My Big Green Modern Porch Swing

Submitted by cbroughton on Wed, 08/15/2012 - 17:16

This is my version of the Large Modern Porch Swing. I did a couple of things different. I wanted a nice finish so I cut everything to length then did 3 coats of high gloss exterior paint. It feels pretty indestructible and I know it's covering all the surfaces well.

Since I painted everything ahead of time and I liked the finish I thought about the screws and nails and was able to assemble it using only screws and having none of them visible. I pocket drilled most of them, although without a jig so they're actually toenailed. The seat slats are screwed down with angle brackets underneath and the back slats screwed from the back side. That way there is no need for finishing nails or wood filler.

Other than that's it's pretty much to plan. The structure we have may have been for a swing at some point so I had a pipe to attach to. To be extra safe I doubled up the rope and used a pedigree cow hitch. It's very sturdy and if and one line breaks there is another piece as a backup.

I'm really happy with how it turned out. Out of all the porch swings I've seen this one best suits our style and taste.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 for materials, hardware and paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
High Gloss Exterior Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

cbroughton

Sat, 08/18/2012 - 23:46

We're not exactly sure what it is it's hanging from, it was here when we got the place. I don't have a picture but it's just 2 6.5' pipes cemented into the ground and one 7' pipe joined to them at the top with elbows. It's probably overkill, I think you'd be OK with a well built wooden structure but it's what I had available.

Hoosierdoc

Mon, 04/27/2020 - 08:58

I am not a fan of those attachment point. I made the same swing and used those attachment points. When my son was sitting on the back and the dog jumped up it flipped over backwards. I moved the back attachment hook a few inches from the bottom of the back piece and it's much more stable.