I’m planning on building swings for my kids according to this rough design that I came up with here.
Essentially it’s a very simple two posts, one crossbeam layout. The posts of two 12 foot 4x6s on either side and one more 12 foot 4x6 across the top. Side posts held together with two 2 foot sections of 4x6 anchored through all three pieces with two 12” 1/2 galvanized bolts.
Cross beam would sit on one of those two foot sections and in sandwiched between the two 12ft 4x6s on either side. ( Hope my description makes sense, I’ve included a crude drawing below which should help. )
My questions are.
1. Will the bolt plus support from the 2 foot sections of 4x6 that the cross beam will sit on be strong enough to support the beam and swinging children? Or do I need to consider notching?
2. With the design as calling for vertical posts, will that provide enough strength if I go down 3-4 feet with each of the side posts?
3. Any other tips for a first timer would be greatly appreciated!