DIY Pergola Swingest for the Backyard

We've been debating over a swing set for the backyard for months now, and just couldn't wrap our minds around spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars for some wood, swings and a slide.  After some research, and a consultation with a man at our church who builds custom swingsets, we decided to tackle a major DIY project.  Thankfully, we were able to do this while Bradley's Dad was here to assist.

I have to say this is by far my favorite outdoor project yet!  Other than eating the veggies from the garden, the pergola even tops our raised bed vegetable garden.  In doing some research, Bradley discovered that most children don't really use the slide portion of a swingset, but the swings get used all the time.  So, we opted to simply have swings in the backyard for the girls.  They hang from hooks placed in the wood, and can easily be removed to put in a porch swing, or to leave empty for using the pergola as an outdoor sitting area {we're thinking re-sale here; not everyone wants swings in the backyard, but outdoor living space is highly desirable}.

Bradley designed this entire thing!  He and his dad spent about 2 full days cutting wood, pouring cement, measuring, and constructing this beautiful piece for the backyard.  My part?  Well, I'm just really happy because it created usable space out of a not-so-usable slope.  Bradley had to dig a spot out with a chisel {I think that's what he used} and it was hard work, but we now have a flat space that sits above the rest of the yard.  It's perfect!

They took the time to cut pieces out of the wood, using a homemade stencil, so that it has the finished curved look of a traditional pergola.

I really wanted this area to be grassy, and what do you know but the house across the street was at the tail end of construction and they were sodding the yard while this project was going on.  They discarded TONS of extra sod into the woods, so we scooped it up and it's growing quite nicely in its new home.

We're waiting to put just the right flowering vine to grow on the top of the pergola, and I envision twinkling white lights, a table and chairs, and an elegant meal for two at some point here during the summer.  Maybe something like this:

source

Hey, if we get enough requests here, Bradley might even be willing to give us a tutorial on how to do this!  So, if you're interested in the plans for a DIY Pergola, just leave a comment and I'll make sure my husband reads them all!

ps - this entire project cost just under $300.  Way less than buying a pre-made swing set and it can be used by all ages for enjoyment!

Linking to:

Thrifty Decor Chick
Beneath My Heart