Swing in the country: looking for a suitable option

 Dachas today have ceased to be exclusively garden objects. They are increasingly purchased for a pleasant pastime. This gave rise to a new vision of the design of their territory.

Much attention is now paid not only to the construction of comfortable houses, but also to the arrangement of relaxation areas. Along with the installation of gazebos, pergolas, patios, such a move as making a swing with your own hands will work great. This is the easiest way to diversify your vacation and bring lightness and fun to the environment. What they will be - free-standing structures or part of a relaxation complex - you decide for yourself.

You should not consider this element as purely child's play. Believe me, such entertainment in a modern interpretation will appeal to all household members and will definitely not be idle, so let's figure out how to make a swing in the country a worthy decoration of landscape design.

back to index ↑

Types of swing

Structures can be classified according to many parameters. The assortment list includes children's swings for the street and models for adults. The improvisation of the division should be started with the method of rocking, and it can be:

• vertical;
• horizontal.

In the first case, the swing is in the form of a long crossbar with a reference point located in the middle. The principle of their action is a counterbalance. It is necessary to swing on a horizontal swing in two, and it is desirable that the weight of those sitting opposite is approximately the same. Basically, this is a solution for playgrounds, but if you wish, you can increase the dimensions and strength of the structures so that older households can have fun on them, you just have to make adult swings with your own hands. It is unlikely that they will be found ready-made.

With a vertical suspension of the seat, it will be possible to swing on a swing on an individual basis. The horizontal range of motion during swinging is typical for most swing models. This is how the bungee works, and a solid structure with architectural forms and soft seats.

back to index ↑

Structural diversity

Hanging swings for summer cottages are always popular and the reason for this is the simplicity of the design. In fact, this is a seat suspended from any crossbar. The role of the bearing support is often performed by tree branches. For greater safety, it is better to use not a standard weaving rope, but more powerful cables as suspensions. A budget option that allows you to build a swing in the country with your own hands, even for those who do not have experience in such matters.

Frame structures are more difficult for independent execution, however, they are also more reliable in use. The crossbar carrying the seat, in this case, is laid on strong and securely fixed supports. The seat also rests not on cables, but on metal rods or chains.

In a separate category, children's swings for the spring-type street should be singled out. These are always bright structures with comfortable soft seats that imitate the appearance of cars, trains, airplanes or animals. The rocking mechanism in them is a powerful spring, securely embedded in the support. The swing is equipped with handles and straps, which ensure the safety of operation. Since such models are designed for the smallest summer residents, their use should take place exclusively in the presence of adults.

Whether to make a spring summer swing with your own hands or purchase ready-made structures via the Internet is a rhetorical question, and the answer to it depends solely on your ability to solve engineering and technical problems.

back to index ↑

Garden swing for the whole family

"Swings in the country can be installed permanently or use their mobile versions"

If there are no very young children in the house, or a separate playground is provided for them, it makes sense to think about using it in the country landscape:

• sofa swing;
• swing-chaise lounge;
• hammock swing.

Swing sofas

In most cases, these are mobile structures, characterized by increased comfort and ease of installation. The shape of the seat is similar to the design of the sofa, that is, it has a back, soft pillows. In some models, the seat is transformed into a full bed. Such a swing for a summer residence is designed for long-term operation. In the store version, they are most often found in a metal version. If you want to have something more original in the landscape of your site, you can assemble a similar country swing with your own hands from wood.

Swing chairs

Two people can easily sit on the seat of such a swing. These are durable products constructed from a special alloy, most often of a mobile type, which allows them to be carried to any summer cottage and even to a veranda or house.

Swing-hammocks

It can be both a hanging swing for a summer residence, and frame structures. In the first case, the canvas of the hammock is shaped like a seat and hung on a cable or chain on strong branches. For greater comfort, such a seat can be laid out with pillows.

In frame models, the hammock is fixed to the supports and can be hidden under an awning or plastic roof. In expensive types of swing-hammocks, a mattress is provided.

