Did you know that a gentle rocking motion is as soothing to adults as it is to a little baby? Psychologists say the rocking motion we find so relaxing is rooted in infant-hood. That’s why a pallet swing is the perfect addition any yard or garden.
In fact, I would say no garden is really complete without a comfortable place to relax on a lazy, summer afternoon. Someplace to stretch out while a gentle breeze rocks your cares away. This writer is so ‘there’, that even I could fall asleep. Or as my father would often joke…”I’m just checking for holes in my eyelids!”
At Make it a Garden, we’re all about creating interesting and inviting places to spend time. Which is good, because increasingly, more homeowners are wanting to make their yards and front porches like a mini-retreat. That’s why porch swings, swing beds and hammocks in many styles are all the rage. The better-made ones are getting fairly pricey. Still, you can certainly find something you like in your price range, but why not make one yourself?
The beauty of a homemade pallet swing
Here’s why you should consider making your own personal bed swing from a shipping pallet:
- Shipping pallets are super cheap. They are often available for free, or a very small price.
- Shipping pallets are already assembled! No measuring or cutting boards. And you won’t have to worry about putting anything together.
- It’s a simple enough project that can be completed in one afternoon
- It’s a low-cost project. In fact, a mattress and the fabric to make a covering will probably cost more than all the other materials combined!
I’m pretty sure that you and I could make a pallet swing with just the barest of carpentry skills and basic tools around the garage. Here’s a couple of videos to show you how it’s done.
Video 1: Celebrate Garden Day with a pallet swing
Video 2: A Pallet Swing with a Back Rest
Here’s a slightly different way to make one with a comfortable back rest
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Some additional tips for your project
If you would like to use a standard 39″ by 78″ twin mattress for your swing, start with two (2) standard-sized 40″ by 48″ pallets. That will result in a frame that sticks out on the edges just a bit to give you a place to mount the hanging hardware on.
Some people choose cushions made for outdoor furniture. Others like a more comfortable mattress. It all depends on where you will locate your pallet swing. Under the porch or out in the middle of the yard? There are many ways to protect the mattress. You can use double plastic protectors. A waterproof silicone spray prevents mold and mildew.
- Find the BEST pallet(s) you can–one that’s in the best condition. Boards should be good and strong.
- Carefully inspect the pallet for nails or staples sticking out that could cause injury.
- If 1-2 boards are busted (not unusual for a pallet), they can easily be replaced with scrap lumber you might have around the garage. Note: you’ll probably have to use a small saw blade to cut the busted board. Pallets are not made to come apart easily. Just screw the new one into place.
- Sand the pallet to reduce splinters
- Paint with a natural wood stain or exterior paint to extend the life of the pallet outdoors
Hanging your pallet swing
Whether you use rope or chain, the most important thing is to make sure it’s adequate for strength and durability outdoors. Select rope that is made use outdoors and not subject to rot.
The commercial weight capacity for swing beds sold by retailers is 550 lbs. But that’s mostly for the strength of the chain or rope. If you want to go beyond that, just get a beefier rope or chain.
Do not hang your pallet swing too high! It doesn’t have to be very far off the ground at all. In fact, you want to be able to plop down onto it and get back up just as easily.
Hang from your porch or a tree limb. If neither are available, you’ll have to construct a free-standing arch or arbor for hanging a swing.
Wrappin’ it up
I hope you enjoyed those two videos as much as I did. And I hope you can see how a pallet swing would be a welcome addition to your yard or garden. Here are my take-aways:
- Pallets are cheap and easy to find
- Very little assembly required, using only basic tools
- Low cost materials: rope or chain, paint
- A great summer project you can complete in a day
- Something you’ll get a lot of enjoyment from that will last for a number of years
The only question is: Who are you going to invite over first, to try it out?
If you make your own pallet swing, I’d love to hear about it! In fact, I’ll put it right up on the Make it a Garden “Braggin’ Board”! I hope you’ll also join our garden and art community. Sign up below for my Free tips and receive our friendly little monthly newsletter as well. No weeds (or spam) just thoughtful, helpful garden and art related content. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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