How to build a porch swing

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a porch swing. Building a simple porch swing bench is a nice weekend project, that will bright up your porch and create a beautiful leisure area. There are so many designs and plans you could choose from, that we recommend you to take a look on the alternatives, before starting the actual construction of the bench.

When building the porch swing bench, you have two options. On one hand, you could hang the bench directly to the porch ceiling beams, while on the other hand, you could build a sturdy A-frame and hang the bench to it. Irrespective of your choice, we recommend you to check out the first part of the woodworking project HERE, as to learn how to make the A-frame for the porch swing.

Building the bench is not difficult, but there are still a few things that you should take into account, if you want to prevent costly mistakes and other issues. First of all, you should buy the best quality materials you could afford. Redwood, cedar or pine are great choices, as the bench will be exposed to moisture and sunlight. Always align the components at both ends and add glue to the joints, in order to get a rigid structure. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a porch swing

Building the porch swing

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 60″ long, 4 pieces – 17″ long FRAME
B – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 13 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 11 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
C – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 23 1/2″ long ARM RESTS
D – 7 pieces of 1×3 – 60″ long SLATS
E – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 22 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 60″ long, 1 piece of 2×6 – 55″ long FRAME
F – 10 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 14″ long SLATS

3 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 12 ft
1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 6 ft
7 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

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

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Adjust the size of the shelves, according to your needs and tastes

Time

One Day

Part 1: How to build an a-frame swing
Part 2: How to build a porch swing

Building the frame of the bench

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the of the bench. As you can notice in the image, you need to use 2×3 lumber, several 2 1/2″ galvanized screws and waterproof glue. Drill pilot hole trough the frame and insert the screws, after checking if the corners are right-angled. Offset the studs placed on both ends by about 1 1/2″, otherwise you won’t be able to install the armrest supports.

Building the arm rest supports

Next, you need to attach the armrest supports on both ends of the frame. As you can see in the plane, we recommend you to cut the ends of the supports at about 7 degrees, as to give your bench a dynamic appearance. Drill pilot holes trough the supports and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws into the frame of the porch swing bench.

Buidling the back support

Building the backrest of the bench is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. First of all, you need to assemble the frame of the backrest, by using 2×3 and 2×6 lumber (5″ wide). Cut both ends of the components at 45º, in order to get a professional result. Drill pilot holes, add waterproof glue and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws.

Next, you need to fit the slats between the top and bottom components and lock them into place with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. Use a good jig to drill two pocket holes at both ends of the slats. Make sure you place the slats equally spaced, by placing a wooden block between them.

Attaching the back support

In order to tilt the backrest and to create a rigid joint with the seat frame, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions. Use a 2×4 slats between the backrest and the frame, making sure you cut it at 7º longitudinally. Align all the components at both ends, drill pilot holes, add waterproof glue and insert the 4″ galvanized screws into the frame, every 6″.

Attaching the seat slats

Attach 1×3 slats to the seat frame, leaving between them about 1/4″. It is essential to cut out small notches at both ends of the slats, otherwise they will not fit around the armrest supports. Pre-drill the lumber before inserting the 1 1/4″ screws into the seat frame.

Attaching the arm rests

Of of the last steps of the project is to build the armrests and to attach them to the supports. As you can see in the free plans, we recommend you to round the corners of the armrests and to smooth the edges with a router and a 1/4 bit. Cut the back of the armrest at 7º, as to fit into place properly. Drill pilot holes, countersink them, add glue and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports.

Hanging the bench

Use heavy-duty eye screws and rope when hanging the porch bench to the A-frame. Make sure you create rigid joints and you level everything with attention, if you want to prevent potential accidents in the future.

How to build a garden swing

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. In order to build a professional porch swing, you have to fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper along the wood grain, after the compound has dried out.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a porch swing and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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