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
Preparation
- 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
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"
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.
Comments
kazey
Sun, 05/05/2013 - 16:43
I will make one like this.
I will make one like this. This is truly amazing. I will place it in our garden so that I can stay there early in the morning and feel the breeze of air. Thank you Ana. I can save money in just making my own swing bench. - YOR Health
JoeBKNY
Fri, 01/10/2014 - 09:18
Bench
Great Bench! Anyone have a plan for adding legs ?
Rocker7639
Thu, 03/01/2018 - 13:21
Queen Size Instead of Twin?
Love the swing! Thanks for sharing! Are there any major changes I would need to make for a queen size mattress instead of a twin? Obviously, the base, but do I need to be concerned with other parts to ensure enough support? Are there modified out already for a queen?
rx4peds@gmail.com
Fri, 05/31/2019 - 12:26
Something to hang this swing from in a garden?
I love this project and want to do it. But we don't have a place to hang it from. I want to put it in a little cove of young trees. I checked out the link you have to other free plans for similar swings. They aren't as detailed. I can do up to probably an intermediate skill level with the projects you show. Do you have an A frame I could build with it? Or another swing frame that would work? Thank you!