How to Make a Tree Swing on a Pine Limb

Pine trees can grow as high as 100 feet tall, and they have long branches that cover the top third of the tree's trunk. A pine branch makes a suitable support for a tree swing, as a typical branch can bear the weight. However, you do not want to just loop a rope over the branch and tie it to a board. This will certainly kill the branch and cause a dangerous situation for anyone using the swing. If you take the time to properly cut the seat and install the rope, you will have a swing that will last for years.

1-by-8 piece of oak lumber
Circular saw
Wood glue
Clamps
Reciprocating saw
Paint or stain
Paint brush
Drill
I-bolt
Washers and nuts
Wrench set
Metal thimble
Nylon rope
Hacksaw

Instructions

- 1
  Cut three pieces of 16-inch-long boards from a piece of 1-by-8-inch oak lumber with a circular saw.
- 2
  Apply glue to the sides of two pieces of board and clamp the glued sides together to form a 16-inch square.
- 3
  Center the third board over the joint of the glued boards and secure the board to the glued board with 1 3/4-inch wood screws.
- 4
  Flip the board over so the smaller board faces downward. Draw the largest circle possible on the board and then cut the circle out with a reciprocating saw.
- 5
  Find the center of the circle and drill a hole large enough to fit a 1 ½-inch nylon rope through it. A hole saw is the perfect tool for this task.
- 6
  Sand the edges of the wood with a sander and then paint or stain the wood. Wait for the paint or stain to dry before moving on. Use an exterior paint or stain. You can be as creative with this process as you like.
- 7
  Drill a hole vertically through the thickest branch on the pine tree and insert an I-bolt through the branch. Secure the I-bolt to the branch with a washer and two bolts. You need a wrench set to secure the bolts.
- 8
  Tie the nylon rope around a metal thimble and then use a secure hook to connect the thimble to the I-bolt.
- 9
  Thread the nylon rope though the hole in the wooden seat and then tie two large knots in the rope below the seat.
- 10
  Cut the excess rope off with a hacksaw.

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