How To Add a Swing Set to Your Playhouse

I get this question all the time.  Is there a way to add a simple swing set to the castle, clubhouse, pirate ship, etc. plan?  The answer is a definitive Yes!  Even a beginner carpenter  or weekend warrior, follow our other "how to" guides, should be able to construct a free standing or integrated swing set with little problem.  The DIY, step by step directions below should get your family that sweet backyard accessory the kids have been asking for.  A trip to the lumber yard and a few hours of your time is all your should need to build one for yourself!

If you're looking for a swing set that can also implement monkey bars, a slide and platform, check out Paul's Swing Set Plan.  This design is great if you're looking for a very simple play-set that is easy on the wallet and can be built over the weekend.  If you're looking for something even more basic or easy to add onto an existing playhouse, use the plan shown below.

Building the Simple Swing Set Plan

Step 1: Cutting the Legs
From (4) 4x6x10s, cut four of the piece shown in the below illustration.  Cut (1) 4x6x12 to 11' 9" in length.  Install these five pieces together as depicted below.  Use 8" lag bolts to secure the pieces together.





Step 2: Bracing Pt 1
From (3) 2x6x12s, cut and install the four pieces to the swing set as depicted in the below illustration.



Step 3: Bracing Pt 2
From (2) 2x6x10s, cut four of the piece shown in the below illustration.  Install these four pieces to both sides of the swing set as depicted in the below illustration.






Step 4: End Cap for the Top 4x6
From some excess 2x6, cut and install the tow pieces to the top of the swing set as depicted below.



Step 5: Bracing Pt 3
From (2) 4x6x10s, cut two of the piece shown in the below illustration.  From (1) 2x6x8, cut and install the two 3' 8 1/4" pieces.






Step 6: Securing the Top Beam
Attach (1) 2x10x12 to the top of the 4x6 to help secure it from swaying during play.



Step 7: Swing Set Accessories
If the structure is meant to be freestanding, swing set accessories can be added at this point.  Check out our accessory page for a great variety of play-set attachments you can add.

Adding the Swing Set to a Playhouse

If you're planning on attaching this swing set to an already existing play-set or playhouse, simply leave off one of the sides, and allow the existing structure to support it instead.

The top of swing set is 8 feet off the ground.  Keep this in mind when measuring and installing.  Whether the top 4x6 of the swing set is being built into a wall or railing, it should have some type of framing on both sides holding it up, to keep it from excessively swaying when it's in use.

In the illustration below, the swing set has been built into the railing of a pirate ship.  Notice that two additional posts have been added on each side to help support it.

In the 2nd below illustration, the swing set has been built into the wall of a castle playhouse.  Notice too that extra 2x4s have been installed on each side of the 4x6 to help secure it in place.  You can also download this plan in PDF form.