Hello
Yesterday I assembled a swing frame made of pressure-treated timber, which now needs to be secured with ground anchors. However, I’m a bit unsure about placing the six round timber posts directly on the lawn, as they would eventually start to rot...
Would you recommend placing them on, for example, a 30x30 cm (12x12 inch) paving slab (I would just need to cut the bottom of the round posts straight since they currently rest at an angle on the ground), or removing the turf and adding gravel instead (this way, the wooden posts can grip into the ground more easily)?
Yesterday I assembled a swing frame made of pressure-treated timber, which now needs to be secured with ground anchors. However, I’m a bit unsure about placing the six round timber posts directly on the lawn, as they would eventually start to rot...
Would you recommend placing them on, for example, a 30x30 cm (12x12 inch) paving slab (I would just need to cut the bottom of the round posts straight since they currently rest at an angle on the ground), or removing the turf and adding gravel instead (this way, the wooden posts can grip into the ground more easily)?
B
Bauexperte30 Mar 2015 13:05Pokoi schrieb:
Would you, for example, place a 30x30 cm (12x12 inches) paving slab there (then you would just need to cut the round timber straight at the bottom since they are standing angled on the ground), or remove the sod and put gravel down (then the wooden posts can dig in a bit better)? Wouldn’t it be better to pour a foundation under the 6 supports?
Regards, Bauexperte
I don’t want to set them in concrete; the ground anchors are meant for securing the frame by screwing it in. Using six pier foundations just to keep the swing "rust-free" is comparatively too expensive and too complicated. Also, there is a drainage system running underneath, and I’d rather avoid placing a pier foundation directly over a pipe that I might not see while digging the hole. It’s also too inflexible if the swing needs to be moved elsewhere later.
As it is, the swing is already stable without ground anchors and held up fine with two kids swinging. But before the wind can knock it over, the ground anchors will be installed.
As it is, the swing is already stable without ground anchors and held up fine with two kids swinging. But before the wind can knock it over, the ground anchors will be installed.
Keyword: Structural wood protection. This means that the wood should ideally not have direct contact with the ground, and the construction should be designed so that all wooden parts are sufficiently ventilated to allow moisture to dry quickly.
However, I wouldn’t care about all that—my priority would be children’s safety. In other words, I would create isolated footings (which, by the way, cost almost nothing!) and embed post anchors in concrete. I would then attach the swing to these, ensuring both the safety of my children and the best possible protection for the wood.
However, I wouldn’t care about all that—my priority would be children’s safety. In other words, I would create isolated footings (which, by the way, cost almost nothing!) and embed post anchors in concrete. I would then attach the swing to these, ensuring both the safety of my children and the best possible protection for the wood.
I also used these ground anchors for our setup (2 swings + climbing rope + slide), and they have held solidly for 6 years. Even when 2 adults swing at the same time, nothing shakes. Before the whole thing would tip over, I’d be more concerned that the top crossbeam would break, as it bends quite a bit.
At the time, I used leftover paving stones and placed them under the feet (after cutting away the grass). This way, it is level, and I don’t have any issues with overgrown grass at the base where the lawnmower otherwise couldn’t reach.
I just checked based on this topic, and the base points of the round poles are still in great condition.
Hmm, post anchors for such (in my case 12 cm) round poles? I only know of ones used to hold them at a straight 90-degree angle. Are there adjustable ones to allow for inclination (sounds expensive)? Because H-shaped post anchors, for example, would stick straight out of the ground and extend above the round pole, which would be a safety hazard.
At the time, I used leftover paving stones and placed them under the feet (after cutting away the grass). This way, it is level, and I don’t have any issues with overgrown grass at the base where the lawnmower otherwise couldn’t reach.
I just checked based on this topic, and the base points of the round poles are still in great condition.
Hmm, post anchors for such (in my case 12 cm) round poles? I only know of ones used to hold them at a straight 90-degree angle. Are there adjustable ones to allow for inclination (sounds expensive)? Because H-shaped post anchors, for example, would stick straight out of the ground and extend above the round pole, which would be a safety hazard.
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