Backyard Getaway

This project I’m going to share today has long been in the making…and over the holiday weekend we finally got it completed!  Just in time to still enjoy the great outdoors while autumn breezes blow and the leaves begin to reveal their fiery colors before they fall!  As the kids have grown, portions of our large second-hand swing set were looking a little lonely.  And since it’s still a place in the yard that kids of all ages tend to hang out, I’ve been looking for ways to make it a more useful space.  The popular over-sized tire swing was a keeper…and we’d already replaced the “horsey” swing with a hammock chair…both of which often find themselves busy when the boys have guests!  But the other side of the slide, which formerly held several traditional (and baby) swings, was still sitting empty…hence, the project!  I’ve always dreamed of having a hanging platform bed…so I was thinking, why not make something similar for outdoors?  I’m pretty sure my husband thought I was nuts when I first mentioned the idea–even though he’s pretty used to me by now!  But the barren space on the swing set was screaming for attention…and was a perfect spot to create additional seating AND a place for the boys to relax after a long day of classes!  As it turns out, it makes a great getaway for adults too…and is just steps away from the backdoor!

see how we made our mini getaway…

the first thing that we had to have was a platform.  my husband happened to know someone in Detroit who makes pallets for companies and requested a “tabletop” style…this version won’t have large gaps between the boards and provides a solid surface.  i had the pallet made a bit larger than a twin mattress…a nice size for more than one to sit comfortably and long enough for a single occupant to stretch out for a comfy nap!

then the hardware…this is where i needed to hand it over to my hubby!  finding the right equipment to hold this monster was totally out of my league!  and even though i know he won’t admit it, he loved the multiple trips to the big box stores–and he had actual excuses to go!  there have been many of these around the house lately…

large eye screws that went completely through and were bolted at the bottom of the pallet would be the anchors for the cables which would suspend it…

the heavy weight cables made it easier for adjusting the platform so it would hang level…and a thinner option to heavy chain.  to my surprise, it even supports more weight per strand!

and separate hangers were created with boards and metal plates to securely hang the platform from the swing set frame…

once it was hanging we just needed to level it out…and lucky for us, my parents were visiting and we had extra hands! (they might begin to think we plan projects for when they are here!)

now for the fun stuff…

on a trip to Ikea earlier this summer i picked up some fun items with this platform in mind.  i loved this outdoor solar light to hang overhead so that dusk wouldn’t prohibit anyone from relaxing with a good book, magazine…or homework!

a day in the sun and it was ready to go!

since both my husband and oldest have mosquito bait in their blood…i had to provide more protection above and beyond bug spray!  again, Ikea offered just what i needed–mosquito netting!

let me introduce you to the most coveted seat in the yard…our little getaway!

my original intent was to look for a memory foam mattress pad for the top…but most of the really thick ones were WAY too expensive to use outside!  and i’d have to have a cover made for it which absolutely pushed it outside my budget.  but guess what worked even better?  dog bedding–no kidding!

not only were the pet cushions an inexpensive option…they had many other benefits:  1. removable covers for cleaning  2. thick, comfy, & cute (let’s face it, some pet products are nicer than ones for humans!)  3.  easy to carry inside when the weather is damp!  i was sold!

now for some relaxation!

soft, welcoming pillows…i would’ve liked to have used a ton–you know me and pillows!  but i needed to hold back a bit…the more i put out–the more to carry in!  i settled on 5

a basket of books and magazines for relaxing…

and this backyard lounge is calling…

after my youngest tested the comfy factor…my husband and i sipped a cool drink in this new oasis and enjoyed a little conversation as the day became dusk!  (maybe we’ll be found here more than the kids!)

i think the old swing set will be happy with many more visitors…

in our backyard getaway!