Swings in the country can be installed permanently or use their mobile versions. In the first case, you need to successfully choose a place for their location, since it will not be possible to rearrange the accessory with a slight movement of the hand.

back to index ↑

What can you make a swing with your own hands

When arranging places for leisure activities, take care of the appearance of comfortable and practical swings in them. Do not rush to go to the store for them. Try to make a country swing with your own hands. Of what? From whatever comes to hand. And what is always found in the summer cottage?

Rope

This is the main structural element of the famous "bungee", capable of causing screams of delight not only among children, but also among very respectable adult uncles, risking a ride on it.Most often, it is placed above water bodies and at the same time endowed with the function of a kind of springboard for jumping into the water.

It is not difficult to build a rope version. All that is required is to find a stronger branch and tie one end of the rope to it. On the other hand, a thick knot is tied or a polished log of small thickness is tied, which will be pleasant and convenient to grab with your hands.

Wood

This is a material from which you can make less frivolous swings in the country with your own hands. Wooden structures should have a comfortable seat. The advantages of this option include the environmental friendliness of the product. The wooden model will simply fit into any garden landscape, regardless of its stylistic decision.

Wood is not a very difficult material to work with, so even beginners in carpentry can use it to create a swing. How to make a swing to the country house of wood, we will tell you a little lower, but for now let's digress to its shortcomings.

Despite the fact that the material is considered durable, it is not durable and reacts poorly to moisture, cold, and sunlight. You can extend the life of a wooden swing only by treating it with protective compounds, which, fortunately, are in abundance today.

Metal

Do-it-yourself swings made of metal can only be made by the elite, that is, those who have experience with welding or know blacksmithing. Of course, metal models are the most durable and rational for outdoor use. They can be made:

1. Collapsible.
2. Mobile.
3. Stationary.

According to the method of production, they are also divided into:

• welded;
• forged.

The hand-forged swing sets off a luxurious and rich exterior. Openwork elements give the country swing uniqueness and make it a stylish addition to landscape design. If you need an eternal swing in the country - make it out of metal.

Naturally, the metal surface of the frame will also have to be protected with a special coating (provided that you have not welded a stainless steel swing), which can be attributed to the disadvantages of the material. But by and large, the lack of metal structures is only one and that relative. It's about their bulk. Heavy weight complicates the task of moving mobile and collapsible options.

Plastic

If you don’t know how to make a children’s swing for the street, pay attention to durable polymers. Perhaps the seat will have to be bought, or perhaps something suitable for this role will be found in the bins of the barn.

The easiest way to build a hanging children's swing. For this option, it will be enough to pass a rope through the holes or thread it into the grooves and adapt the entire structure to a tree or other type of support. For kids, it is still more rational to purchase ready-made swings made of plastic. In principle, they are not so expensive, but they look very attractive. They are bright, do not react to moisture, do not need specific care.

When choosing a design, pay attention to the quality of the plastic. It should not emit toxins when heated.

Plastic swings in the country may not always be in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The modernity of the material can negate all the efforts of the designer to give the landscape a vintage or rustic look. It cannot be called positive that the plastic swing is not an attraction for the whole family. Neither teenagers nor adults can ride them.

And further. In a do-it-yourself swing for a summer residence, a symbiosis of materials may well slip through. It won't sound like nonsense. Wood can be a wonderful addition to metal, and a rope to wood.

back to index ↑

Where to put a swing in the country

Before you start working on a swing with your own hands, remember that the design should become an integral part of the overall stylistic decision for the design of the site, and think about where you are going to put it. This will help determine the design of the product and will affect the choice of material.

Playgrounds and adult recreation areas remain the standard installation site for swings. If you are going to make a do-it-yourself wooden swing for a summer residence, it would be nice to place them on the terrace. The roof of the building will become a reliable protection against adverse natural influences and will contribute to the long-term operation of the relaxation accessory. With the size, you won’t be able to accelerate much, but for the standard option for two, there will always be a place in the gazebo.

