How to Build a Porch Swing

Build a cozy haven to escape everyday hustle and bustle with these porch swing plans.

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Introduction

Stylish and easy to construct, this DIY porch swing is sure to have you relaxing in style all summer long.

Watch How to Build a Porch Swing

Tools Required

• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Block plane
• Caulk gun
• Circular saw
• Countersink drill bit
• Drill
• Drill bit set
• Hacksaw
• Half-round file
• Jigsaw
• Miter saw
• Orbital sander
• Paintbrush
• Sanding block
• Square
• Table saw

Materials Required

• #8x2" sheet metal screws
• 1-1/4" galvanized deck screws
• 1-5/8" galvanized deck screws
• 100- and 150-grit sandpaper
• 12 - 4" x 1/4" lag screws
• 2 - 4" x 3/4" closed eye screws
• 2-1/2" pan head screws
• 20 ft. - 3/8" welded steel chain (zinc-plated or galvanized)
• 3 - 1x4x8' poplar
• 4 - 1/4" eye bolts
• 4 - 3/4" rubber caps
• 51" - 1/2" galvanized pipe (no threads)
• 56" - 1/2" galvanized pipe (no threads)
• 7 - 1x6x8' poplar
• 8- 2-1/4" quick-link eyes
• Construction adhesive

Simple cuts and a no-hassle glue-and-screw assembly technique make this swing a great first-time woodworking project. We designed the swing with a unique suspension system made from 1/2-in. galvanized steel pipe slipped through the swing frame to act as a cradle and eliminate stress on wood joints. We then fastened eye bolts through the steel pipe and covered the pipe ends with soft rubber caps to prevent scrapes. Welded steel chain supports the swing assembly, securely fastened to solid framing in the roof of your front porch, pergola or pavilion.

When selecting a wood for this outdoor project, stay away from cedar, redwood and soft pine. They’ll mar easily and they won’t hold screws as well as other, denser woods. Instead, go with fir, southern yellow pine, cypress, poplar, white oak or maple. Oak and maple are harder to cut, sand, drill and screw, so avoid them if you’re a first-timer. We chose poplar because it’s strong, readily available, easy to work with and takes paint well.

Figure A

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Overall Dimensions: 39″T X 51-5/8″W X 29-1/2″D

Cutting List