Do you want to take a vacation suburban area more comfortable and enjoyable? Install a garden swing. They will help you relax and recharge. positive energy. And you don’t have to spend money - everything can be made on our own and without the involvement of third party specialists. It is enough to determine the dimensions and drawings of the garden swing in advance. Let's consider the main nuances.
Choosing a place
A swing is not an ordinary bench or table. They can be considered a capital facility on the site. For this reason, the choice of installation location must be approached responsibly. We take into account the following design features:
Stationarity. The swing consists of several elements. The most important is the supporting frame. Its racks are buried in the ground (to a depth of 80-90 centimeters) and filled with concrete.
Mobility. The swing has a moving part that performs oscillatory movements. It resembles an ordinary pendulum.
Thus, when creating a swing, it is necessary to determine the maximum stroke of the pendulum in all directions. Make sure that there are no obstacles in its path: trees, flowers, garden interior parts, etc.
Craftsmen who want to figure out how to make a garden swing with their own hands should pay special attention to the quality of the site.
If you have seen similar structures, you have probably noticed puddles and dirt underneath them. They appear because the ground under the seat is worn away by your feet when braking. A small depression is formed in which moisture and dirt accumulate. To prevent this problem, it is recommended to lay tiles or pour a concrete screed.
Which material is better?
A lot depends on what material is used to create a garden swing: reliability and durability of the structure, cost, safety. Often, home craftsmen use natural wood and metal (separately or in combination with each other). Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
Garden swing made of metal are considered strong and durable. If we evaluate the service life, then they are significantly superior to wooden models.
But there are also disadvantages. Metal is susceptible negative influence corrosion. Therefore, all structural elements must undergo appropriate processing.
A forged swing is a complex object. Only the experienced master. If you use ordinary pipes or metal corners, you will end up with a primitive design that can ruin all the attractiveness and atmosphere of a suburban area.
Garden swings made of wood will cost much less. Their durability depends on the type of wood and processing. It is primed and coated with protective paint.
Wood products look harmonious in the garden. That is why many owners prefer to install them. It is also important what to process wooden parts much easier. If you do everything yourself, you will only need an ax, a hacksaw and a grinder.
Features of making garden swings
Let's look at the process of creating a simple swing. First of all, you need to decide on a work plan and prepare a drawing. You can make it yourself or find it ready-made options in the Internet. The second option is preferable, since you will be able to see not only the drawings, but also photos of the garden swing made from them.
So we need four wooden beams 10 x 10 centimeters. Their length should not exceed three meters. We create a pair of L-shaped structures that come together at an angle of fifty degrees. Regular furniture bolts are suitable for fastening.
We count sixty centimeters from the bottom of the support and conditionally divide it into three equal parts. At the junction of 1 and 2 we install tightening cables. We secure everything with bolts.
Then we combine the finished frames. A wooden crossbar (10 x 10 centimeters) is suitable for this. We bury the supports to a depth of eighty centimeters. Approximately 10 centimeters are allocated for a powder of sand and stone. Then fill the holes with solution. We install the structure level to make sure that everything is level and without distortions.
Making a couple wooden frames(2 x 0.5 meters for the seat and 2 x 0.65 meters for the backrest). They come together at an angle of 130 degrees. At the bottom, along the entire perimeter, the structure is secured with a metal strip.
The frames can be covered with a board (size – 26 x 46 millimeters). To extend the life of the structure, it is recommended that supports immersed in concrete be treated with bitumen mastic.
The considered option is not the only possible one. Find photos of homemade garden swings on the Internet, look for drawings and experiment.
Photo of a garden swing with your own hands
You can make a sofa swing for your cottage with your own hands. It is necessary to think over its shape, the material from which it will be made, and also choose a place for its direct placement.
A swing for a dacha is a great opportunity for comfortable rest outdoors for the whole family. You can sit and lie on them, which will undoubtedly appeal to both adults and children.
Garden supply stores have many designs for garden swings. But here you can be smart and build an original swing for your dacha with your own hands.