Alternatively, the swing can be taken out under a pergola or arranged in an arch. The latter will be an excellent support for hanging swings for summer cottages. The green cover will shade the seat from the sun, so you only need to hide it from the rain.

back to index ↑

Swing as a stylish addition to a stylish landscape

“When constructing a swing with your own hands, stop at a laconic, but not devoid of roundness of lines frame and neutral colors”

A swing is one of the few pieces of country furniture that helps fill it with comfort. Ever wondered how pleasant they can be to spend an evening or an afternoon siesta? Just imagine: a gentle breeze, bird trills, the aroma of flowers - all these delights will bring much more pleasure if you taste them slowly flying towards you. It remains only to find a swing for the dacha of a design that meets your needs and with a design suitable for the garden setting.

The bestsellers today are models with a fabric canopy and soft seat cushions. They are relevant for any landscapes decorated in rustic styles, especially in French country. Craftsmen can assemble such a summer swing with their own hands. They will look much more interesting than store-bought ones, as you will get a chance to play with shapes and decorate them with prettier fabrics.

A spectacular element of garden decor in a rustic spirit will be obtained from a swing made with one's own hands from rough wood.

In the airy and sophisticated gardens, you should look for a wrought-iron swing, with wooden seats and a polycarbonate roof.

A stylish model of a swing-cocoon decorates cottages with classical and progressive landscapes.

A swing to the country with a modern landscape solution can be in the form of a deck chair and be made in gray and white colors. No less relevant are steel swing chairs, the seat of which seems to be woven from air bubbles. The design is openwork, so it does not look rough, although it has some kind of alien look. You can buy such a swing in metallic or lavender color.

Suspended swings for high-tech cottages should be distinguished by original design and modern materials of manufacture. Their task is not only to increase the comfort of rest, but also to become the accent center of the relaxation zone.

Do-it-yourself wooden swings are not too difficult to assemble for an Art Nouveau garden. These should be imposing looking structures in original design, covered with soft mattresses, comfortable seating.

In landscapes with an eastern slope, you can hang a swing-drop or put a “Moon” rocking chair. The last option is more solid. Such a swing in the country will give you the opportunity to even take a nap.

Sun lovers should be interested in rattan swings-chaise lounges. You can sunbathe in them with great comfort. Those who seek solitude have no choice but to make a swing in the country with a closed chair-seat. Such hanging nests will serve as a compromise and allow you to stay in the fresh air, hiding from prying eyes and annoying sounds. Inside this makeshift house is incredibly cozy, therefore, if you have the opportunity to make several similar options, do not give up on the idea, otherwise you will find yourself in a constant battle for a comfortable stay not only with the rest of the household, but also with cats. The swing model is universal and can decorate a garden of any stylistic direction.

For stylistic solutions with reverence for textile decor, you should choose a swing tent. In their design, in addition to the canopy, there will be adjustable translucent curtains, with which you can create the most comfortable environment for yourself.

There is no better solution for the Gothic, how to make a do-it-yourself swing from forged elements and complement the design with lanterns that correspond to the stylistic requirements of the form. With their appearance, the garden will immediately acquire a mysterious look.

What has no boundaries is the romantic directions. The swing in the country with this design has a leading decorative role. They should have such an appearance that no one has any doubts about the comfort and coziness of the surrounding space. This means that the swing should not suffer from brevity of forms. Their frames should please the eye with the grace of curves. If you are working on DIY swing decor, make sure it has a colorful look. Paint the seat and uprights in bright, eye-catching colors. In priority:

• green;
• Orange;
• Red;
• yellow.

Pay attention to the shape of the seat. It should be very comfortable and really allow you to relax.

Since swings in such landscapes are placed in prominent places, for example, near water bodies, in front of flower beds, they must be equipped with canopies. But the romantically designed structure will make the greatest sensation framed by an arch entwined with greenery. However, you can find your swing in the country and another, no less original place, nothing limits you in choosing it. Fantasize for your health!

