Simple to Build Porch Swing

porch swing plans
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Free porch swing plans by ANA-WHITE.com

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porch swing plans
porch swing plans

Are you enjoying your summer?

Would you enjoy your summer more if you could swing lazily in the afternoons on your very own porch swing?

Well, guess what???  We've got new plans for you to make your own porch swing!!!

You'll need to grab your drill and start building of course before you can grab your ice tea and favorite book and start swinging though!

Before we get to the plans, please take a second to go visit Shanty2Chic to get step by step construction details, finishing materials, and how much they spent on this porch swing!

Enjoy the plans ... and hopefully the swing too!

Dimensions
porch swing plans
Dimensions are shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long

2 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long

1 - 1x6 @ 4 feet long

1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long

Pocket holes are not necessary for this plan, but if you do have a Kreg Jig, you'll want to use the 2 1/2" exterior pocket hole screws. 2 1/2" exterior self-tapping screws for building the frame (unless you assemble with pocket holes) 1 1/2" exterior self tapping screws for attaching seat and back slats Hardware for hanging

Cut List

2 - 2x4 @ 48"

4 - 2x4 @ 18"

4 - 2x4 @ 19 3/4"

1 - 2x4 @ 48"

2 - 2x4 @ 11 1/4"

2 - 2x4 @ 22 1/2"

5 - 1x6 @ 48"

2 - 1x4 @ 48"

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
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!

Instructions

Step 1

First, build a basic 2x4 frame.

Step 2

And then attach back supports and top 2x4.

NOTE: If you don't have a pocket hole jig, an alternative is to cut your back boards 3 1/2" longer and omit the top back board.

Step 3

Then attach the front arm supports.

Step 4

And then the arm supports on top.

Step 5

Step 6

And then attach the back seat boards to the back supports.

Step 7

For more details on hanging the swing - please visit Shanty2Chic here.

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.

Comments

debinmi

Thu, 06/13/2013 - 06:30

This is wonderful! Any possibility of modifying the plan to make it into a glider for those of us without a porch to hang it from? I would love that!

sylvialh

Mon, 09/24/2018 - 04:27

Whiney didn't provide any info on the actual swinging hanger used, but having googled around it appears to be a heavy duty swing hanger, available at home depot or amazon, but they are pricey ($60 CAD each!). Having looked at the other options, and having already built the swing I will probably bite the bullet and get them. Good on you for planning ahead! I did find them on a swing hardware site for 15$ US but the shipping was prohibitive to Canada. If you are in the states you might be in luck tho! Just google Swing Hanger and lots of options should come up 

sylvialh

Mon, 09/24/2018 - 04:24

I used cedar where it wasn't cost prohibitive (I used fence slats for the 1x's) and I used SPF for the frame. It will be on a covered porch and I will finish it so I chose untreated over pressure treated because we will be sitting right on it.

sylvialh

Mon, 09/24/2018 - 04:21

Great plans, super easy to build, and can get away without the kreg if you don't have one. (But - if you don't have one get one because they are amazing!!!).

 

That being said, the hanging hardware isn't really mentioned very clearly in either Ana's post or Shanty2Chic - so plan out what you are going to use because the commercial swing hangers are around 50$ each for heavy duty ones (which is the style Shanty2Chic uses in her post if you zoom into the photo) - that will add $100 to you project, so plan ahead! 

packjh

Tue, 06/25/2019 - 12:33

I plan on building this porch swing, however i believe that if you run the chains through the arms like most porch swings, it will eliminate tipping. This will also eliminate the need for a third chain in the back. I will update after build to present my findings.

christ87

Wed, 07/03/2019 - 02:44

Hello!!  regards!!  Congratulations for your great work, I have a question and what is the distance of the screws that hold the chain? Thanks!!

travisstumbaugh

Tue, 05/19/2020 - 12:56

I made this one with some of my own modifications, the biggest being I made two separate single swings instead of one bigger swing. I also stopped the back of the seat at two slats so it's lower profile. It worked out great and she loves it!

WickedWood

Sat, 06/20/2020 - 19:16

If you are planning on building this I would suggest going to Shanty 2 Chic and using the plans there. The plans here are not for the same swing, the picture shows 5 boards on the back, this one has 4. I did not notice that until I had already assembled everything. Learn from my mistake and save yourself some time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!