ana White that's meant to be attached to an existing playhouse but would be easy to modify for a stand-alone swing set. The free swing set plans include a materials and tools list, diagrams, and step-by-step directions.
Continue to 5 of 8 below
05 of 08
Freestanding Swing Set Plan
Here's a 3-part swing set plan from All Thumbs DIY that goes into lots of details on how to build this freestanding swing set and make it safe and look great for the kids. This set is built from all pressure-treated wood and is done for under $500. Each part of the process is detailed including the design plan, construction, and then installing accessories. You'll find photos, diagrams, tools, and a cutting list as well as written instructions.
06 of 08
Homemade Backyard Swing Set Plan
Build the kids a homemade backyard swing set with these free plans from Mother Earth News. This is a huge swing set, coming in at 12 feet tall and taking up a 16 feet by 20 feet space. Part of the free plan includes diagrams, photos, a materials list, and written directions. Lots of details are shown on how to connect the playset hardware.
07 of 08
Homemade Playset
Over at Instructables, you can find a homemade playset plan from user Nick70587 that includes two swings, a slide, and some elevated areas to play on. From planning to adding the finishing touches, this homemade playset plan will walk you through the building process.
08 of 08
Tree Swing Plan
If building a swing set sounds like too much of a project, consider building an old-fashioned tree swing. Another free plan from Mother Earth News will step you through how to build one with written directions and diagrams. It will take you through building the seat, attaching the rope, and finally attaching the swing to a tree. It may not be a full swing set, but this single swing would provide a lot of fun.
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