Garden swing options:
- bench-swing;
- sofa swing;
- swings for children;
- swing for adults;
- single;
- multi-seat;
- folding;
- solid;
- swings with different seats;
- two-position;
- adjustable (the back in this swing is adjustable);
A swing for a summer house can be made from different material. The most popular are metal and wooden swings.
- Metal swing.
Advantages of metal swings:
- have great strength (practically do not break or deform);
- will last for more than one year (they are not affected by natural phenomena such as rain, snow, etc.);
- They look good and have a lot of variety.
Flaws:
- a metal structure is more difficult to process and build than a wooden one;
- If you hit metal, you can be seriously injured.
- Wooden swing.
Flaws:
- Inferior to metal in reliability;
- may break or become unusable due to weather;
- It is better to remove them in winter, as they can become deformed.
Advantages:
- they are easier to build and process, and are not needed when working on them complex instruments(like welding machine and etc.)
- wood - environmentally friendly natural material, the presence of chemicals in its composition is excluded;
- safe for health, soft, the risk of serious injury is small;
- wooden swing look more harmonious against the background of nature.
Where to put the sofa swing
It is better to place the sofa swing where there is enough free space. The design of the swing requires it to sway, so you should not place it near buildings or walls. To do this, it is better to choose a freer space.
If the site area is small and there is not much free space, then you need to reconsider the design of the planned building. And instead of a multi-seat sofa, build a single swing.
Also, the place for the swing should be level; placing it on a hill can lead to its deformation and breakage.
How to make a wooden swing-sofa for a summer house
We make a wooden swing for a summer house with our own hands like this:
- To begin with, the dimensions and design (longboat or frame) are determined, and a diagram of the future structure is prepared. To be sure, you can find and view ready-made drawings and diagrams.
- We select beams (smooth, well-planed) for the racks. Pine, birch and cedar are excellent materials for them. Best choice– oak.
- The shape for the racks can be A-shaped or U-shaped. Depending on what shape you chose for the swing, we fasten the racks together and attach the side struts for strength. We install the crossbar and connect it to the posts with metal corners. For fastening when building from wood, it is better to use self-tapping screws. They hold tighter and loosen less, which means the swing will be more reliable and durable.
- We prepare the recesses for the racks (80 cm). We fill a 20 cm hole with crushed stone, install stands, and concrete it.
- Assembling the swing seat. We are preparing 2 frames: 200 by 50 cm (seat), 65 by 200 cm (back). We connect the frames together and cover them with boards (you can use solid boards or planks). It is better if the base for the seat has a rounded shape. We cut the planks according to the shape of the base - in a semicircle. Yes, swing without sharp corners will be more convenient and safer.
- We complement the design with armrests. To do this, we connect two beams perpendicular to each other, then attach the resulting armrest to the back with one side, and the other to the seat.
- We hang the finished swing from the crossbar. For this it is better to use a metal chain. It is durable and will last a long time. The thickness of the fastening must correspond to the expected load. Its diameter is 3 cm or more.
- You should put a mattress or foam rubber on the swing (this will make it softer and more comfortable), cover it with a fabric cover, add pillows (this will make the swing more comfortable)
- Swing sofas are perfectly complemented by canopies from the sun and rain.
Making a metal sofa swing
How to make a metal sofa swing?
It is assembled according to a similar scheme. The only replacement for beams here are metal pipes (pipe diameter -150 mm). In the same sequence, pipes of different lengths are attached to each other by welding. A frame is made and attached to the crossbar. The seat and back are covered with fabric and decorated.
You can make metal elements for the frame yourself, or you can purchase them in a store.
What are the advantages of a DIY sofa swing
Building a swing-sofa with your own hands is quite simple.
Their advantages over store-bought counterparts are that:
- a homemade swing will cost much less, you will always have the necessary materials at hand;
- working on a swing will not take much time, almost anyone can handle it;
- it is possible to create original exclusive models;
- Once you assemble a swing with your own hands, in the future you can create other garden interior items.
Purpose of the swing
Garden swings serve mainly for relaxation. They can be designed for one person or several. They are nice to sit and talk or just think in silence.
