Pergola with Swing Plans

This step by step diy project is about pergola with swing plans. This backyard project features detailed instructions regarding the construction of a basic pergola with swing. Don’t forget to take a look over this article and this article, in order to see how to build the swing bench. Check out the rest of the outdoor projects that are featured on our site.

You should always plan everything from the very beginning, in order to prevent costly mistakes and to save time. In most of the cases, you need a friend to give you a hand when assembling the pergola with swing. Invest in high quality lumber and plywood, as the components will be exposed to bad weather. Protect the components with appropriate paint or stain.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tools when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Pergola with swing plans

Building a pergola with swing

Materials

• A – 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 37″  long, 2 pieces – 89″ long FRAME
• B – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 84 1/2″ long POSTS
• C – 7 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 89″ long FLOORING
• D – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• E – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 27 1/2″ long BRACES
• E – 9 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 60″ long RAFTERS
• F – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 33″ long, 10 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 28 1/2″ long RAILINGS

• 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 7 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 7 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 9 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
• 3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
• rafter ties, 1 1/2″ structural screws
• 8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
• 9 pieces of 7″ carriage bolts
• paint, glue
• post to beam connectors

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jigsaw
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

• Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
• Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

• One Weekend

Related

• Porch swing plans
• Farmhouse nightstand plans

How to build a pergola with a swing

Building the floor frame

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the pergola. Cut the components out of 2×4 lumber and drill pocket holes at both ends of the 37″ long joists. Align everything with attention and insert 2 1/2″ screws to create rigid joints. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Attaching the decking boards

Next, fit the 1×6 or 2×6 decking boards to the floor frame. Place a piece of 1/4″ plywood between the boards to make sure the gaps are consistent. Drill pilot holes and secure the boards to the joists using appropriate screws.

Attaching the posts

Next, attach the 4×4 posts to the floor of the frame. Drill pilot holes through the posts and through the joists. Insert 5 1/2″ carriage bolts to lock the posts to the joists in a professional manner. Plumb the posts with a spirit level, before drilling the pilot holes.

Building the support beams

The next step of the project is to build the supports beams for the pergola with arbor. Cut both ends of the 2×6 beams in a decorative manner and smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Fitting the support beams

Attach the support beams to the top of the posts and secure them tightly into place, by clamps. Make sure the corners are square and check if the support beams are horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts. Insert 7″ carriage bolts to lock everything together tightly.

Fitting the braces

In order to enhance the rigidity of the structure, we recommend you to install 4×4 braces. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and fit them to the pergola, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the braces and secure them to the structure using 3 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are right-angled before fitting the braces.

Building the rafters

Continue the project by building the rafters for the simple pergola. Use 2×6 lumber to build the components. Mark the cut lines and get the job done with a circular saw. Remove the excess material with a chisel and smooth the recess with sandpaper.

Fitting the rafters

Fit the rafters to the support beams, making sure you place them equally-spaced. Drill pilot holes through the top rafters and secure them to the support beams by using 8″ screws. Alternatively, you can use rafter ties and 1 1/2″ screws.

Fitting the railings

One of the last steps of the project is to build the railings for the pergola with swing. Build the supports out of 4×4 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends and secure them to the posts using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components.

Attaching the balusters

Build the balusters out of 2×2 lumber. Cut the top at 45 degrees and secure them into place using 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. Drilling the pilot holes is needed, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Pergola with swing plans

Imagine building an arbor pergola with a deck base that holds a swing—a dreamy, inviting escape right in your own backyard! This unique structure combines the elegance of an arbor with the charm of a pergola, creating an open, airy space that draws you in with the promise of endless relaxation. The sturdy deck base gives you a clean, elevated foundation, perfect for hosting your favorite swing, where you can sway gently in the breeze or cozy up with a book.

How to build an arbor swing

With the overhead arbor, you have a canvas for trailing vines or fairy lights that add a whimsical touch as they weave above, creating a dappled light show that dances around you. It’s more than just a build; it’s a little slice of paradise, a corner that’s all yours to unwind, dream, and make memories in the most delightful way!

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix this issue, if necessary.

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