Platform Tree Swing Instead of Tire Swing

by Victoria Kay Allison

12 Materials

$60

5 Hours

Easy

Not finding anything I liked as far as tree swings go, I decided to create and build my own for my grand daughter. It was a huge hit when I shared it on my Facebook profile and so I thought I would share it with you. If you are going to make it yourself, I am more than happy to help you along the way if you have questions! Thanks for looking!

platform tree swing instead of tire swing

my grand daughter was really excited about the flower tree swing! The one in this picture is 29" diameter. Although, it's a great size, I am making all the swings now at 36" diameter. Seems like the perfect size. Plenty of space for more than one rider or for laying down and watching the clouds go by!

I use a really heavy duty but soft 5/8" rope and carabiner, and metal rings to assemble. I'm not a huge fan of rope that is scratchy for small hands. I really like the strength and feel of this one. Available at the big box stores for about .70 /foot.

This was a custom order for a smiling face swing. My grand daughter was happy to model and try it out for me!

The latest design....I think I might call it 'dream spinner' reminds me of a orange dream popsicle and a dream catcher.... with an element of Dr.Seuss thrown in the mix.

I've got a lot of tools in the shop that make production faster and easier for me but all these tools are not necessary or needed to make one! First I like to cut sheet goods down to a manageable size. I cut a 3/4" piece of plywood to 37" x 37". I used an basic cabinet grade plywood...no need for expensive veneer finish as it will be painted but better made than A/C/X or chipboard or particle board.

I made a compass out of some scrap wood to make a 36" circle. You could also measure from the center of the board with LOTS of hash marks at 36" and connect the dots to get a circle.

I draw layout lines prior to cutting out the circle. These lines are for hole placement for the ropes and my center pin. It's also a good idea to have layout lines for a special design you are thinking about doing if needed. Easier to do on a square than a circle. You will not need a center pin if you are going to cut this out with a jig saw.

I use that center hole in the tree swing platform and a jig on the bandsaw to make perfect circles. I cut off the corners with a jig saw to have enough room on the bandsaw to make this cut but you could cut the entire thing out with the jigsaw. I use the bandsaw as it is quick and easy and makes perfect circles.

Top view of layout lines and holes. I use a forstner bit instead of a spade bit for cleaner holes but either will work and a spade bit is a little less expensive. Remember to place a piece of scrap wood under the plywood to avoid blow out from drilling...as you will see below where I forgot and I will show you how to fix this.

Cutting out the circle on the bandsaw. A jig saw will work also. Just cut to about 1/16th of an inch from the outside of the line and sand to the line for a nice smooth circle.

On this one, I will not be putting it on my 'spinner' so I get rid of the hole by gluing in a dowel that matches the hole size. The dowel can be cut flush easily with a Japanese hand saw or my favorite...Fein oscillating tool.

Love this filler. I would recommend it for any oops and also to fill in any scratches on the surface of the plywood or also to fill in voids in the edge of the plywood.

For a 3/4" thick seat, I use a 3/8" round over bit on both sides for a nice finish. Also sand really well so that little hands and fingers don't get splinters.

Me with one of my favorite tools! It is really used almost daily and for so many things. It's my 'go-to' tool for sure. To finish the swing, paint and COMPLETELY cover with an exterior urethane. I use a water base as it works nicely and cleans up easily. The oil based ones tend to want to 'soak' in more and take longer to dry. It your swing is painted, you want a urethane that is happy to sit on top and dry fast. Use at least 3 applications of sealer on top, bottom, and edges. Sand LIGHTLY with 320 grit sandpaper between coats. Insert 5' of rope in each hole and use tight knots underneath and fasten the other end of the rope to a heavy duty metal ring and then those to the carabiner. whew! Easy Peasy!

Ok...what the heck...? I needed something like a cake spinner thing only much bigger and smoother. I can paint concentric circles on here quite easily with this contraption. (It's a bicycle wheel that has been repurposed as my spinner table...FREE).

Thanks for looking!

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Sunny Graham on Mar 29, 2019

So cool! I love swings of all kinds! Do you sell these?

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Kmh40920195 on Apr 01, 2019

Do you make and sel these?

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Joann Ward on Nov 13, 2019

OK, it is your fav. What is it and what do you use it for? Never seen a tool that remotely looks like this.

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Maude LaFountain on Apr 03, 2019

Sweet !!! My grandkids would love these ......But I sure would have liked to have seen the way you add the Carabiner and metal rings to the end ...

5 Reply
Mcgypsy9 on May 09, 2019

I am overly jealous of your bandsaw!!!! That is the coolest piece of equipment I’ve seen. I just looked it up and although a bit pricy I would buy one in a minute! I hate cutting circles with a jig saw. I also have a Rockwell tool for this type of cutting but no comparison to this that you have. I guess I need to save my money...lol! The little swings are adorable but no little grands anymore, they’ve all grown up to pretty much teen status now!
WAIT.. after browsing your comments I see adults want these too! I unfortunately do not have a single tree on my 1 1/2 acre property but I can certainly consider 4x4 or 6x6 beams....hmmm. I need to figure this out!
OH and by the way I signed up for your blog. I’m not sure why and you may need to check things out but your blog is showing not secure. Also when I wanted to look at the Nantucket home, it wouldn’t open.
Victoria did a beautiful story about you and should be a writer. What a life and thank you for your blue service!

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