How to make a swing with your own hands in minimalist landscapes, what shape to give them and what material to use is not so important. In this case, attention should not be attracted by the structure itself, but by its location, or rather, the view that opens from it.

A swing in minimalism should allow you to detach from what is happening. Those sitting on them will involuntarily focus on the contemplation of the proposed landscape, and tune in to a philosophical mood.

When designing a swing with your own hands, stop at a laconic, but not devoid of roundness of lines frame and neutral colors.

back to index ↑

A few ideas on how to make a swing with your own hands

We use pallets

After construction, pallets often remain in suburban areas, which served as a pallet for transporting bricks or bulk materials. It is not at all difficult to turn them into a comfortable swing with your own hands. Of the consumables, in addition to the pallet, you need to stock up on a strong rope and find a support to which the finished structure will subsequently be attached.

The easiest way to build a children's hanging swing for the street. First, process the pallet. Its surface must be made smooth, without splinters.Now impregnate it with a protective compound and open it with stain or varnish. Pass the rope under the top tier. This must be done symmetrically on both sides. Tie the loose ends into a common knot. Find a place to hang. If it is intended that only a child will use the swing, do not raise it much above the ground. For convenience, you can put a mattress with pillows on top of the makeshift seat.

How to make a swing with your own hands from the same material, but for general use? The principle can be left the same, only to increase the seating area by connecting two or more pallets together. Those who are familiar with carpentry can assemble swing sofas from pallets.

Transforming a bicycle wheel

From the old rim of a bicycle wheel, you can build a magnificent, nest-like, hanging swing for a summer residence. In appearance, the design will rather resemble a hammock, in which you can ride not only sitting, but also lying down. What do you need to assemble a swing with your own hands?

1. Large bicycle rim.
2. 4 metal rings.
3. 2 fastening carabiners.
4. Multi-colored and white ropes.
5. Polypropylene pipe.

How to put it all together? The polypropylene pipe is bent and hidden inside the rim. Through the existing holes for the knitting needles, the structure is tied. Then the resulting frame is braided with ropes and the seat is woven out. Knitting is carried out according to the scheme for creating a "dream catcher". The final stage is the design of the rim with colored ropes with parallel fixation of rings for suspensions.

In order for the swing in the country to live for more than one season, do not be too lazy to additionally isolate the metal rim with tubular material used in the thermal insulation of pipelines. So the metal will not rust, and the ropes will not fray so quickly. Hang the resulting swing in the shade of trees or find a place for them on the playground. Entertainment is ready!

Log swing

Also an original idea. Do you want to know how to make a magnificent summer swing with your own hands from two unsightly logs? Here, too, you do not need to be seven spans in the forehead. The model is extremely simple and is combined from two pieces of a rounded bar and a rope. All that is needed to get a real hanging outdoor swing is to tie both logs into one plane and fix them in that position with some type of marine knot. The remaining length of the rope should be enough to hang the structure.

The second life of an old skateboard

A broken snowboard or an old skateboard should not be rushed to a landfill. Of these, you can make quite functional and cute children's swings for giving. These boards are extremely durable, so they will adapt wonderfully to their new role and will last for many years. Naturally, both contenders are just seats that still need to be beaten. Do you want to know how to make a DIY swing from these remains? Extremely simple.

All that is required of you is to find a high-strength rope and cut grooves in the board to fit its diameter. There should be 4 such cuts on each side. This is necessary for reliable braiding them with a rope suspension.

It is even easier to make a skateboard construction, where the roller mechanism has been preserved. Here, the wheels are simply entangled with rope loops. You can't imagine a more reliable fixation.

And tires again

Tires have become an indispensable material in dacha design. They did not remain unclaimed in the design of swings with their own hands. There are several ways to make exciting attractions out of them.

