How to Easily Build the Spider Swing Play Set
Materials List
Qty 1 - 12 ft 4x6 Doug Fir Lumber
The "4x6" lumber should actually measure approximately 3 1/2" by 5 1/2" to fit the brackets. It should not measure a true 4.0" by 6.0". Can substitute other lumber for Douglas Fir.
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Qty 4 - 10 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 - 6 ft 4x4 Lumber
This is for the horizontal cross pieces on the legs. Have the lumber yard cut one 12 foot long piece into half.
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1 Quart Exterior Stain
This set was stained with Behr Premium "Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer" in Cappuccino color.
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4" Paint Roller with Tray for Same
Can get at hardware store.
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Copper Green Wood Preservative
Can get at hardware store. Get 1 quart "Brown" color version. If you cant find this brand, any brand will do.
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Pair of A-Frame Steel Brackets
From room2zoom store, here.
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"Play Platoon Spider Swing - 40"
From Amazon. Here is the Link.
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"Tree Hanging Straps 2000 lbs"
From Amazon. Here is the Link.
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"Jungle Gym Swing Hangers"
From Amazon. You need 2 pair. Here is the Link.
"RedSwing Swing Seat 86" Rope"
From Amazon. Different Color Options. Here is the Link.
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Qty 2 - Carriage Bolt 3/8 x 4 1/2"
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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Qty 18 - 1/2" Washer
Anywhere.
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Qty 22 - 3/8" Washer
Anywhere.
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Qty 10 - 3/8" Lock Nut
Anywhere.
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Box of 50 - Headlok 2 7/8" Screw
Anywhere, or Amazon (Same price). Here is the Link.
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3" Painting 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.
Tools List
Ladder
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Cordless Drill and/or Driver
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Tape Measure
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9/16" Wrench and/or Socket
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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5/16" Drill Bit
For predrilling into legs for lag screws. Size 1/4" also works if the lumber is not too hard.
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Wood File - Sometimes Needed
Steps
1. Plan - Measure Your Space
The Spider Swing Set measures 14 feet wide by 11 1/2 feet deep (front to back). These are the measurements between the legs. The set is about 8 feet 9 inches tall. You need about 6 feet behind the back legs and about 6 feet in front of the front legs, for swinging space.
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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 2 days. And many things can be sourced locally--See the Materials List above.
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3. Stain & Soak Lumber
Stain the Lumber. 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 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 three other adults. Then attach the horizontal cross pieces across the legs.
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5. Attach Swings
Measure and drill holes in beam for swing hangers. Outside hole of hangers (closest to end of beam) is 18" from end of beam. Hangers pair that holds one swing are separated 20" on centers. Attach hangers to beam with bolts, washers, and nuts. Hang swings with the carabiners.
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6. Attach Spider Swing
Measure and wrap tree straps around beam at desired location. Hang spider swing with carabiners.
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7. Swing and........ ZOOM!
Adding Horizontal Cross Piece on Legs
1. No Cross Piece in Video
The video shows the build of the swing set without any horizontal cross piece across the legs. However, the horizontal cross piece will add to the strength and longevity of the swing set, and it adds to the looks of the swing set as well.
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2. Materials
Two - 6 foot 4x4 lumber pieces (You can have the store cut a 12 foot 4x4 into two pieces.)
Four - 3/8" by 6" Hex Lag Screws
Four - 3/8" washers
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3. Stand Up the Swing Set
It is easier to configure and attach the cross piece once the structure is already standing up, rather than while the structure is on its side on the ground as you're assembling it. After you stand it up, adjust the positioning of any of the four legs before attaching the cross piece.
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4. Attach the Cross Piece
Drill a 3/8" hole all the way thru the cross piece near each end of the cross piece, say about 5 or 6 inches from each end. Have a helper hold the cross piece level, with each hole centered over each leg, and using the holes as a guide, with a pen or drill bit mark the spot on the leg where the lag screw will be going in. Then move the cross piece out of the way and predrill into the leg at the marked spot with a 5/16" drill bit, drilling at least 2 1/2 inches into the leg but not all the way through the leg. Finally, place a 3/8" washer over the lag screw and place the lag screw through the cross piece and tighten it into the leg with a socket wrench or similar.