5 Free DIY Arbor Swing Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)

An arbor is a modest yet beautiful garden structure that turns any backyard into a cozier, more inspiring space. In its most basic form, it’s little more than a trellis with a roof, where plants are encouraged to grow into a natural awning.

If you don’t have a porch, you can attach a swing to an arbor for a lovely piece of backyard furniture. The best part? Unlike some showier garden buildings, like pergolas and gazebos, learning how to build an arbor swing is simple and can be put together with just a few tools and supplies.

Before you get too excited: arbor swings are a more advanced project, requiring accurate measurements, some woodworking skill, and a fair investment of time and money. We don’t recommend one as your first DIY project, but they’re perfect if you’re more advanced and looking for a bigger challenge.

We’ve gathered seven of the best arbor swing plans on the internet to inspire your next DIY adventure. Build them this weekend, and sip iced tea on your new swing Sunday night!

The 5 Free DIY Arbor Swing Plans You Can Make Today

1. Arbor Swing by Construct 101

This plan for a complete arbor swing comes from Construct 101, and is separated into two parts: the arbor and the swing. The link goes to the arbor plans, while a link at the bottom of the page leads to the swing plans (or follow this link). Both can be downloaded as a PDF. You’ll be able to donate, but there’s no fee.

Like all arbor swings, this requires quality materials and careful planning — it’s got to support the weight of at least two people. With diligence and the proper tools, you can make something you’ll be proud of!

2. Swing Stand by How To Specialist

Like #1, this plan by How To Specialist is split into two parts: the arbor swing stand and the swing bench itself. Check the previous link for the stand, and this link for the swing.

These plans produce a sturdy, comfortable arbor swing for relaxing in warm weather. Make sure to paint or varnish it to protect it from the elements, and this swing will last as long as your memories do.

3. Swing Stand by My Outdoor Plans

My Outdoor Plans presents another two-part plan for an arbor swing stand and bench swing. The swing stand plans can be found on one page, the plans for the swing itself on another.

Both of these plans do their best to use only basic materials and require only basic skills, making them a good choice for less-experienced DIYers looking to spruce up their backyards.

4. Arbor Swing by My Outdoor Plans

Another idea from My Outdoor Plans, this is similar to #4, but takes a different approach, including adding a complete wooden floor to the bottom of the arbor. The swing stand plans and swing bench plans are again listed on separate pages.

The whole setup might look intimidating, but you can DIY it trouble-free if you just make careful plans. Since alignment is so crucial to making this arbor swing come together right, we recommend anchoring the bottom frame in place before you add the posts.

5. Backyard Arbor Swing by Today’s Homeowner

Finally, we’ve got this charming DIY plan that teaches you how to build an arbor swing by Today’s Homeowner, which proves ideal for letting flowers and creepers climb up its trellises. The project uses galvanized nails and pressure-treated lumber. Basic written steps are provided, but the instructions in the video go into more detail.

You might also be interested in: 19 DIY Heavy-Duty Porch Swing Plans You Can Build Today

Featured Image Credit: Darius Žukas, Unsplash