Free Porch Swing Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about free porch swing plans. If you have a backyard and you want to add value to your property, we strongly recommend you to  consider building a beautiful swing. Generally speaking, it is a better idea to take a look over the rest of the related plans, before starting the actual construction. If you want to create a curved seat, you should use a jigsaw to get the job done in a professional manner. See all outdoor furniture plans, because I have hundreds of designs for you.

Remember that all my plans come with 3D step by step diagrams and instructions. In addition, I made it easy for you to Print the plans or to save them as a PDF. In this manner, you can take the plans with you in the workshop or in your backyard.

Make sure you invest in high quality materials, such as pressure-treated lumber, cedar, pine or redwood. Take accurate measurements and use a professional saw to get the job done. Always align the components at both ends before drilling the pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting. Use waterproof glue to reinforce the joints. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

How to build a porch swing bench

How to build a porch swing

DIY Porch Swing

  

Building a porch swing

Building-a-swing-bench

Cut + Shopping List

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 18″ long, 2 pieces – 25 3/8″ long FRAME
• B – 3 piece of 2×4 lumber – 19 1/8″ long, 3 pieces – 24 1/2″ long CLEATS
• C – 11 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long SLATS
• D – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long TRIMS
• E – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 12″ long, 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber- 24 1/2″ long ARMRESTS

• 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 2 ft
• 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 6 ft
• 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• 100 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
• 2″ brad nails
• wood glue, stain/paint
• wood filler

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Post hole digger, Concrete mixer

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related:

• Garden bench plans
• Workbench Plans

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STEP 1: Building the side frames

Building-the-frame-of-the-porch-swing

The first step of the project is to build the sides of the porch swing. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the components out of 2×4 lumber.

Use a circular saw to make the 15 degree cuts to the components and smooth the edges. Remove the residues before locking the components together. Drill pilot holes at the end of the horizontal components and insert 2 1/2″ screws.   

Attaching the cleats

The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the 2×2 cleats to the interior faces of the frame. Cut both ends of the components at 75 degrees, by using a good miter saw.

Drill pilot holes through the cleats and secure them to the sides of the porch swing using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess. Use a spirit level to make sure the cleats are horizontal.

STEP 2: Attaching the slats

Fitting the seat and backrest slats

The next step of the woodworking garden project is to attach the 2×4 slats to the seat and to the back of the porch swing. Cut the slats at the right size and secure them to the cleats by using 2 1/2″ screws.

Top Tip: Place the slats equally-spaced and make sure they described a plane surface. Smooth the surface with sandpaper and make sure you countersink the head of the screws.

Fitting the trims

In order to enhance the rigidity of the porch swing, we recommend you to attach 1×4 trims to the front and to the top of the bench. Cut the trims at the right size, align them at both ends and secure them into place by using finishing nails. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components. Smooth the exposed edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Fitting the bench supports

Next, fit the horizontal supports to the frame of the swing bench, in order to get a professional result. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the cleats, as described in the diagram. Leave no gaps between components and add glue to get the job done in a professional manner.

STEP 3: Attaching the armrests

Building-the-armrests

In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to build the armrests for the porch swing. Build the vertical supports out of 1×2 lumber and the top armrests out of 1×3 lumber. Make sure you take accurate measurements before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting and smooth the cut edges.

Attaching the armrests

Attach the armrests to the porch swing. As you can easily notice in the plans, we recommend you to plumb the supports with a spirit level before securing them to the porch swing.

Next, attach the armrests to the supports and to the back of the porch swing. Place a spirit level on top of the armrests and secure it into place with 1 1/4″ screws. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.  

Free porch swing plans

After assembling the wooden bench we recommend you to check if the components are locked together properly. Insert the galvanized screws properly, making sure they are at the same level with the wooden surface.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to take a cover the components with paint, if you want to enhance the look of the bench and to make it stand out. Use glue to lock the components into place. See all my free woodworking plans, listed by categories, so you can easily find what you are looking for.

This woodworking project was about free porch swing plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest updates and submit pictures with your DIY projects.

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