How to Build the Scallywag Wood Swing Set
Materials List
A-FRAME STRUCTURE / SWINGS:
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Qty 4 - 16 ft 2x6 Doug Fir Lumber
Can substitute other lumber for Douglas Fir.
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Qty 4 - 12 ft 4x4 Doug Fir Lumber
The "4x4" lumber should actually measure approximately 3 1/2" by 3 1/2" to fit the brackets. It should not measure a true 4.0" by 4.0". Can substitute other lumber for Douglas Fir.
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Qty 2 - 8 ft 4x4 Lumber
For the horizontal cross pieces on the legs.
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1 Gallon Exterior Stain
This set was stained with Behr Premium "Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer" in Chestnut color, which is sold at Home Depot.
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4" Paint Roller with Tray
Can get at hardware store. Dollar Tree also may have.
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Qty 3 - 3" Paint Brush
Dollar Tree
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8" Square Plastic Container
Dollar Tree. Used to hold and soak the 4x4 lumber feet with Copper wood preservative.
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Wood Preservative
I used COPPER GREEN brand, in the brown variation, but you can use any brand of wood preservative. 1 quart is usually smallest size. Hardware store.
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Pair of A-Frame Steel Brackets
From room2zoom store, here.
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Qty 2 - Carriage Bolt 3/8 x 7"
Common Zinc Bolts.
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Qty 4 - Hex Lag Screw 3/8" x 6"
For attaching the horizontal 4x4 cross pieces to the legs.
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Qty 8 - Hex Bolt 3/8" x 7"
For attaching the swing hangers.
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Bag 25 - 1/2" Washer
Hardware store.
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Bag 25 - 3/8" Washer
Hardware store.
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Qty 10 - 3/8" Lock Nut
Hardware store.
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Box of 50 - Headlok 2 7/8" Screw
This is enough for building the Deck too. Hardware store, or Amazon (Same price). Here is the Link.
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Heavy Duty Swing Hangers
From Amazon. You need 2 pair. Here is the Link.
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Qty 2 - Heavy Duty Swing Seat
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DECK / RAILING / LADDER:
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Qty 1 - 8 ft 4x4 Doug Fir Lumber
For the deck post support. Can substitute other lumber for Douglas Fir.
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Qty 15 - 8 ft 2x4 Lumber
Can be 96" or 92 5/8". For the deck frame, railing, and ladder.
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Qty 7 - 8 ft 2x6 Lumber
Can be 96" or 92 5/8". For the deck.
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Qty 3 - Lag Screw 3/8" x 3 1/2"
Hex lag screw. Hardware store.
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Qty 2 Boxes - 2 1/2" Deck Screws
I used DeckMate deck screws. Comes with Torx bit -- much easier to drive in screws than phillips head screws. I used the "red" color variation to match my stain color. Hardware store.
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Qty 4 - Hex Lag Screw 1/4" x 4"
Hardware store.
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Qty 4 - Lag Screw 1/4" x 3 1/2"
Hex lag screw. Hardware store.
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Bag 10 - 1/4" Washer
Hardware store.
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SHIP WHEEL:
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24" Wooden Ship Wheel
From Amazon. Here is the Link.
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Qty 2 - Deck Screw 1/4" x 5"
Hardware store. I used DeckMate screws, sold individually at Home Depot.
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2 ft PVC Pipe 1/2" Schedule 40
Hardware store.
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1/2" PVC Coupling
Not threaded inside. Hardware store.
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1/2" PVC Cap
Not threaded inside. Hardware store.
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Spray Paint
Any color, if desided. Hardware store.
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DISC SWING / CLIMBING ROPE:
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Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Swivel
From Amazon. Here is the Link.
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Green Disc Swing with Rope
From Amazon. Here is the Link.
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Qty 50 Feet - 3/4" Nylon Rope
A beautiful rope. A very soft nylon, in aqua blue. Here is the Link.
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ROOF:
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10 ft Copper Pipe 3/4"
Can use any "type", I used "type M". Hardware store.
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Qty 2 - 3/4" Copper Cap
Hardware store.
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Turquoise Shade Sail
From Amazon. Anywhere. Here is the Link.
