How to assemble a wooden swing set

• Socket set and spanners
• Cordless drill-driver
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• Step ladders
• Ground anchors

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• A-frame legs and top beam
• Platform, deck boards and rails
• Swing seats, chains and hangers
• Slide and ladder
• Bolts, nuts, washers and bolt caps

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose a level site with the safety zone around it that the manual shows, clear of fences, walls and trees.

2. 2

   Step 2: Sort the timbers by the labels on them and the bolts by size.

3. 3

   Step 3: Build the A-frame legs on the ground, bolts snug but not fully tight.

4. 4

   Step 4: With a helper, stand the A-frames and fit the top beam, then check everything is level and square.

5. 5

   Step 5: Build the platform, rails and ladder, then fit the slide.

6. 6

   Step 6: Hang the swings from the beam hangers, with seats at the height the manual gives.

7. 7

   Step 7: Tighten every bolt, fit bolt caps, and fix the ground anchors.

8. 8

   Step 8: Lay a soft surface (bark, rubber mulch or safety mats) in the fall zone, and re-tighten all bolts after a few weeks.

• Building on grass alone with no soft surface under the swings.
• Leaving bolt ends exposed without caps.
• Not re-tightening bolts after the wood shrinks in the first weeks.