What I Did
I designed and built a self-supporting backyard swing frame that could handle real outdoor use while staying simple enough to assemble, inspect, and maintain.
Personal
Self-Supporting Swing for My Niece
A sturdy backyard swing built as a practical design project and a gift. The goal was simple: make something safe, durable, and genuinely useful for someone I love.
Why I Did It
I wanted to make something practical and personal for my niece: a sturdy swing that felt safe, durable, and genuinely fun to use.
How I Did It
I prioritized stability, load paths, fastener selection, and conservative sizing so the frame would feel solid during regular backyard use.
Finished Frame
The completed frame uses a wide stance and diagonal bracing to keep the swing stable without needing a permanent structure. It is simple, inspectable, and easy to move or maintain if the backyard layout changes.
Best Design Review
The nicest part of the project was seeing it used by the person it was built for. This photo is a good reminder that practical engineering can still be personal, playful, and very worth overbuilding a little.
