The design I’m giving below is very similar seesaw on the picture above. But we’ll use a regular flat beam because it’s easier to find such one. But first here is materials list along with their approximate costs.

Materials

• One 4″ x 6″ 14ft (4 m) long beam. Approx. cost $50 – $150. This is the most costly item. It is the main and most important part of your seesaw.
• One 3″ x 4″ 10ft beam – hopefully you can find one for under $50. It can be even shorter as you’ll use it only for the holders.
• One 10″ x 8″ steel plate – 4mm thick. This may be available for less than $10 at a local hardware store.
• One black steel pipe 1/2″ or 3/4″ like this – $12 or so.
• A hinge or curved metal plate that will help attaching the spike to the plank and all this to the beam – will cost a buck or two.
• 3 ft wooden plank or something similar for the seats – $3-$4.
• A couple of used tears or anything else that can go under the seesaw ends to prevent hitting the ground directly.
• Nails, screws, varnish, paint

Click on the plan image to see the legend and more details

Building Steps

1. Cut 8ft / 2.5 m piece out of the 4″ x 6″ beam. This will be the main part of the seesaw.
2. The rest will be cut on two equal parts and used to anchor the seesaw to the ground. You should be left with two pieces of about 3ft each.
3. Dig 15″ deep holes in the ground. The vertical supports from the previous step will go here. If the ground is soft you may have to pout concrete and/or gravel. The two holes should be about 12″ apart. A bit more is OK, less is not. Make them stand up equally from the ground.
4. This construction will hold the entire weight of the seesaw so it must be really stable. If the two pieces of the beam are unstable you should fix them with angular steel plates or lay out an entire concrete foundation under them. See more info on anchoring swings.
5. Measure 4ft from the center, on each side, dig holes and place the used tires there in the ground.
6. Drill holes in the vertical support beams large enough to put the steel pipe inside.
7. Before putting the pipe find the middle of the main seesaw beam and attach the steel plan there. Then on top of it install the curved plate or hinge using screws.
8. Now insert the pipe so it connects the three parts – the left beam, the main seesaw beam, and the right beam. The pipe should go through the opening in the hinge/curved plate.
9. Now (or this can be done before) you can attach the holders and seats on both ends of the seesaw.
10. Painting and finishing can be done at the end. Painting is not required but some water-resistant finish will be good so your wooden seesaw can last longer.

Done? Wait a day or two for the varnish to dry and you can use the seesaw.

Here is the plan also in PDF format. You can download and print it on paper.

Anything unclear? Let me know in the comments and I’ll try to explain.

Better ideas? Share them in the comments.

Unprotected, not galvanized steel starts to rust in a matter or days or even hours, if it contacts water. Of course this will be light rust and your metal swing won’t be in danger that fast. But for an year it can rust pretty much. Here are few ways to project your metal swing from rust:

• Buy only swing sets made of galvanized steel .
• Paint it, coat it, or apply any other type of finish that will prevent corrosion.
• Cover the swing set when it rains. Fully cover it in the winter if you live in area where winter stops you from using the swing set. You can use simple PVC cover folio like the one that gardeners use for their greenhouses.
• Add a swing cushion so there is at least some protection from rain at any time.

You have to examine the key areas of your metal swing for rust set from time to time. If you notice rust, see whether repair is possible. If not, you’ll have to replace the swing as one with seriously rust construction can be dangerous.

Concrete might be used for a coupld of occasions:

• To build a swing set f0undation
• To pour it in under the swing set frame

Anyway, check them out. If you buy or have already bought any of these let me know.

Metal Swing Sets

1. Flexible Flyer Triple Fun II Metal Swing Set for $149
This one is from Wallmart. Allowing up to six children to use it at a time and just $149 – sounds like a good deal. It’s easy to assemble and robust. According to some of the customers it won’t last long though which is usually something you would expect from a metal swing set.

2. Flexible Flyer Brighton 4 Leg Metal Swing Set for $80
Really on budget? Then this 4 legs one might be for you. It’s a small swing good for 1 – 3 kids. Some customers complain about the design and the assembly, but well, it’s $80. Seems to be a decent deal for its price.

3. Kettler Double Swing for around $110
This excellent entry-level metal swing set costs only 69 GBP from the linked UK store. If you live elsewhere you can just look at the same brand and model, they should be available at your location. It’s for kids aged between 3 and 12.

Wooden Swing Sets

4. Alpine Custom Ready-to-Build Swing Set Kit for $132 This is a great price for a wooden swing set from Swing N Slide. It’s very feature rich and allows up to 12 childs to play. All the customer reviews so far has been positive. Unfortunately for me it ships only to the USA. Note that the regular price is $240 so I have no idea whether you’ll get the deal when you are reading this. If you want to save even more check for used items. There were two at about $70 each when I last checked.

