Woodworker Chuck

Free Plan: Freestanding Lawn Swing

No posts. No concrete. Moves anywhere on the lawn.

Free download. No signup required.

  • PDF plan
  • Material & cut list
  • Step-by-step instructions
Freestanding A-frame lawn swing built from pine

This swing doesn't need posts in the ground. It stands on its own A-frame, moves anywhere on the lawn, and — if you want — hangs from a porch ceiling in winter with a pair of hooks. The original design is from 1909. It still works.

I rebuilt it in pine with adjustable chain lengths and an outdoor oil finish. The seat took about four hours. The frame took two.

Project at a Glance

Difficulty
Beginner to Intermediate
Main materials
Pine or oak, chain or rope, outdoor finish
Build time
About 6 hours total (2 for the frame, 4 for the seat)
Tools needed
Saw, drill, pocket hole jig, clamps
Seats
2 adults comfortably

From the shop:

This is one of the easiest outdoor projects to move from plan to reality. The joinery is simple, the material list is short, and the finish is just an outdoor oil. If you want to build something that works and looks good, this is it.

Once you finish the swing, you'll have the confidence to tackle bigger outdoor projects. A pergola. A garden shed. A covered porch. The next step is having a library of plans ready so you can pick the right build for your space and skill level.

That's where MyShedPlans comes in.

Recommended Next Step

Want the next 100 outdoor projects ready before this swing is even painted?

MyShedPlans gives you instant access to over 12,000 outdoor designs — sheds, pergolas, garden furniture, garages, and gazebos. Every plan has a full material list, a printable cut list, and step-by-step instructions you can take straight to the shop.

12,000+ Outdoor Plans

Sheds, pergolas, garden furniture, garages, gazebos — each with full material list and printable cut list.

Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It doesn't cost you extra.

16,000+ Woodworking Plans Across Every Project Type

Ted's Woodworking covers furniture, shop jigs, cabinets, outdoor builds, and more. If you want a bigger library beyond outdoor projects, it's worth a look.

See Ted's Plans →

Not sure yet? Start with the free plan.

Build the swing first. You can always come back later and pick up the outdoor plan library when you're ready to tackle the next project.

Want more free woodworking plans in your inbox?

I send out a free plan or shop tip every week. No fluff, no spam.

Join the List →