Relaxing Bench Swing

Landscape architect Louise Leff designed a redwood arbor frame that matches the trellis on the deck. The arbor posts are boxed in by planters for climbing vines to soften the lines of the frame. Figure B shows a diagram of the arbor frame, swing, planters and planting plan. Leff recommends choosing a location near a fence, wall, or border of trees, rather than in the middle of a yard, to give a sense of enclosure. Also, select a location with a pleasant vantage point so you can relax and take in the view.

Step One: Setting the Posts

Landscape contractor Bruce Schneider of Hillside Landscaping chose 6x6 redwood posts (about $10 apiece), which are strong, durable and weather-resistant.

Begin by marking where to set the two posts, spaced about 8-1/2 feet apart. Dig holes three feet deep. Mix up four bags of quick-setting concrete per hole. Set the first post in a hole and have a friend hold it upright while you pour in the concrete. Check that it's plumb on all sides. Repeat with the second post in the other hole. Let the concrete cure overnight. Cut off the tops to a uniform height of about 7 1/2 feet, and save the cut-off portions for use later.

Step Two: Attaching the Support Beams

To build the support beams, use two 2x8 planks, 11 to 12 feet long, to overhang the posts. For added interest, cut off the ends in the design of your choice. With the help of a friend, set the first beam against the back of the posts and make sure that the overhang is equal on each side. Check that it's level and attach with 3-inch galvanized screws. Attach the second beam to the front of the posts, sandwiching the posts.

Slide the blocks in between the support beams, with the eye bolts facing down, so that they'll line up with the bench swing arms. Attach them to the support beams with deck screws and a couple of lag screws (figure D) to ensure that the blocks won't move when the swing is in use.

The top of the arbor has crosspieces that form a grid pattern. Specifically, 2x6 rafters are placed on top of and perpendicular to the support beams, and 2x2 pickets are spaced 4 inches apart on top of the rafters.

Screw 12-foot-long 2x2 pickets to the top of the rafters, using a spacer to leave a 4-inch gap, to help filter light on sunny days. Trim off the overhanging ends by snapping a string line across all the pickets and using a circular saw to cut them to the same length.

Step Four: Installing the Swing

Pre-made swings are available at garden specialty stores and online for $200 to $800. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, usually with the back and seat pre-built. Using the hardware and instructions that are included, you simply assemble the parts. This project uses a 5-foot-long cedar swing, which is comfortable for 2 people.

Before hooking up the swing, make a sturdy flagstone slab base, set flush with the ground, to keep the area beneath the swing from becoming worn or muddy. Then assemble the swing following the instructions provided. Secure suspension chains to the arms with lag bolts.

Figure I shows the completed bench swing with arbor-style frame that integrates with the existing trellis and vines that soften the lines of the frame.

Planting: Around a Garden Swing

• Carolina jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens), Zones 7-9, to climb the posts
• Nemesia fruticans, Zones 9-10
• Camellia japonica 'Mrs. Tingley', Zones 7-8