5. Deluxe Lower Wooden Clubhouse for Summerville and Stoneybrook Wood Gym Sets for $130
A really good wooden playset. It combines swings with a lodge room, gym set and a slide. A really great deal for this price.

6. Scout Playset – Project 140 for $102 This is another good offer from Swing N Slide. It has two seats and a trapeze bar. The wooden construction uses standard A-frame – simple and stable. However please not that the wood is not included in the package.

7. SunBurst Swingset Hardware Kit for $100
Regular price is $219. I don’t know how long will the current offer be available. This is a wooden swing set kit so you have to build the thing yourself. Looks like fun.

Other Swing Sets

8. Little Tikes Tire Swing for $30
This is a super-budget solution from Wallmart. It can be secured to an existing swing set or just to a tree like a typical tree swing. Allows maximum two kids. One of the customers says it becomes very hot under the sun so you may think about picking a shady place.

9. Child Tree Swing (18″ X 7 .5″) – Natural for $72 This one had no reviews yet but I like the look and the good rope. It’s not as cheap as the tire swing above but holds much higher weight. It’s easily adjustable and hand-crafted.

10. Kettler Baby Swing Seat This is a well priced baby/toddler swing built with security in mind. Some of the reviewers say it’s hard to get the child in and out of the swing seat. It’s one of the few plastic swing sets which fit the “under $200″ category nevertheless it’s a baby one.

More often than not cheap swing sets come as kits. If you don’t want to assemble yourself check carefully before buying!

• The cushion is used to cover the swing set and protect you from sunlight and rain. Not all swings have cushions. It’s used most often in canopy swing sets.
• A top beam is very important for every wooden swing set. It supports the swinging seat and should be very robust and well fixed.
• The swing set on this picture is based on the popular construction called A-Frame. There are other frame types too but most of them are more complex.
• The support brace fixes the A frame and ensures stability of the entire swing set.
• Thick and robust ropes or chains connect the swing seat to the beam at the top.
• The swing seats can be of many types. Some swings have canopies, other just simple wooden or metal bench, or single seats.
• Having armrest is completely ooptional, but most swing seats do have backs for safety.
• Most swing sets are installed right on the ground but if the soil is too soft you may need to build a concrete foundation. Otherwise see how to anchor a swing set.

While it is impossible to determine when the first person tied a seat to a rope and swung themselves around like a pendulum (especially since we have images of swings and riders on pottery from Ancient Greece), we can learn a little about their development as America’s most recognized piece of playground equipment.

We know that by the time of the American Revolution, kids had developed the art of hanging rope and wood plank swings from their trees to get their daily dose of adrenaline. Most agree that the concept of swinging is the natural byproduct of kids having fun on barn ropes and pulleys. These moved out to the swimming hole where a well placed rope in an overhanging tree was enough to keep the kids busy for hours. As families made their way across the American prairies (where trees were sparse), swing sets made of wood became a popular way for frontier children to pass the time. Most agree that the concept of swinging is the natural byproduct of kids having fun on barn ropes and pulleys. These moved out to the swimming hole where a well placed rope in an overhanging tree was enough to keep the kids busy for hours.

The Industrial Revolution of the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to increased urbanization among the working classes and, thus, a loss of extensive personal property. Kids had nowhere to roam and play like they used to. Therefore, the playset was birthed. Kids who had no natural foliage to climb or hills to scale, turned to their industrial imitations. As a result, a new industry was born. In 1912, the University of Virginia sponsored a teachers’ program that brought about the first complete playground and swingset package. The kids loved it, so the university made the plans public for other schools to build their own. By, at least, the late 1940s, companies such as Creative Playthings were mass producing wooden swingsets designed for the average home. Backyard swingsets and other play equipment literally exploded onto the market as returning WWII vets birthed a suburban Boomer generation. Swingsets, along with slides, seesaws, and jungle gyms (or “monkey bars” as they would later be called) became the standard means of childhood expression, and icons for generations of schoolchildren to come.

Author Bio: Ethan S. writes on behalf of Design55, a UK-based designer furniture shop that has plenty of great outdoor furniture sets for kids and parents alike!