Garden swings are a great addition garden plot, create its comfort and attractiveness. And decorative specimens of swings are also its decoration.
Today, swing sofas are again entering our everyday life, with the most non-standard solutions and design ideas. Often, when arranging a room for their child, most parents order the production of a unique hanging sofa that is attached to the ceiling. This mini-sofa, which swings smoothly, brings a lot of joy and pleasure to both your child and adult. If you remember, all children subconsciously get used to rocking while still in the womb - it calms them down and gives them peace.
Where are swing sofas appropriate?
Not only children, but also adults cannot deny themselves the pleasure of sitting on the swing sofa, which is located in the garden, under the crown of an old oak or lush birch tree. Oriental, colonial or modern style Such a swing can make a child's room more functional and attractive.
How to make a garden sofa swing
The most popular type is the garden swing, which fits seamlessly into any garden interior. You can build them yourself, you just need to choose the right materials.
To make a garden-type swing sofa, you will need a massive strong beam, a set of screws and self-tapping screws to hold the entire structure together, as well as sheets of plywood and bars for the armrests and backrest. You will definitely need to choose a reliable cable, which will be made of metal or other synthetic fiber, or you can simply use a chain with large links.
Initially going supporting structure sofa swing, then all the parts are attached and secured with screws. A variety of pillows are suitable for decorating such a garden swing. different sizes and colors - it all depends on your desire. A light mattress and blanket can complement the design of the swing and be essential items if you decide to spend the night outdoors.
No less popular are hanging sofa swings, which are mounted under the ceiling in the house. You can optionally order the production of a hanging swing bed for the bedroom - This bed will give you a comfortable sleep. This option will give your bedroom a special chic.
How to choose a sofa swing
The design must be as reliable as possible. Every detail is of high quality and durable, and installation can only be trusted by professionals.
By purchasing hanging model sofa swing, choose a model that suits the style. The swing can be fixed in one place or later moved if desired. When choosing a color, keep in mind that light and dark tones are the most easily visible.
Be sure to take into account as much as possible permissible weight for swings. If several people will be riding at once, the structure must be highly stable and spacious.
Pillows with removable covers that can be easily removed and washed are suitable as decor. The material of the frame is also important. It is better to choose a noble tree so as not to worry about the cleanliness and safety of the product.
Sofa swing: photo
When arranging your home, don’t be afraid to deviate from the standards, use bold design solutions!
Build wooden structure much simpler than metal, and it fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape, which is especially important in design summer cottage. Such sofa - swing, installed under blossoming tree, will be very conducive to a romantic holiday with your other half. In addition, for a wooden sofa swing you will need regular boards and timber, which can be purchased in any store, market or found anywhere.
¢ Dimensions of the sofa swing: Height - 2300 mm. Length - 2800 mm. Width - 1800 mm.
¢ Parts for making a sofa swing: Sofa seat and back boards - 12 pieces (length - 2000 mm, width - 50 mm, thickness - 25 mm); boards for the seat frame - 2 pieces (length - 2000 mm, width 50 mm, thickness - 25 mm); boards for the seat frame - 2 pieces (length - 500 mm, width - 50 mm, thickness - 25 mm); boards for the back frame - 2 pieces (length - 2000 mm, width - 50 mm, thickness - 25 mm); boards for the back frame - 2 pieces (length - 700 mm, width - 50 mm, thickness - 25 mm); seat side edging boards - 2 pieces (length - 500 mm, width - 50 mm, thickness - 25 mm); swing support bars - 4 pieces (length - 2500 mm, width - 100 mm, thickness - 50 mm); bars of the lower crossbars - 2 pieces (length - 2000 mm, width - 50 mm, thickness - 25 mm); bars of the lower crossbars - 2 pieces (length - 1750 mm, width - 50 mm, thickness - 25 mm); top crossbar - 1 piece (length - 2900 mm, cross-section - 100 × 100 mm); corners for fastening frames for the seat and back - 2 pieces; corners for attaching the top crossbar to the supports - 4 pieces; chains - 2 pieces (length - 1700 mm); fastenings for hanging chains - 6 pieces; screws - 78 pieces.
