Custom Lakefront Swing Arbor

This project involved designing and constructing a freestanding swing structure capable of safely supporting multiple occupants while withstanding wind exposure and seasonal weather conditions along the lakefront.

Prefabricated kits did not offer the structural capacity required for the intended load or storm resistance, so the arbor was custom-built from the ground up with structural integrity as the priority. Six-by-six posts were set 36 inches deep in concrete to establish a stable foundation. Structural cross beams were integrated using half-lap joinery, increasing strength and creating clean, unified connections rather than relying on surface-mounted framing.

The side lattice panels were fabricated with framed 2×2 construction and precisely spaced 1×2 members assembled using custom jigs to ensure symmetry and consistency. The defining architectural feature — the curved arches — was constructed through a custom lamination process. Thin wood strips were formed over templates, glued in layers to achieve the required span and thickness, and planed to uniform dimension. The central arch, formed by laminating multiple sections together, provides both visual character and structural support for the suspended swing.

To protect against moisture and UV exposure in the lakeside environment, the arches were sealed with marine-grade epoxy and finished with marine grade urethane for long-term durability.

The completed structure balances engineered strength, custom fabrication, and refined craftsmanship — delivering a durable outdoor feature designed to perform reliably while complementing its waterfront setting.