Adirondacks, loveseats, framed or simply hung from your porch ceiling–there are now so many porch swing styles and materials to choose from that you’re certain to find one that’s perfect for you. Relaxing, lovely to look at and reasonably priced, here are a few of the many wonderful options for you to consider. Metal Porch Swings Visually stunning, comfortable and sturdy, metal swings provide an elegant option for your porch. Metal porch swings are available in a variety of intricate styles created by delicately manipulating the swing’s metalwork. The result can be lovely latticework, scrolled accents and other intricate designs that are certain to provide added beauty to your home. Photo credit

Wicker Porch Swings The timeless elegance of wicker is reminiscent of a classic southern style veranda. Wicker porch swings look lovely in their natural color, or can be painted to match your color scheme. You can even jazz things up by adding a bright pillow or two. Keep in mind that wicker describes the weave and is not the name of a material. While wicker is often created from plants like cane and rattan, synthetics such as plastic can also be utilized and are typically more durable. Photo credit

Canopy Swings

If your porch or balcony doesn’t have a roof, a canopy swing is the perfect answer to hot, sunny days. Attached to a frame, they are easily moved as necessary and can even sit in your garden or yard.

Rope Swings

Doze the day away in the comfort of a rope porch swing. Rope swings provide the informal look and comfort of a hammock with the style of a swing. Typically manufactured using cotton or polyester, rope porch swings allow you to recline or nap vertically rather than horizontally as you would in a hammock.

Wooden Porch Swings There’s nothing like the natural splendor of wood. Cypress porch swings are considered the most resistant to harsh weather; pine swings each have their own unique designs created by natural knots in the wood; teak offers an exotic option, while white and red cedar is known for its natural beauty.

Photo credit

Recycled Plastic Swings

You can appreciate the environment and help it at the same time by choosing a recycled plastic porch swing. They are usually made from items like milk and juice jugs that are cleaned and molded into a product known as poly-lumber. Like regular lumber, it acts like wood and can be cut, drilled or screwed into a number of attractive porch swing styles.

Gliders

There’s nothing quite like the calming motion of a glider porch swing to calm frayed nerves. Moving forward and back on a flat surface, the gentle sway of a glider provides a soothing motion that’s perfect for mothers with infants and young children. Add some pillows and you’ll be certain to experience the ultimate in outdoor comfort.

While spending your afternoons relaxing in a porch swing may be an enjoyable pastime, swings can also improve circulation, relieve stress, decrease heart and respiration rates and improve concentration. Porch swings can offer a place for peaceful contemplation, or can help you re-connect with someone you love. Adding both an aesthetic quality to your outdoor living space and a sense of calm to your spirit, a porch swing can be one of the wisest home furnishing purchases you make.

A creator of outdoor-scapes in her spare time, Jessica Hayden teaches children the art of self-defense, and believes all kids can benefit from the discipline and confidence it gives them. Jessica enjoys studying mixed martial arts. She also is a content contributor for Hertao.

Image: Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Swinging starts with your parents. They just want to get you out of the house, but you’re too small to walk or climb. As soon as you can hold yourself upright, you’re plopped into the baby swing – a circular enclosure with holes for your legs. Your fingers are curled around the chains, and you’re told to hold on tight. Your parents pull you back, gently at first and not too high, and then they let you go. You squeal with delight. Soon, you’re begging for the backyard version, which hangs from yellow ropes and has a movable barrier that you can lift up and slide out of on your own.

Grandma rocks you on the wooden porch swing while she drinks lemonade and you lick a Popsicle on hot summer nights. It’s not about the sensation; it’s about the comfort. You rest your head on her lap while she tells you all about her childhood. Eyelids heavy, you rock to sleep.

Image: taliesin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Impossible to ignore, perched on the playground like a skyscraper, is the dinosaur of them all: the giant metal swing set. An a-frame with a row of swings, it’s so simple, yet so enticing. It’s where the Big Kids hang out. They pump their legs, jumping off at the peak of their swing. You can’t get too close for fear that they will crash into you and knock you flat. You wonder how their momentum doesn’t carry them all the way around, taking them up and over the beam to which the chains are securely fastened. It’s one of God’s mysteries.

You wait for an empty seat, and an empty one next to it to make sure nobody bumps into you. Moving tentatively you lay your belly over the seat and scoot back and forth to get your bearings. Before too long you’re sitting upright on the swing, learning how your own motion can propel you skyward. You pump your legs forward and backward, close your eyes, and reach for the sky. As much as you love the playground, you want a swing of your own. The Norman Rockwellesque vision of a wooden swing hanging on ropes from a tree is too romantic for you, now that you’ve conquered the tiger of them all. You need thrill, complexity, and drama. Then, the day arrives when your parents take you into the backyard to show you their surprise: a swing set complete with slide, tree house, climbing wall, and—dangling in the middle of it all—two brand new, untouched swings. Heaven on wheels.

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Rosa Scully has always loved Christmas and currently works as a content contributor for Santa’s Quarters, a retailer of artificial Christmas trees and other Christmas decorations.