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Parasail Cord
(Or can instead use ZIP TIES, or any wire, if desired.) Dollar Tree, or anywhere.
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Qty 2 - 1 9/16" Safety Pin
(Or can instead use ZIP TIES, or any wire, if desired.) Industrial safety pins. Hardware store, in specialized hardware cabinets.
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Zip Ties
Bag of assorted zip ties. Dollar Tree, or anywhere.
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Qty 4 - 1/4" x 1 1/2" Pan Head
Pan head screws. Three of these screws will be used for attaching the 9 foot slide to the deck. Hardware store.
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SHIP'S SAIL / FLAG:
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10 ft Copper Pipe 1"
Can use any "type", I used "type M". Hardware store.
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1" Copper Cap
Hardware store.
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White Shade Sail
From Amazon. Here is the Link.
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10 ft PVC Pipe 3/4" Class 200
Hardware store.
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3/4" PVC Cap
Hardware store.
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1" x 1" x 3/4" PVC Tee
Hardware store.
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2 ft PVC Pipe 1" Class 200
Hardware store.
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Qty 2 - Pan Head Screw #8 x 3/4"
Self-tapping, if desired. Hardware store.
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3/16" Quick Link
(Or can instead use ZIP TIES, or any wire, if desired.) Hardware store, typically found on rope and chain aisle of store.
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Zip Ties
Bag of assorted zip ties. Dollar Tree, or anywhere.
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Pirate Flag 18" x 24"
From Amazon. Here is the Link.
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Qty 2 - Hitch Pin 1/4" x 1 1/4"
(Or can instead use ZIP TIES, or any wire, if desired.) Cotterless hitch pins. Hardware store, in specialized hardware cabinets.
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9 FOOT WAVY SLIDE:
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9 or 10 Foot Play Slide
This is not the slide I used in the video, which I found used, locally. Here are a couple of nice options for new slides that I have tried before. This first one is similar to the yellow slide I used, and Here is the Link. This second slide is turquoise color, fashioned to look like the sea, and Here is the Link.
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Tools List
3/8" Drill Bit (At least 6" long)
Need longer than normal to drill through 5 1/2" beam. Here is the link to best deal I have found.
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Set of Drill Bits
Amazon. Here is the Link.
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Larger Drill Bits
7/8" Drill Bit. Here is the Link.
13/16" Drill Bit. Here is the Link.
1 1/8" Drill Bit. Here is the Link.
Steps
1. Plan - Measure Your Space
The Scallywag Swing Set A-frame measures 15' 8" wide at the feet of the legs by 13' 7" deep (front to back) at the feet. The whole set measures 17' 1" wide and about 16' 7" deep with the slide on. The set is 10 feet 6 inches tall to the top of the beam. You need at least 6 feet in front of the slide. You need around a 3 foot margin beside the disk swing. You also need some more room behind and in front of the set for the traditional swings' path.
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2. Purchase Materials
Order the A-Frame Brackets first, they will take 2 to 7 days to arrive. Most of the parts from Amazon will arrive in 1-4 days. And many things can be sourced locally--See the Materials List above.
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3. Stain & Soak Lumber
Stain the Lumber. If you desire to soak the bottom of the 4x4 legs in wood preservative, do not stain the last two inches of one end of the 4x4 lumber. Then after stain dries, stand the 4x4 lumber upright in a plastic container and soak the unstained ends for 3 to 12 hours in a wood preservative.
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4. Attach Swing Hangers
You can attach the swing hangers while the beam is on the ground, or in the air. It is easier done on the ground. Be careful when working at heights! The centers of the swing hangers go at 18", 38", 52", and 72" from the end of the beam. That means that a swing hangers pair that holds one swing are separated 20" on centers, and that the swing hangers of adjacent swings are separated 14" on centers. Attach hangers to beam with bolts, washers, and nuts.
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5. Attach A-Frame Brackets
First attach brackets to 4x6 beam. Then attach all legs to brackets while frame structure still lying on its side on he ground. Stand the A-frame structure up with the help of plenty adults. Be very careful as the beam is large and heavy, and the structure is very tall. Then attach the horizontal cross pieces across the legs.
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6. Get the kids ZOOMING!!
Attach the swing hangers and hang the swings with the carabiners.
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