When setting up a swing set in your backyard, one of the most important factors to consider is how far apart the legs need to be. Proper leg spacing is crucial for providing a stable and safe swinging experience. In this article, we’ll examine the recommended distance between swing set legs based on different factors.
Page Contents
Standard Leg Spacing
Most swing set manufacturers recommend a leg spacing of 6-7 feet for a basic two-swing set. This width provides enough stability for two average-sized kids to swing safely. The general rule of thumb is to allow 4-5 feet of space between the outer legs and the swing seats at each end.
So for a set with two swings, you’d want the distance between the inside legs to be 6-7 feet. And the distance between the outer legs would be 10-12 feet total.
Factors That Determine Leg Spacing
While 6-7 feet is standard, the ideal swing set leg spacing can vary based on these factors:
- Number of swings – More swings means you need wider spacing between the outer legs.
- Size of swings – Bigger, heavier swings require more stability.
- Ages of users – Spacing should accommodate the size of the intended ages.
- Swing hang heights – Higher swings need more side-to-side room.
- Extra accessories – Features like a swing glider add more weight and size.
Let’s look at how each of these affects the ideal distance between legs.
Number of Swings
The basic leg spacing of 6-7 feet is for two swings. For each additional swing, you’ll want to add 24-30 inches between the outer legs. Here are the recommended leg spacings based on swing numbers:
| Number of Swings | Minimum Outer Leg Spacing |
|---|---|
| 2 swings | 10 feet |
| 3 swings | 12 feet |
| 4 swings | 14 feet |
So if you were getting a 4-swing set, the outer legs would need to be spaced at least 14 feet apart. And the inner legs would be 6-7 feet apart as standard.
Size of Swings
The standard spacing is designed for average kid-sized swings about 18-20 inches wide. If you opt for larger swings designed for adults or multiple riders, you may want to add extra distance between the legs.
For heavy-duty oversized swings up to 5 feet wide, increase the outer leg span by an extra 2 feet. And increase the inner spacing by 1 foot. This provides the stability needed for larger, heavier swings.
Ages of Users
Make sure your leg spacing appropriately fits the sizes of who will be using the swings. For older kids and adults, increase the inner leg spacing to 7-8 feet. This allows for the extra height and arm span of bigger swingers.
And for very young toddlers in bucket swings, you can actually decrease the inner spacing slightly to 5 feet. Since they have shorter arms and legs, they don’t need quite as wide of a range.
Swing Hang Height
Standard hang heights for swing seats are about 24 inches from the ground. However, you can also find swing sets with higher and lower heights. Moving the swings up increases the side-to-side arc as they swing. Consider adding an extra 6 inches between the outer legs for hang heights over 24 inches.
Additional Accessories
Swing sets often come with fun add-ons like gliders, ropes, climbing walls and monkey bars. These accessories add more weight and width. To accommodate attachments, increase both the outer and inner leg spacing by 6-12 inches depending on the size.
Portable vs. Permanent Sets
Another factor in leg spacing is whether your swing set is portable or permanent. Portable sets designed to be movable tend to have up to 2 feet less spacing between legs to keep the structure compact.
On the other hand, permanent swing sets installed into the ground can utilize wider, more stable spacing between 6-10 feet for the inner legs. And up to 16 feet or more between the outer legs to accommodate multiple swings and accessories.
Using Turnbuckles for Adjustable Spacing
Some swing sets use turnbuckles on the top crossbar connecting the legs. This allows you to tighten and loosen the bar to adjust the spacing. Turnbuckles give you flexibility if you need to tweak the distance between legs after initial assembly.
Swing Set Leg Height
In additional to spacing between legs, also factor in the recommended height. Most swing sets have A-frame legs with two pieces that attach in the middle. Each leg piece should be about 7-8 feet long for sufficient height. This gives at least 5 feet of clearance below the top bar for hanging swings safely.
Conclusion
When spacing out your swing set legs, the general rule of thumb is 6-7 feet between inner legs and 10-14 feet between outer legs. This provides a stable base for a standard 2 to 4-swing set. Larger swings, higher hangs, additional features and older kids require wider spacing. Consider the specifics of your swing set setup and adjust the leg positions accordingly for optimal safety and function.