In short: Wooden outdoor swing set No. 1 is a roofless swing set with a sturdy round-log frame and a bench with a backrest and armrests hanging on ropes. It is comfortable to sit and swing gently on this bench, and the open top leaves plenty of light and sky. The size and finish are agreed with each customer individually.
What kind of wooden outdoor swing set this is
The base of the swing set is a frame made of peeled round logs. Each side consists of two legs that meet at the top and together resemble the letter A. A long horizontal log joins them at the top, and the bench hangs from it. To keep the frame from wobbling, diagonal braces run from the legs to the top log, and at the bottom logs lying on the ground join the legs of both sides.
The logs have not been turned to a perfectly uniform thickness: you can see the natural bends of the wood and the places where branches grew. Because of this the swing set looks not like a factory product but like a handmade accent for the yard that goes well with other wooden structures.
The bench is made of boards: the seat and the backrest are put together from horizontal slats, and armrests are fitted at the sides. It hangs on light-colored ropes that are fastened at the top to metal hangers. On each side the rope divides into two branches, one to the front and one to the back of the bench, so the seat hangs level and does not tip.
Ropes go well with natural wood and have advantages of their own: in the sun they do not heat up the way metal does, and they feel pleasant in the hands. The light color of the ropes stands out nicely against the background of warm logs and strengthens the handmade impression.
A swing set like this is not meant only for children to play on. The wide bench with a backrest invites adults to sit down as well: to read a book, to talk in the evening or simply to listen to the sounds of the garden. The slow, even swinging is calming, so the swing set can become a favorite spot in the yard.
Concrete slabs are placed under the bottoms of the legs. They keep the logs from touching the gravel or soil directly and help the frame stand level.
What the photo shows
A short summary shows which details can be seen in this typical example.
| Feature | In the photo |
|---|---|
| Round-log frame | Yes |
| A-shaped sides with diagonal braces | Yes |
| Bench with a backrest and armrests | Yes |
| Suspension on ropes | Yes |
| Concrete slabs under the legs | Yes |
| Roof over the bench | No |
The swing set was photographed on a gravel area next to a gazebo and other wooden products. The structures standing beside it help you judge its height and proportions.
A swing set without a roof: when it is the best choice
A roof protects from rain and hot sun, but it is not always needed. A swing set without a roof looks lighter, does not block the view and leaves the open sky overhead. This is especially valuable in the evening, when you want to watch the sunset or the stars.
In addition, an open frame blocks less light from the surrounding plants and does not look like one more building in the yard. It also suits a small plot well, where a larger structure with a roof would look too massive.
It is worth choosing a swing set like this if:
- you want to place it in the shade of trees, where the foliage already gives shelter;
- the yard already has a gazebo or a covered terrace, and the swing set is meant for sunny days;
- you want a simpler, lower structure that will not overshadow the house or the garden;
- you will use the swing set mostly in the warm season and on dry days.
It is still good to know that without a roof the bench heats up on a sunny day and stays damp longer after rain. So outdoor cushions come in handy: you can lay them down before sitting and carry them back inside afterwards. This makes sitting more comfortable and the wood suffers less from moisture.
In the photo, behind the swing set, you can see a wooden gazebo with columns of natural trunks. This combination is very practical: the swing set is for spending time in the sun, and the gazebo is for taking shelter from rain or heat. If you are planning a similar yard, take a look at the section wooden gazebos.
How to set up a wooden outdoor swing set safely
A swing set moves, so its location must be chosen more carefully than for a bench or a table. A few simple principles help you avoid unpleasant surprises:
- A level, firm base. The legs must stand on a level surface so that the frame does not lean. In the photo, concrete slabs are placed under the legs.
- Free space in front of and behind the bench. A swinging bench moves back and forth, so there should be no trees, fence, stones or other obstacles on these sides.
- A softer surface under the bench. Lawn, sand or fine gravel are safer than concrete or paving stones, especially if children will be swinging.
- Away from paths. It is better if people do not walk past the swing set, so that nobody accidentally ends up in the path of the swinging bench.
If the swing set is for children, it is handy when you can see it through a window of the house or from the terrace. Then adults can calmly get on with their own tasks and still see what is going on in the yard.