¢ Manufacturing process of a sofa swing: It is most convenient to hang the swing by chains, since it is possible to change the height of the swing by simply throwing the chain links. The seat should be at such a height that the person sitting on it, with his leg extended, can reach the ground with his toe. All parts must be carefully planed, especially the seat and back boards. Two frames are assembled from them. The frame for the backrest should be wider than the seat frame. Then the frames are fastened together with angles screwed from the ends in the corners. One end of the corner is attached to the seat frame, the other to the back frame.
The angle of the backrest depends on the angle, but you should not get carried away with tilting the backrest, since excessive tilting can make the entire structure of the swing unstable and it will tip back. It must be remembered that the greater the backrest tilt, the further the rear pillars of the structure need to be moved back. The seat and back boards are attached to the back and seat frames with screws. Fasteners are screwed to the top of the back frame and on the front sides of the seat in the corners, from which chains are suspended. On top crossbar screw the same fasteners (Fig. 1).
Drawing. 1 Chain mounts.
In order to make the seat soft and sofa-like, you can upholster it with fabric with foam rubber underneath it or throw pillows on it. The presented swing sofa model uses classic version the implementation of the supports is triangular in the shape of the letter “A”. At the top there is a crossbar attached to the supports with corners (Fig. 2).
Drawing. 2. Attaching the crossbar.
From below, the legs of the supports should be fixed relative to each other with horizontal crossbars. In any case, the wood should be carefully treated with glazing antiseptics, which will penetrate deeply into its mass and protect it from the effects of precipitation. The result will be the following design (Fig. 3).
Drawing. 3. Sofa - swing for the cottage, general form
If you don’t yet know what complete relaxation is, then you probably don’t have enough swings in your yard, and not just any simple ones.What helps a person relax? That's right, a comfortable sofa. What about a sofa swing on the property?they definitely won’t be superfluous.
Types of hanging sofa swings
Please note that there are adult sofa swings and swings designed only for children, so when choosing specific model, check the weight that the structure can support.
In addition, sofa swings differ in the type of material, namely the frame and base can be either wood or metal. Again, you can buy plastic swings for children, but as a rule, the plastic for such structures turns out to be very fragile and after a couple of years, the child will probably break them.
When it comes to design, there are no boundaries. There are also models that resemble a full-fledged sofa, only without legs, floating in the air on chains. There are more modest options, more reminiscent of a bench with soft seats than real sofas. There is also a swing-gazebo, which represents independent design with a canopy that will protect you from rain or sun.
So, if you have chosen a wooden swing, then it is best to cover wooden frame varnish, and this must be done before installation.
So, if you are hanging a sofa, literally, then you don’t have to worry about how to make the seats soft.In general, for “swings” there are special sofas of lightweight construction, inside of which there is wood and padding polyester. This material is very soft and will last a long time. For other options, such as a bench, you will need a bunch of soft pillows.
Installation location of the sofa swing
As we have already said, a sofa swing can be either part of the interior or its completely independent element, as, for example, in the case of a structure under a canopy. Most often, sofa swings are installed outdoors on trails and on patios.
But, modern tendencies are increasingly including a sofa swing as a piece of furniture closed rooms, such as a nursery or living room. Agree that it looks very impressive, but, unfortunately, not every room can have a sofa hanging from the ceiling.
A sofa floating in the air can often be found on the lawn in front of the house, however, in case of bad weather, you will have to take time to protect the sofa from moisture.
Making a sofa swing with your own hands
Yes, this is real, and you can do it simply from scrap materials; in fact, you only need to buy fasteners and wooden beams. A stand or support is made from them, as well as the seat itself.
The frame is built according to the type of U-shaped or A-shaped frames, which must be fixed to the foundation. This foundation can be the earth, or concrete base, any other soil. Accordingly, the more massive the swing, the stronger the foundation should be. Most often, the sofa is suspended using chains at four side points on the bottom and two on top - along the back. All that remains for you is to sew a soft mattress or buy more pillows so that the whole family can comfortably sit on the swing.
Photo of hanging sofa swing