It is easiest to work with a solid tire. Holes are drilled in its surface and rope fasteners are passed through them. From the inside, the plants are fixed with strong knots.You can take iron hooks with threads for the role of fasteners and knit a rope to them.

Now let's see how to make a country swing with your own hands from cut tires. For work, take the tread part of the tires. We bend the first strip in half and lay perpendicular to the second. We fix the stripes at the intersection. We pass the fasteners through the bottom tire and hang the finished product on a branch or horizontal bar. Chains can be used instead of ropes.

We complicate the task

If you have carpentry skills, then you can safely take on the creation of a swing to the dacha of a more complex supporting structure. We will work with rounded timber. We will give the bearing part the shape of the letter "A". We will need 4 long logs and two short ones. To assemble the first support, we will make an angular cut of the upper ends of the long beams in a mirror image. This will allow you to install and secure them in the required form. Now we will strengthen our support by installing a crossbar. By the same principle, we will collect the second part.

The next step will be fixing the transverse support beam, to which the seat will be attached.

It is also proposed to make the latter from pure wood. An L-shaped frame made of thick timber is sheathed with polished and polished durable slats or narrow boards. It looks like a garden bench. For greater comfort, you can provide cobbled armrests.

Making a stationary country swing with your own hands alone will be somewhat difficult. As an assistant, it would be nice to attract someone from the household. Most of all, assistants will be required at the installation stage. But this is still far away, so let's get back to working on the design.

Let's deal with the suspension of the seat to the beam. As a fastener, you can choose any adequate option that can withstand the weight of the seat itself and the people on it. Rope obviously won't do it. The chains will not look very aesthetically pleasing either, although if you work on the overall design, you can harmoniously fit them into the design. In our case, it is better to take the same rounded timber for the mounting suspension. From other parts, you will need rings or hooks and powerful carabiners.

To install a swing in the country, you will need to dig holes for the legs and immerse the supports in them by at least 80 cm. Since we have a wooden structure, it is recommended to wrap the underground part of the legs with roofing material or grease it well with mastic to extend its service life.

Spend the outdoor decor at your discretion. You can add pillows to the seat, you can put a canopy over the swing, you can decorate the design with carved elements or other accessories.

back to index ↑

Swing in the country: features of care

"It doesn't matter how the swing is made - with your own hands or in production - the principles of maintaining their longevity and serviceability remain identical"

Is it difficult to take care of a country swing? There is nothing supernatural in this process. It doesn’t matter how the swing is made - with your own hands or in production - the principles for maintaining their longevity and serviceability remain identical.

If the structures available in the country landscape are of a wooden nature, then try to prevent them from getting wet. A tree, even in its living form, does not react very well to an excess of moisture, and being in the form of logs even more so. What follows from this? The only thing is that wooden children's swings for the street, however, as well as garden ones, where the whole family rests, will have to be treated with protective compounds, possibly periodically varnished or painted.If the swing has a collapsible design and is removed from the site for the winter, do not store the wooden components packed in polyethylene.

Those who prefer rattan should remember that such products cannot be taken out into the open sun and left in the rain. Care consists in periodically wiping with a damp cloth from accumulated dust.

What will not be much trouble is with a plastic swing in the country. Nothing beats quality material. It will not lose its brilliance or form. You can clean the plastic swing in any way - both dry and wet.

Their metal products are more whimsical and afraid of corrosion. Therefore, it will be necessary to monitor the integrity of the decorative layer and, if necessary, restore it in time. With regard to washing the swing - there are no restrictions.

back to index ↑

Conclusion

Swings in the country, especially those made with your own hands, will become an additional touch, indicating the regularity and well-being of your life, hint at the non-trivial taste of the owners and their love of comfort. They will bring you back to your childhood, allow you to remember the forgotten carelessness, the feeling of flying, and give you a good mood. In general, there are more than enough reasons to start building and installing them, right?

Photo gallery - country swing

back to index ↑

Video

---