Appropriate Play Surfaces:

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Wood Mulch Wood mulch is a good surface to place under a swing set or other structure. It is soft enough to adequately cushion your landing. It should measure 9-12 inches in depth; it needs to be measured twice per year to be safe. The drawback to mulch is that it blows in the wind, and may need to be raked frequently to remain deep enough. On the plus side, wood mulch is generally a cheap cover-surface, and is aesthetically pleasing as well as biodegradable. Sand Sand is an acceptable option as a playground cover. Like wood mulch, it is a natural option and is a fairly inexpensive choice. One disadvantage is that it also has to be measured semi-annually, and replaced as needed to ensure the proper depth. Pea gravel Gravel is a suitable, inexpensive choice for surfacing a play area. Like any natural surface, it has to be measured regularly to ensure that its depth is maintained and replaced as needed. One disadvantage of using gravel is that it may get packed too hard under well-trodden areas, and may need to be broken up occasionally.

Foam
Foam rubber is a great option as it also meets playground safety standards. It is soft to land on, whether jumping down to dismount from the swing set or falling off a jungle gym. It is available in mats, poured form, or as mulch. An additional benefit of mat or poured foam surfacing is that it provides a smooth surface for wheel chairs, unlike all the other options.

One disadvantage is that foam can be a costly option, but on the plus side it needs to be replaced much less often than other materials. It can also be repaired in small sections. Foam is available in a variety of colors including neutral ones that blend in with natural surroundings. Inappropriate Surfaces: Hard Ground If the ground surface at your home or facility is not naturally sandy, this is not an appropriate playground cover since it doesn’t properly break a fall or lessen the risk of injury. Concrete or Asphalt Concrete or asphalt should not be used under any play equipment. Not only is it uncomfortable to land on, it can easily cause scrapes and even broken bones. Take into consideration the cost and frequency of filling or resurfacing, as well as eye appeal to your backyard and children (colors, shapes, etc). Keep in mind that a little more cost may buy you a lot more peace of mind. Weighing all these factors will ensure you make the safest and best choice for maximum enjoyment.

Image: Rosen Georgiev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Alice McCoy has six children, and is a part time blogger and the daughter of a long-haul trucker. Although she stays at home with her kids now, she still stays involved with her Dad’s business by keeping an eye out for truck driving jobs and writes about specific trucking topics like semi truck insurance.

Getting the Ball Rolling

Image: Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Wise parents will thrust their children into the great outdoors with the well-worn phrase, “Go outside and play.” Despite their protests and whining, getting some fresh air won’t, in fact, “kill them.” Rather, it tends to have the opposite effect. Once children understand that they aren’t allowed back inside for a little while, they tend to start looking for things to do (I remember using twigs to dig rivers in the dirt, and then filling them with the hose). There’s no greater enemy to young children than boredom. To combat this great evil in their small world, they will eventually start those creative gears turning. No matter how rusty they may be, they’ll end up having fun in spite of themselves. Invite at least one friend over as it’s always more interesting than playing alone; this also increases their social skills.

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Art of Make Believe Turning their boredom into activity allows kids to develop a healthy imagination; a trait all parents hope to see in their children. Imagining develops creativity that is needed for problem-solving skills (for entering the work force and higher education). It’s no accident that Disney Studios has an “Imagineering Department;” the mind factory that has brilliantly hatched our most beloved Disney movies and documentaries. Play Equipment Teaches Social Skills Initially, children will gravitate toward play equipment that doesn’t take much effort on their part. They might sit on the swings to sulk for a little while. Next, they will almost always embark on climbing apparatus; effort comes into play when height is rewarded, directly to how hard they try. Kids begin to get a sense of accomplishment as they climb higher and higher, aiming to the sky. This action carries directly over into finding rewards for their hard work in school. They also develop faith in themselves that they can affect their outcomes.

Sliding takes more effort, but teaches another skill. Kids learn that in order to enjoy a few moments of fun (sliding down) they will need to put in the effort first (climbing up the steps). While they definitely aren’t contemplating these hard facts of life while they trudge up the ladder rungs, it starts to show in their learning to wait a moment to take their turn; a good lesson to tone down their primal urge for “instant gratification.”

Playing outside teaches our children how to better interact with others, problem-solve, have fun with and stretch their imaginations. More importantly, your kids will gain confidence in themselves and their ability to create happiness.

Alice McCoy has six children, and is a part time blogger and the daughter of a long-haul trucker. Although she stays at home with her kids now, she still stays involved with her Dad’s business by keeping an eye out for truck driving jobs and writes about specific trucking topics like semi truck insurance.