I got a new swing set for my daughter which was standing just fine but has rotted feet I would like to replace. I would like to replace the rotted feet by cutting them off above the rot and joining with new wood. So, what is the best way to do this?
I have considered the half-lap joint, but on one tower (tower #1, the less rotted one) there is only about 6-8" of wood to work with below the metal climbing poles. On the other (tower #2) the feet are so rotted I will remove the poles and have to re-insert them into the middle of the new joints, which at least can be longer than on the other tower. I've read that for a roof you want joints that are at least 12" long, but I don't have that much room on tower #1 and I worry about inserting poles into the joints on tower #2. And of course this swing set will hold less weight than a roof, but certainly more than a fence.
Anyone have guidance on what sort of joints might be required for this work? Or another idea to replace these rotten feet (short of taking the whole tower apart)? I'd also rather not spend $200 on metal ties. Also, the existing wood is cedar (not sure which type) and the new wood will be locust (also not sure which type, but rot resistant).