At the start of the season it is worth checking the whole structure: whether the frame stands firmly, whether the slabs under the legs have shifted, and whether the level of the ground has changed after winter. If hollows have formed in the soil, level them out before swinging.
Small children should always be supervised by adults on a swing set. A bench with a backrest and armrests is comfortable, but it is not a seat with a harness made specially for toddlers.
What to discuss when ordering a swing set
Laukbaldis shows only typical examples, so the photo helps you imagine the product, while the details are worth discussing separately. Before calling, think about:
- Who will swing. Whether the swing set is meant mostly for children or for the whole family: the size of the bench and the sturdiness of the frame depend on it.
- How much space you have. Measure the area where the swing set will stand and leave free room for swinging.
- Suspension. In the photo the bench hangs on ropes. If you want a different solution, discuss it when you order.
- Finish. The shade of the logs and the bench can be matched to other products in the yard.
If you are unsure whether you need a roof, compare with other examples: the wooden swing set No. 2, the outdoor swing set No. 3. For children, the sandbox with a canopy is also a good fit. You will find all our products in the section swing sets and sandboxes.
If you are creating a play corner for children, the swing set can be combined with a sandbox or a playhouse, as Laukbaldis makes those too. When all the products in the yard are wooden and have a similar finish, the play area looks unified and fits naturally into the garden.
Caring for the swing set
A swing set standing outdoors is exposed every day to sun, rain and changes of temperature. Simple care helps it stay safe and good-looking for a long time.
Ropes and fastenings. Every spring, and several times during the season, inspect the ropes: whether they are frayed, have become rough or have torn spots. Also check the metal hangers on the top log. If you notice wear, replace the ropes without waiting, as this is the most important condition for the safety of the swing set.
Wood. From time to time coat the logs and the bench with a protective product made for exterior wood. Look especially carefully at the bottom logs and the ends of the legs, as they are closest to the ground and stay damp the longest. Small lengthwise cracks appear in logs naturally as the wood dries and usually do not harm the strength.
Bench. From time to time wipe the slats of the bench free of dust, pollen and bird droppings. At the same time check whether the armrests and the backrest are holding firmly and whether the rope fastenings on the bench have come loose.
Winter. If you can, take the bench down for the winter and keep it under a roof. It will get less damp, and the ropes will stay strong longer. The frame can stay outside, but in spring it is worth inspecting more carefully: whether there are softened spots at the ends of the logs, whether the joints of the braces are firm, and whether deeper cracks have appeared.
How to order swing set No. 1
UAB “Laukbaldis” has worked since 1996 and, as the company states, was the first in Lithuania to start making this production. Besides swing sets, it makes sandboxes, children’s playhouses, gazebos and garden furniture. The company is based in Dapkiškių village, Tauragės district.
Call +370 687 25388 and quote the product number, No. 1. During the conversation you will discuss who will mostly be swinging, how much space you have and what finish suits you. If you have photos of your yard, have them ready: it is then easier to judge where the swing set will stand most comfortably and safely.
Only typical examples are shown on the website. Swing set No. 1 shows one solution: an open log frame without a roof with a hanging bench. The size, finish and other details are discussed before production so that the swing set suits your yard and your family.
Frequently asked questions
Is this swing set suitable for adults too?
In the photo the swing set has a bench with a backrest and armrests, so it is comfortable for both children and adults to sit on. Check the permitted load and the width of the seat when you order, as sizes are agreed individually.
Why choose a swing set without a roof?
A swing set without a roof looks lighter, does not block the view and leaves the open sky overhead. It is especially suitable under trees or in a yard that already has a gazebo or a covered terrace.
How much space does a swing set need?
Besides the area of the frame itself, leave free room in front of and behind the bench so that the swinging bench does not hit anything. The exact distance depends on the size of the swing set, so it is best discussed on the phone.
What do the legs of the swing set stand on?
In the photo the legs of the log frame rest on concrete slabs. They help the frame stand level and protect the ends of the logs from direct contact with the ground.
How do I look after the ropes of the swing set?
Every spring, and several times during the season, check that the ropes are not frayed or torn. If you notice wear, replace the ropes immediately.
How do I order swing set No. 1?
Call us and quote No. 1. We will discuss the size of the swing set, the spot in the yard and the finish.
