As the boys grow-up, outdoor entertainment is more and more important – for their own fun and enjoyment, exercise, development… but really, mostly for our own sanity – get out, and stay out!!
We weren’t impressed by superstore play structures – they look good in the catalog, and pack a lot of features into a small package, we wanted something that would last the kids well into their teen years – so, we built our own. It will be done in stages… start with the swing… add the elevated sandbox… a play structure will be added next summer (ladders, slide, etc.).
It’s all “easy” stuff… but the scale and mass can pose some challenge. The basic swing is 6x6 lumber – 10’ for the legs, and a 12’ for the top bar. Thanks to Lawrence, it was actually very easy to get setup, once the proper notches were cut. Hardware for the swings is really impressive heavy-duty stuff, and we can interchange them easily, and raise and lower as required to accommodate anyone who wants to have a go. (PS – tested by Bryce, so you know it’s good! ;-)
1. Make a template to make sure the angles are the same on all 4 legs.
2. Start the cuts with the circular saw.
3. Finish the cuts with a combination of the handsaw and reciprocating saw.
4. Check your work – this notch will hold the top piece, so it needs to sit square. The better the job you do here, the easier it will be to ensure the swing is squared up.
5. Laying out the uprights (legs). Used a scrap length of 6x6 to set the angles against the notch, then scrap 2x4s to screw the legs together and hold the angle while moving them into an upright position.
6. Top bar in place. With one end of the top bar resting on the ground, set the other end into one pair of uprights, and screw into position (that is, top bar is square to the uprights). Then, with someone on a ladder holding up the free end of the top bar, raise the other pair of uprights into position.
7. Threaded rod and carriage bolts hold everything together – don’t forget corner braces! Attach swings at appropriate spacing, and enjoy!
Added the elevated sandbox, which Deavan & Graeme both love. Idea is that, for the most part, they play while standing up (which Deavan typically does), and stay marginally cleaner than a traditional sandbox. Of course, the trade off is that they can’t dig to China like we used to! Cedar frame, with routed edge, keeps splinters at bay, and non-carcinogenic if they do happen to pick one up.
