Large Modern Porch Swing or Bench
June 24, 2011 |
31 Comments
posted by Ana White
PDF version
Free simple easy to build do it yourself plans to build a DIY porch swing or bench. Features extra wide and deep seat, ideal for napping or lounging, perfect for standard cushions. Plans call for off the shelf dimensional lumber, mostly 2x4s, and standard screw joints. Painted a pretty blue turquoise color, this porch swing is a breeze to build!
Additional Photos
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About Project
Author Notes:
With summer now in full swing, I knew we needed a swing plan. Over the last few weeks, I've been doing quite a bit of research, and there are many swing plans available online for free.
But I really liked this swing from my Pinterest Board, from Southern Living magazine. And I really suspected that under neath all those beautiful pillows, without the beautiful windows and decorations . . . there is a super simple porch swing, made much like this . . .
But I couldn't seem to find one that is so easy, just about anyone can build it, one so sturdy, you won't be hauling it in every time the wind blows, and one with updated modern styling.
Source: southernliving.com via Ana on Pinterest
Something you can build in just a few hours, with the most basic of tools, and officially, summer can be in full swing by this weekend.
Have a great weekend!
Dimensions
Dimensions:
Dimensions:
Dimensions are shown above. Seat is designed to fit 3 24" x 24" cushions, or one 24" wide x 72" long cushion. Materials and Tools
Shopping List:
6 - 1x6 @ 6 feet long
5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
4 - Eye Bolts with Nuts, 3" long
Chains or rope, we used 200 pound weight limit (for four ropes, capacity of 800 pounds)
Hardware to hang to rafters/tree
2 1/2 inch screws
2 inch finish nails
2 1/2 inch pocket hole screws
wood glue
wood filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
hammer
safety glasses
hearing protection
drill
circular saw
nailer
sander
level
countersink drill bit
Cut List
Cut List:
5 - 2x4 @ 21" (Support Joists)
2 - 2x4 @ 72" (Front/Back Aprons)
2 - 2x4 @ 11 1/4" (Arm Fronts)
2 - 2x4 @ 25 1/2" (Arm Rests)
5 - 2x4 @ 18 1/4" (Back Supports)
6 - 1x6 @ 72" (slats)
General Instructions
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Step 1
Build the seat frame as shown above, using either pocket holes set for 1 1/2" stock and 2 1/2" screws, or wood glue and 2 1/2" screws predrilled and countersunk.
Step 2
To the back of the seat frame, attach the back supports, 2 1/2" screws and wood glue.
Step 3
Now the arm rest supports - same thing, 2 1/2" screws and wood glue.
Step 4
Armrests go on top - check and adjust for square.
Step 5
Nails seat backs on, keeping flush to the top and flush to the underside of the armrests. Use glue.
Step 6
And finally the seat slats - start at the front, leave 1/2" gaps, and nail and glue down with 2" finish nails.
Step 7
Now it's time to hang it! We hung ours on an existing playground swing set, but your situation may likely vary from mine. Here is a good article on proper hanging of swings.
On this swing, you will want to hang from the side aprons of the seat frame - that's where the majority of your weight will be. Also, I hung ours at a very slight (approximately 5 degree) back angle, to increase the comfort level.
DISCLAIMER: Build, hang and use at your own risk - We are not liable for personal injury, loss or death from use of swing. See our full disclaimer at bottom of all pages.
Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions:
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
May I Suggest a Finish?
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clips
Porch swing
This would be a great addition to under the playhouse deck, so much fun!
posted by Tina Garza | on Fri, 2011-06-24 16:54
Porch Swing
This is great! Thanks for the inspiration! Happy Trails!
porch swing
A few years ago, I built a swing and found that the hanging chains needed to be secured to the top of the back so it wasn't so tippy if a child stood on it.
would love to follow you on
would love to follow you on pinterest but i can't find you on there!
Convertible swing w/stand?
Hi Ana, Thank you so very much for this plan. Literally, just got back home from HD and Lowe's, with my 2 little girls drooling over their 3-person swings that convert to a hammock/bed position. They've been wanting one since last summer. But, thought we could build a better quality, longer lasting one....if only we had your plans...and here it is, less than 1hr after getting back home! :) Could you, pretty please, design one with a stand and converts? THANKS again for all that you do, helping all of us to improve our homes and lives, with each new piece of wood, nails, screws and a little paint!
Love porch swings.
I have great memories of my grandfathers porch swing. I have a porch but my husband thinks it won't support a swing. I will check out the ones with stands. Thanks for the great plan.
clips
THANKS ANA
I requested this a few months ago.. and am so Excited to see these plans. Hoping to get started next week ( That is if i can finish up the outdoor bench I am currently working on) I may have missed something in step 7, it says here is a good article...but I don't see a link. Thanks for all you do for us Ana. Love this site, and Love your work.
clips
Link for article
@gabbiegal, click on the bolded text to take you to the link. It is: http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/hang-a-porch-swing.html
This swing with a stand
Oh I am so excited to see this design. I would love to know how to make it with a stand so it can be freestanding and moveable.
clips
This is one such stand
I posted this below- and then saw your post- have a look and see if this is something you'd like. http://www.todaysplans.net/use-extremehowto-free-swing-arbor-building-guide.html Its an arbor plus a place to mount this type of swing...
