If you have a backyard, I’m sure you’d love to have a swing, as your yard definitely deserves one. Backyard Swing Ideas can help you create a cozy place to relax, a play area for the kids, and a stylish landscaping element.
Swings come in a wide variety—everyone can pick them according to their preferences, from classic wooden swings to hanging chairs and even entire pergolas with swings.
In this article, you’ll check out the top 6 best ideas for swings, from budget DIY projects to modern backlit solutions. All you need to do is choose the right one and set up your yard in the best way possible.
Best DIY Backyard Swing Ideas for Adults and Kids
1. Classic wooden swing on a tree
In this option there is nothing superfluous. Just a wooden seat, ropes, a strong branch. And a little nostalgia for our childhood…
How to make:
Materials: a thick wooden board (at least 3 cm), a strong rope (preferably kapron), a drill, sandpaper.
Step 1. Cut out the seat and round the edges (to avoid splinters).
Step 2. Drill two holes in each edge.
Step 3. Thread the rope through the holes and tie secure knots.
Step 4. Find a sturdy branch with a load capacity of at least 250 pounds and secure the ropes (with a knot or anchors).
Tip. Coat the wood with yacht varnish or oil. Swings treated in this way will last much longer. Add a seat cushion or paint the wood to match your backyard aesthetic.
2. Tire Swing – A Budget-Friendly, Fun Option
Tire swings have been around for a long time and for good reason, of course. They are durable, fun and easy to make. And importantly, reusing an old tire keeps it out of the landfill.
How to hang:
Materials: clean old tire, sturdy rope or chains, drill (if needed).
Step 1. Wash the tire thoroughly – scrape off all grease and dirt.
Step 2. Drill drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating inside.
Step 3. Decide how to hang it:
- Horizontal (flat seat): Attach three equidistant ropes or chains around the tire for stability.
- Vertical (rotating swing): Thread one rope through the tire and tie a knot at the bottom. One anchor point, you can untwist!
Step 4. Attach it to a sturdy tree branch or overhead beam with carabiners or sturdy hooks.
Pros. Suitable for both children and adults, almost no cost.
Modern Swing Ideas with Lights for Magical Nights
If you like a more stylish, modern swing, then adding built-in lighting is just what you need to get the desired effect.
3. Hanging Egg Chair with LED String Lights
The hanging egg chair is a great and comfortable alternative to a traditional swing.
What you will need: a ready-made egg chair (on a stand or suspended), LED garlands or soft ribbon with warm light, soft pillows and plaid.
If the chair has a stand:
- Simply place it on a flat surface (patio, lawn, terrace).
- Wrap an LED garland around the chair frame to create soft lighting.
If the chair is suspended:
- Attach an anchor hook in the patio ceiling, pergola beam or special post.
- Hang the chair on chains or sturdy rope.
- Hang garlands around the chair or hang battery-operated lights nearby.
Spread soft pillows, plaid on the swing to make it as comfortable as possible. Choose waterproof fabrics. So there we have it, a great option for evening and nighttime patio lounging.
Fun Backyard Swings Perfect for Teens and Families
This swing is not just for kids, it’s fun for the whole family.
4. Spider Web Net Swing
This is a large round net swing, where 1-2 people can sit, lie, swing, play (if properly attached).
Materials: ready-made round net swing (you can buy or weave by hand), thick kapron rope, carabiners or metal hooks (to securely fasten the swing), strong tree branch.
Step 1. Find a strong branch (at least 20 cm in diameter) to support the weight.
Step 2. Wrap a kapron rope around the branch (or use tree straps to avoid damaging the bark).
Step 3. Attach carabiners to the rope and hang the swing.
If you want to hang the swing on a metal frame or crossbar, you need to install an A-frame or horizontal beam, screw metal hooks into the beam and hang the swing on chains or ropes.
Such swings are perfect for group recreation or active games.
Stylish Hammock Chair Designs for Outdoor Relaxation
5. Hammock Chair – a swing for relaxation
This is the perfect option for those who like a chair with a slight sway. Takes up less space than a regular swing and easily fits into any yard or patio.
What you’ll need: the hammock chair itself (you can buy a ready-made one – Brazilian fabric or macramé woven), hook with an anchor (for attaching to the ceiling) or straps/chains (for wood), carabiners for easy attachment.
How to hang:
Option 1. On a tree
- Choose a sturdy branch (at least 20 cm in diameter).
- Wrap a special hanging strap (or a strong rope) around it.
- Attach the hammock via a carabiner.
Option 2. On the terrace ceiling
- Find a beam or concrete slab.
- Screw in an anchor hook with a dowel.
- Hang the chair on a chain or carabiner – you can adjust the height.
Tip. Be sure to place soft cushions, plaid in the hammock, hang a garland nearby and you have a great place to relax outdoors.
Affordable DIY Wooden Swing Projects for Beginners
6. Sofa swing made of pallets – perfect for two people
Large, roomy swings can easily be made with your own hands. For this we only need a pallet. Pallet swing is a very budget and stylish option, perfect for relaxing in the backyard.
What you will need: a wooden pallet (pallet) – you can take used or buy a new one, a sander or sandpaper, paint or stain, metal rings (4 pcs.), strong chains or thick rope, soft pillows, plaid.
How to make:
- If the pallet is old, sand it to keep it free of splinters.
- Reinforce the structure if the wood is too thin (you can screw in extra boards).
- Paint or stain to make the swing withstand rain and sun.
- Drill one hole in each corner of the pallet.
- Insert metal rings with bolts into the holes – they will hold the ropes or chains.
- If hanging from a tree, choose a strong branch (at least 20 cm in diameter).
Use special straps for hanging (so as not to damage the bark).
- If hanging on a pergola or beam, attach anchor hooks and hang on chains.
Tip. Put soft cushions, a mattress, a plaid on the seat. Hang garlands or a small lamp for lighting in the evening.
The result will be a stylish sofa swing, on which you can relax together, read or even doze.
Which option will you choose?
Swings are not just an element of the yard, they help to make the yard a real place of relaxation, games and cozy evenings. You’ve gotten to know the 6 best ideas for swings and now it’s just a matter of choosing the right one and bringing it to life.
Write in the comments which swing you liked the most.
