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Large Modern Porch Swing Couch

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Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 07/14/2020 - 14:42
Difficulty
Beginner
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Build your own porch swing in a couch size!  Fits standard 24 x 24 inch outdoor cushions.  Basic design is easy to build with a simple tools and off the shelf materials.  Free plans by Ana-White.com

diy porch swing couch plans
This plan has been updated to increase the back height for more comfort when leaning back and keeping pillows in place.  The original plans are still available here.
large porch swing bed plans
Dimensions
porch swing couch plans
Dimensions are shown above. Seat is designed to fit 3 - 24" x 24" cushions, or one 24" wide x 72" long cushion.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 8 - 1x6 @ 72" long (can also use cedar fence pickets, but must be properly sanded or planed first)
  • 70 - 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping exterior use screws (look for the star bit ones)
  • 50 - 2-1/2" to 3" long exterior self tapping wood screws (look for the star bit ones)
  • Hardware to hang swing and swing chain

Cut List

2 - 2x4 @ 69" - seat frame front and back

2 - 2x4 @ 25-3/4" - seat frame sides

2 - 2x4 @ 22-3/4" - seat frame center supports

2 - 2x4 @ 16-1/4" - arm rest front supports

4 - 2x4 @ 30-1/4" - back supports

2 - 2x4 @ 27-1/4" - arm rests

8 - 1x6 @ 72" 

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Use the longer screws to build the frame for the seat, two screws per joint.

Step 2

Add center supports to the seat frame with the longer screws, use two screws per joint.

Step 3

Attach back rest and arm rest supports to the frame, all outside edges flush.  Use three screws per joint, using the longer screws.

Step 4

Attach arm rest to the tops of the arm support and to the back support.  Use two screws per joint, using the longer screws.

Step 5

Attach the top seat slat to the back supports, all outside edges flush, using the shorter screws, two per joint.

Step 6

Attach remaining back supports using the longer screws into the seat frame, two per joint.

Then attach to the top seat slat with shorter screws, two per joint.

Step 7

Attach remaining seat back slats to the back with the shorter screws, two per joint.

Step 8

Attach seat slats to the seat frame, using the shorter screws, two per joint.

Step 9

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: This is a very heavy swing and must be properly hung. Build, hang and use at your own risk - We are not liable for personal injury, loss or death from use of swing. 

Project Type
Bench
Sofa
Outdoor Projects
Room
Outdoor
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

DogpackMomma (not verified)

Fri, 06/24/2011 - 14:58

This is great! Thanks for the inspiration! Happy Trails!

Marj (not verified)

Fri, 06/24/2011 - 15:21

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.

Binh (not verified)

Fri, 06/24/2011 - 17:16

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!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 06/24/2011 - 19:19

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.

gabbiegal

Fri, 06/24/2011 - 21:12

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.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 06/27/2011 - 07:35

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.