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4 Posts
I'm planning to build a swing set for my kids by hanging a beam between two large trees. The trees are about 18' apart, though. Is this a longer span than you'd feel comfortable covering with a 4x6 or 4x8 beam?
Also, if I use pressure treated pine I was thinking of using 2-3 layers of 2x and joining them with adhesive and fasteners to keep the warping in check. Should I just go with a solid 4x beam? What about cypress or white oak (likely not dried heartwood).
Finally, what's the best way to secure the beam? I was thinking of putting a lag bolt into each tree with a few extra inches on the bolts and drilling a slots into the beam, so it could slide back and forth, side-to-side on the bolts. Then I could use steel cable and turn buckles from higher up in the tree to add support closer to the center of the beam, if that's necessary.
Let me know what you think.
Also, if I use pressure treated pine I was thinking of using 2-3 layers of 2x and joining them with adhesive and fasteners to keep the warping in check. Should I just go with a solid 4x beam? What about cypress or white oak (likely not dried heartwood).
Finally, what's the best way to secure the beam? I was thinking of putting a lag bolt into each tree with a few extra inches on the bolts and drilling a slots into the beam, so it could slide back and forth, side-to-side on the bolts. Then I could use steel cable and turn buckles from higher up in the tree to add support closer to the center of the beam, if that's necessary.
Let me know what you think.