Yes, PLEASE! I don't have a
Yes, PLEASE! I don't have a place to hang a swing, but really want to build one with legs, freestanding and moveable. This is such a cute bench--perfect!
clips
I have my arbor- now I have my swing to go in it
Thanks Ana- I've been looking for a simple(r) plan for building a swing. I found this site that gives free plans for how to make a simple arbor to hold a bench swing: http://www.todaysplans.net/use-extremehowto-free-swing-arbor-building-guide.html but was still needing to find a swing I could put on it.
Chain or rope?
We have our swing completed! Yay! We can't decide whether to use chain or rope to hang it. We are more concerned with the security of using a rope. What is the best way to make it secure and safe? Rope is definitely more cost effective! Thanks!
bench swing
just made it this weekend! directions were great! i used longer screws and screws where the finish nails would be and pressure treated wood as this will be hanging in the woods hopefully for years. so sturdy, i think a baby elephant could use it! your site is just the best. my sister is going to make something too!
clips
PORCH BED SWING!
I love this. Everyone loves it. The feeling of calm and peacefulness that you get when you glide back and forth is just awesome! Thanks for making it so easy to accomplish this Ana!
posted by Gretchen Knoblo... | on Mon, 2011-08-22 20:41
HELP
We have had a metal A-frame in our yard for years, from an old swing..I have been wanting a new swing for it for ever....we found your site and fell in love with the swing...bought all of the materials...even bought awesome cushions for it...then realized the frame is only 73inches wide...which means I guess we have to shorten the swing, :-( ...but how much do I have to shorten it? How much room does there have to be between the edge of the swing and the frame? Where else can I place the eye bolts, so I have more clearance.
How much clearance does there
How much clearance does there need to be between the swing and the A-frame?
Aico Furniture
This is the difference between an impersonal home and one that bears your personal touches and really makes you feel at home. You're doing well and i'm so impressed for showing to us what sometimes people missed from putting more relaxing place at home.
posted by Victor Busciglio (not verified) | on Fri, 2011-09-16 11:04
Glider!
I live in a small apartment with a balcony on which I cannot hang a swing, and it's too small for an A-frame swing support. I'd like to build a glider out of this swing, but the hardware for a glider costs about $70 with everything included, dedicated metal glider hangers, and these hinges that supposedly make the gliding smooth (they are the most expensive part). But why not hang a glider like you do a porch swing, on simple chains? The problem is, I don't know where or how long to make the chains. The length could be easy enough to adjust, if the supporting structures were of the right size and in the right places, but I wonder whether they should match, or perhaps would swing better if offset or if with a slightly different length (saying so in print, I think that the same length and lined up, but not too tight, would be the way to go). The frame to hang it on would be a frame that wraps around the swing, same height that the arms would be, I don't know how much clearance between the frame and the swing should be, and the swing will attach by means of an under-support that could be something like the arms built again under it, although I'm not sure that's strong enough. I am looking at porch gliders and their hanging set-up, and it seems to me that this will be possible, and since the money is not presently available, I have a little time to think about it, but it would be wonderful for summer. So it creaks a little bit, just like a lovely old porch swing! I could sleep on it! Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions about how to do this?
Porch Swings!
Thank you for your "how to build a porch swing" article. We build Porch Swings and I thought some of your readers might like to check them out. We've been making them for over 25 years. Thank you and hope everyone has a wonderful day!
http://www.CypressMoonPorchSwings.com/
posted by Cypress Moon Porch Swings (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-03-09 17:30
Porch Swings!
Thank you for your "how to build a porch swing" article. We build Porch Swings and I thought some of your readers might like to check them out. We've been making them for over 25 years. Thank you and hope everyone has a wonderful day! http://www.CypressMoonPorchSwings.com/
posted by Cypress Moon Porch Swings (not verified) | on Fri, 2012-03-09 17:33
Want to make the back taller...
I love the design for this swing! Instead of having two rows for the back I want to do 4. Would I just make the support boards longer? Thanks.
clips
Pics!
That should work. But we definitely need pics of something like that. No good place for a porch swing on my property, but I wish I had one.
posted by claydowling | on Sat, 2012-04-07 23:21
Love all things porches
Ana, so happy to have found your site. This is a sweet porch swing you show here. Thank you so much! My hubby and I love all things about porches - and you have to have a nice porch swing on a porch! I remember swinging with my Grandma when I was a little girl. She had a large porch on an old-fashioned two story home. Here are some more pictures of porch swings: http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/porch-swings.html that your readers may enjoy. But, there's nothing like making one yourself. I am excited to dig deeper into your site. Thank you!
Cushion??
I have looked and looked for a 72-inch cushion for this swing, and can't find one! Can you or anyone else advise me on where to get one? Thanks so much!
Wider?
I loooove this so much! I just had a new super porch at our hunting lodge (10x30) built and i had them reenforce the ceiling to hold a super swing. Is there any way to make it longer assuming it won't compromise the strength? Thanks so much!!!
I really love this swing, but
I really love this swing, but the tree in my back yard doesn't have any suitable branches to connect it to. Do you have any suggestions on how to build something that I can hang it from?
Amazing Swing!!
This was my first build- super easy, fun and turned out beautiful!! I painted it a creamy white, made the back taller and the arm rest a bit wider! We have it hung next to our bed swing under the pergola my wonderful husband built! I absolutely love it!!! I am making my brother and sister in law one for Christmas!
I think this is an
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. garcinia cambogia extract
I will make one like this.
I will make one like this. This is truly amazing. I will place it in our garden so that I can stay there early in the morning and feel the breeze of air. Thank you Ana. I can save money in just making my own swing bench. - YOR Health
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